7 M.R.S. § 743 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 743
7 §743. Registration
Status: in_force

Each brand and grade of commercial fertilizer must be registered before being offered for sale, sold or distributed in this State. The application for registration must be submitted to the commissioner on forms furnished by the commissioner and must be accompanied by an annual fee of $125 per product. All registrations expire on December 31st or in a manner consistent with the provisions as to license expiration of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, section 10002 , whichever is later. The commissioner may issue a registration for a one-year, 2-year or 3-year period. Registrations for a period in excess of one year may only be issued with the agreement of or at the request of the applicant. The fee for a 2-year registration is 2 times the annual fee. The fee for a 3-year registration is 3 times the annual fee. The commissioner may refuse to register or renew or may suspend or cancel registration for failure to comply with this subchapter or with rules adopted pursuant to this subchapter. This refusal, suspension or cancellation is considered rulemaking as that term is defined in the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 and notice and opportunity for a hearing must be provided in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . The application must include the following information: [PL 2015, c. 191, §2 (AMD).]

1. Weight. The net weight;

2. Brand and grade. The brand and grade;

3. Analysis. The guaranteed analysis;

4. Registrant's name and address. The name and address of the registrant; and [PL 2001, c. 670, §2 (AMD).]

5. Additional information. Additional information as required in rules adopted by the department. [PL 2001, c. 670, §3 (NEW).]

Of the fee collected by the commissioner under this section, $100 must be deposited in the General Fund and $25 must be deposited in a dedicated, nonlapsing account established under section 765, subsection 2 and used for the purpose of administering and enforcing this subchapter and subchapter 5‑A . [PL 2015, c. 191, §2 (AMD).]

A distributor is not required to register any brand and grade of commercial fertilizer that is already registered under this subchapter by another person. [PL 2015, c. 191, §2 (AMD).]

The plant nutrient content of each and every brand and grade of commercial fertilizer must remain uniform for the period of registration.

The commissioner shall review annually the fertilizer inspection and sampling program established under this subchapter and report findings and any recommendations for changes to the program by February 1st annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters, which after receiving the report may report out a bill to the Legislature to make adjustments to the program. [PL 2015, c. 191, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 620 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 620
7 §620. Cooperation
Status: in_force

The board may cooperate with, receive grants-in-aid from and enter into cooperative agreements with any agency of the Federal Government or of this State or its subdivisions, or with any agency of another state, in order to implement this subchapter, including but not limited to taking such actions to: [PL 2005, c. 620, §20 (AMD).]

1. Uniformity. Secure uniformity of regulations; [PL 1975, c. 382, §3 (NEW).]

2. Cooperative agreements with EPA. Prepare and submit state plans and enter into cooperative agreements with EPA to register pesticides under the authority of this subchapter and FIFRA; [PL 1975, c. 382, §3 (NEW).]

3. Use of state and federal facilities. Cooperate in the enforcement of the federal pesticide control laws through the use of state or federal personnel, or both, and facilities and to implement cooperative enforcement programs including, but not limited to, the registration and inspection of establishments; [PL 1975, c. 382, §3 (NEW).]

4. Contracts for monitoring pesticides. Enter into contracts for monitoring pesticides for the national plan; and [PL 1975, c. 382, §3 (NEW).]

5. Preparation of state plans. Prepare and submit state plans to meet federal certification standards for issuing experimental use permits. [PL 1975, c. 382, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2221 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 406 / Section 2221
7 §2221. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1993, c. 548, §1 (NEW).]

1. Ginseng. "Ginseng" means any part of the plant known as Wild American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius 1). [PL 1993, c. 548, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 992 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 992
7 §992. Purposes
Status: in_force

The purposes of sections 991 to 994 are: [RR 1999, c. 2, §8 (COR).]

1. Correlate marketing. To enable potato producers of this State, with the aid of the State, more effectively to correlate the marketing of their potatoes with market demands therefor;

2. Uniform grading. To provide for uniform grading and proper preparation of potatoes for market;

3. Develop markets. To provide methods and means for the development of new and larger markets for potatoes grown within this State;

4. Orderly marketing. To establish orderly marketing of potatoes grown within this State;

5. Eliminate economic waste. To eliminate or reduce economic waste in the marketing of potatoes.
7 M.R.S. § 780 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 780
7 §780. Inspection; sampling; analysis; testing
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall sample, inspect, analyze and test plant and soil amendment distributed within the State as the commissioner considers necessary to determine whether the plant or soil amendments are in compliance with this subchapter. The commissioner may enter upon any public or private premises or carriers during regular business hours in order to have access to plant or soil amendments subject to this subchapter and to the records relating to their distribution. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §108 (COR).]

