Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Commissioner Beal is responsible for the state’s various land-based natural-resources including Maine agriculture, forests, and parks and public lands. Beal previously served as President & CEO of Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) where she was responsible for leading MFT’s efforts to support farmers and revitalize Maine’s rural landscape by keeping agricultural lands working. She has focused on keeping farmland in production across generations; collaborating and consulting with farmers, food-related businesses and organizations to create food systems that sustain Maine farms; and advocating for Maine’s farming potential. Prior to serving as President of MFT, she served as Vice President of Programs for the non-profit. She is also widely known as the co-author of “A New England Food Vision,” which studied the potential for expanding food production on land and at sea in Maine and throughout New England.
Phone: (207) 287-3200