PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Two more towns in Maine have adopted local ordinances that exempt farmers from state and federal regulations if they sell their products directly to consumers, despite warnings that the ordinances are invalid.

Townspeople in Livermore and Appleton approved so-called local food and community self-governance ordinances at town meetings last week, joining six other towns that did the same thing last year. Residents in Fayette, however, voted down a similar ordinance for their town.

Supporters say state regulations are burdensome and unnecessary, and that communities should have the right to pass rules over small farms that process food for sale to people in their area.

State agriculture officials say the ordinances don't hold legal muster and that regulatory oversight is essential for food safety and public health.