The methods of analysis, testing and sampling shall be those adopted by the commissioner from sources such as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, or other sources acceptable to the commissioner. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

The results of official analyses or tests shall be distributed by the commissioner as provided by rule. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 746 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 746
7 §746. Misbranding
Status: in_force

No person shall distribute misbranded fertilizer. A commercial fertilizer shall be deemed to be misbranded:

1. False or misleading statements. If false or misleading statements concerning its agricultural value are made on the container or in any advertising matter accompanying or associated with the commercial fertilizer;

2. Distributed under another name. If it is distributed under the name of another fertilizer;

3. Container not labeled as required. If its container is not labeled as required in section 744 and in regulations prescribed under this subchapter;

4. Information required placed conspicuously. If any word, statement or other information required by or under authority of this subchapter to appear on the label or labeling is not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness, as compared with other words, statements, designs or devices in the labeling, and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use;

5. Not registered and fee not paid. If it is a grade of commercial fertilizer which is not registered with the commissioner and the prescribed fee paid in accordance with this subchapter.
7 M.R.S. § 1332 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 3 / Chapter 202 / Section 1332
7 §1332. Animal Industry Fund
Status: in_force

The Treasurer of State shall establish a separate account known as the Animal Industry Fund. This fund does not lapse but must be carried forward. Except as provided in section 1346 , license fees collected under section 1333, subsection 3 and license and tagging fees collected under section 1342, subsections 3 and 4 and section 1342‑A must be deposited in the account. Funds from this account may be used to pay for administrative costs associated with licenses issued under sections 1333 , 1342 and 1342‑A , tags issued under section 1342 and other costs associated with administration and enforcement of this chapter and chapter 202‑A . [PL 2009, c. 249, §1 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 411 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 411
7 §411. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings. [PL 1977, c. 505 (NEW).]

1. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1977, c. 505 (NEW); PL 1979, c. 731, §19 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

2. Direct-marketing. "Direct-marketing" means the marketing of agricultural commodities by farmers directly to consumers. [PL 1977, c. 505 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3907 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 717 / Section 3907
7 §3907. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Part, and in every law relating to or affecting animals, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

1. Act. "Act" means the Animal Welfare Act. [RR 2005, c. 2, §10 (COR).]

1-A. Abandoned dog. [PL 2013, c. 115, §1 (RP).]

1-B. Abandoned animal. "Abandoned animal" means an animal that has been deserted by its owner or keeper, excluding animals that are part of a population control effort. [PL 2013, c. 115, §2 (NEW).]

2. Animal. "Animal" means every living, sentient creature not a human being. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

3. Animal control. "Animal control" means control of dogs, cats, and domesticated or undomesticated animals in accordance with section 3948 . [PL 1993, c. 468, §4 (AMD).]

4. Animal control officer. "Animal control officer" means the person appointed periodically by a municipality pursuant to chapter 725 . [PL 1995, c. 490, §1 (AMD).]

5. Animal control shelter. [PL 1993, c. 657, §2 (RP).]

5-A. Animal shelter. "Animal shelter" means a: A. Facility that houses domesticated animals and operates for the purpose of providing stray, abandoned, abused or owner-surrendered animals with sanctuary or finding the animals temporary or permanent adoptive homes; or [PL 2015, c. 223, §1 (NEW).] B. Rescue group. [PL 2015, c. 223, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 223, §1 (RPR).]

6. At large. "At large" means off the premises of the owner and not under the control of any person whose personal presence and attention would reasonably control the conduct of the animal. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

7. Board. [PL 2005, c. 510, §2 (RP).]

8. Boarding kennel. "Boarding kennel" means any place, building, tract of land or abode in or on which 3 or more privately owned companion animals are kept at any one time for their owners in return for a fee or compensation and includes a facility where 3 or more companion animals are kept for training purposes for compensation. [PL 2009, c. 343, §3 (AMD).]

8-A. Breeding kennel. "Breeding kennel" means a location where 5 or more adult female dogs or cats capable of breeding are kept and some or all of the offspring are offered for sale, sold or exchanged for value or a location where more than 16 dogs or cats raised on the premises are sold to the public in a 12-month period. "Breeding kennel" does not include a kennel licensed under section 3932‑B when the dogs are kept primarily for hunting, show, training, sledding, competition, field trials or exhibition purposes and not more than 16 dogs are offered for sale, sold or exchanged for value within a 12-month period. [PL 2025, c. 414, §3 (AMD).]

8-B. Bodily injury. "Bodily injury" has the same meaning as in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 5 . [PL 2017, c. 404, §1 (NEW).]

9. Business day. "Business day" means any day of the calendar year other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

9-A. Cat identification. "Cat identification" means: A. A registered microchip used in conjunction with a visible collar and tag, with a faceted, reflective ear stud or a tipped or notched ear; [PL 2001, c. 363, §1 (NEW).] B. A collar or collar and tag worn by the cat that provides the current name, address and telephone number of the owner; or [PL 2001, c. 363, §1 (NEW).] C. A collar and tag providing the name and address of the animal shelter that issued the tag. [PL 2001, c. 363, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 363, §1 (NEW).]

9-B. Cat. "Cat" means a member of the genus and species known as Felis catus. [PL 2023, c. 484, §1 (NEW).]

9-C. Certified rabies vaccinator. "Certified rabies vaccinator" means a person appointed and certified to administer rabies vaccine to animals pursuant to section 3920 . [PL 2025, c. 141, §3 (NEW).]

10. Clerk; municipal clerk. "Clerk" or "municipal clerk" means the clerk of a municipality, the deputy clerk or assistant clerk, where directed by the clerk, carrying out the duties of this Part. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

11. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the commissioner's duly authorized agent. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §146 (COR).]

11-A. Companion animal. "Companion animal" means a cat or dog. [PL 2003, c. 682, §3 (NEW).]

11-B. Council. "Council" means the Animal Welfare Advisory Council as established by Title 5, section 12004‑I, subsection 2‑C or its duly authorized agent. [PL 2005, c. 510, §4 (NEW).]

12. Constable. "Constable" means a law enforcement officer appointed by municipal officers pursuant to law. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

12-A. Equine facility. [PL 1999, c. 498, §1 (RP).]

12-B. Foster home. [PL 2005, c. 510, §5 (RP).]

12-C. Dog. "Dog" means a member of the genus and species known as canis familiaris, except that in chapters 720 , 721 , 725 , 727 , 729 and 739 "dog" means a member of the genus and species known as canis familiaris or any canine, regardless of generation, resulting from the interbreeding of a member of canis familiaris with a wolf hybrid. [PL 2011, c. 100, §2 (AMD).]

12-D. Dangerous dog. "Dangerous dog" means a dog or wolf hybrid that causes the death of or inflicts serious bodily injury on an individual or a domesticated animal who is not trespassing on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises at the time of the injury or death; a dog or wolf hybrid that causes a reasonable and prudent person who is not on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises and is acting in a reasonable and nonaggressive manner to fear imminent serious bodily injury by assaulting or threatening to assault that individual or individual's domesticated animal; or a dog or wolf hybrid that inflicts bodily injury on an individual or a domesticated animal who is not trespassing on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises at the time of the injury and has previously been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a nuisance dog. "Dangerous dog" does not include: A. A dog certified by the State and used for law enforcement use; [PL 2017, c. 404, §2 (NEW).] B. A dog or wolf hybrid that injures or threatens to assault an individual who is on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises if the dog or wolf hybrid has no prior history of assault and was provoked by the individual immediately prior to the injury or threatened assault; or [PL 2017, c. 404, §2 (NEW).] C. A dog or wolf hybrid that inflicts serious bodily injury on or causes the death of an individual who is committing a crime against an individual or property owned by the dog or wolf hybrid owner or keeper. [PL 2017, c. 404, §2 (NEW).] For the purposes of this definition, "dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises" means the residence or residences, including buildings and land and motor vehicles, belonging to the owner or keeper of the dog or wolf hybrid. [PL 2017, c. 404, §2 (RPR).]

12-E. Feral cat. "Feral cat" means a cat without owner identification of any kind that consistently exhibits extreme fear in the presence of people. [PL 2007, c. 439, §3 (NEW).]

12-F. Dog licensing agent. "Dog licensing agent" means a veterinarian office or animal shelter that licenses dogs for a municipality. [PL 2013, c. 115, §3 (NEW).]

13. Service dog kept for breeding purposes. "Service dog kept for breeding purposes" means a male or female dog owned by a nonprofit organization for the purpose of producing puppies to be trained as service dogs and living with a resident of the State. [PL 2007, c. 664, §8 (AMD).]

14. Service dog kept prior to training. "Service dog kept prior to training" means a dog under 18 months of age, owned by a nonprofit organization for the purpose of training as a service dog and living temporarily with a resident of the State prior to training. [PL 2007, c. 664, §9 (AMD).]

15. Humane agent. "Humane agent" means an employee of the department who assists in enforcing this Part. [PL 2001, c. 422, §4 (AMD).]

15-A. Humane society. [PL 1993, c. 657, §4 (RP).]

15-B. Humanely clean conditions. "Humanely clean conditions" means that both indoor areas and outdoor enclosures are cleaned on a periodic basis to remove excretions and other waste materials, dirt and trash with sufficient frequency to minimize health hazards and to provide adequately clean living conditions for the species of animal. [PL 2007, c. 702, §5 (NEW).]

15-C. Humanely trap. "Humanely trap" means to trap an animal using traps and trapping methods that are designed to avoid injury to animals to the greatest extent practicable for animal control or animal rescue purposes. [PL 2013, c. 115, §4 (NEW).]

16. Keeper. "Keeper" means a person in possession or control of a dog or other animal. A person becomes the keeper of a stray domesticated animal, other than a dog or livestock, if the person feeds that animal for at least 10 consecutive days. [PL 1995, c. 490, §4 (AMD).]

17. Kennel. "Kennel" means 5 or more dogs kept in a single location under one ownership for breeding, hunting, show, training, field trials, sledding, competition or exhibition purposes. The sale or exchange of one litter of puppies within a 12-month period alone does not constitute the operation of a kennel. [PL 2011, c. 100, §4 (AMD).]

18. Law enforcement officer. "Law enforcement officer" means any person who, by virtue of the person's public employment, is vested by law with a duty to maintain public order, enforce any law of this State establishing a civil violation, prosecute offenders or make arrests for crimes, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific crimes. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §147 (COR).]

18-A. Livestock. "Livestock" means cattle; equines; sheep; goats; swine; domesticated cervids, fowl and rabbits; members of the family Camelidae, genus lama and genus vicugna; bison; and ratites. [PL 2007, c. 439, §4 (AMD).]

19. Municipality. "Municipality" means an organized city, town or plantation. [PL 1993, c. 657, §5 (AMD).]

20. Mutilate. "Mutilate" means to injure or disfigure by irreparably damaging body parts. "Mutilate" does not include conduct performed by a licensed veterinarian or conduct that conforms to accepted veterinary practices. [PL 1997, c. 456, §2 (AMD).]

20-A. Nuisance dog. "Nuisance dog" means a dog or wolf hybrid that causes bodily injury, other than serious bodily injury, to an individual or a domesticated animal who is not trespassing on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises at the time of the injury; a dog or wolf hybrid that causes a reasonable and prudent person who is not on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises and is acting in a reasonable and nonaggressive manner to fear bodily injury, other than serious bodily injury, by assaulting or threatening to assault that individual or individual's domesticated animal; or a dog or wolf hybrid that causes damage to property or crops not owned by the dog or wolf hybrid owner or keeper while the dog or wolf hybrid is not on the owner's or keeper's premises. "Nuisance dog" does not include: A. A dog certified by the State and used for law enforcement use; [PL 2017, c. 404, §3 (NEW).] B. A dog or wolf hybrid that injures or threatens to assault an individual who is on the dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises if the dog or wolf hybrid has no prior history of assault and was provoked by the individual immediately prior to the injury or threatened assault; or [PL 2017, c. 404, §3 (NEW).] C. A dog or wolf hybrid that inflicts bodily injury on an individual who is committing a crime against an individual or property owned by the dog or wolf hybrid owner or keeper. [PL 2017, c. 404, §3 (NEW).] For the purposes of this definition, "dog or wolf hybrid owner's or keeper's premises" means the residence or residences, including buildings and land and motor vehicles, belonging to the owner or keeper of the dog or wolf hybrid. [PL 2017, c. 404, §3 (NEW).]

21. Owner. "Owner" means a person owning, keeping or harboring a dog or other animal. [PL 1993, c. 657, §6 (AMD).]

22. Person. "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association or any other legal entity. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

22-A. Pet animal. [PL 1997, c. 690, §6 (RP).]

22-B. Pet. "Pet" means a dog, cat or other domesticated animal commonly kept as a companion, but does not include tamed animals that are ordinarily considered wild animals or livestock. [PL 1997, c. 690, §7 (AMD).]

22-C. Pet food supplier. "Pet food supplier" means any retail location located in the State that sells feeding supplies for pets or livestock. [PL 2021, c. 99, §5 (NEW).]

23. Pet shop. "Pet shop" means a place or vehicle in or on which any dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, fish, pet birds, exotic birds or exotic animals not born and raised on those premises are kept for the purpose of sale to the public. [PL 1993, c. 657, §8 (AMD).]

23-A. Rescue group. "Rescue group" means an organization or individual that receives domesticated animals that have been abandoned, surrendered or removed from an animal facility or that takes in homeless dogs or cats and sells, gives or otherwise places the animals in private homes. [PL 2015, c. 223, §2 (AMD).]

23-B. Population control effort. "Population control effort" means the activities, programs and projects aimed at reducing the number of cats and dogs without homes, including, but not limited to, the trapping, neutering and vaccinating of feral cats, the trapping of cats for impoundment at an animal shelter and spaying or neutering services for abandoned animals and stray dogs and cats. [PL 2013, c. 115, §5 (NEW).]

24. Respective municipality. "Respective municipality" means, in the case of towns, plantations and cities, the municipality where the dog or ferret is found; in the case of unorganized territories, the municipality near or adjacent to the unorganized territory where the dog or ferret is found; or the designee of that municipality. [PL 1993, c. 657, §9 (AMD).]

24-A. Service dog. "Service dog" means a dog that meets the definition of "service animal" set forth in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 9‑E or "assistance animal" set forth in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 1‑H . [PL 2015, c. 457, §5 (AMD).]

24-B. Serious bodily injury. "Serious bodily injury" has the same meaning as in Title 17‑A, section 2, subsection 23 . [PL 2017, c. 404, §4 (NEW).]

25. Shelter. [PL 1993, c. 657, §10 (RP).]

25-A. Stray. "Stray" means off the owner's premises and not under the control of a person. [PL 1993, c. 657, §11 (NEW).]

25-B. Small animal. "Small animal" means a bird, reptile or amphibian or a small mammal, other than a cat or dog, commonly kept as a household pet and that is an unrestricted species designated by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in rules adopted pursuant to Title 12, chapter 915 . [PL 2013, c. 115, §6 (NEW).]

26. Torment, torture and cruelty. "Torment, torture and cruelty" means every act, omission or neglect, whether by the owner or any other person, where unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused or permitted. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

26-A. Unorganized territory. "Unorganized territory" means all areas located within the jurisdiction of the State, except areas located within organized cities and towns, and Indian reservations. "Unorganized territory" does not include plantations. [PL 1995, c. 490, §5 (NEW).]

27. Vertebrate. "Vertebrate" means a subphylum of chordate animals comprising those having a brain enclosed in a skull or cranium and a segmented spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

28. Warrant. [PL 2015, c. 223, §3 (RP).]

29. Well cared for. "Well cared for" means that the animal is receiving necessary sustenance, necessary medical attention, proper shelter, protection from the weather and humanely clean conditions and that the animal has not been nor is being injured, overworked, tormented, tortured, abandoned, poisoned, beaten, mutilated or exposed to a poison with the intent that it be taken by the animal. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]

30. Wolf hybrid. "Wolf hybrid" means a mammal that is the offspring of the reproduction between a species of wild canid or wild canid hybrid and a domestic dog or wild canid hybrid. "Wolf hybrid" includes a mammal that is represented by its owner to be a wolf hybrid, coyote hybrid, coydog or any other kind of wild canid hybrid. [PL 1999, c. 127, Pt. A, §16 (RPR).]
7 M.R.S. § 720 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 720
7 §720. Inspection, sampling and analysis
Status: in_force

1. Inspection. For the purpose of enforcement of this subchapter, and in order to determine whether its provisions have been complied with, including whether or not any operations may be subject to such provisions, officers or employees duly designated by the commissioner, upon presenting appropriate credentials, are authorized to enter, during normal business hours, any factory, warehouse or establishment within the State in which commercial feeds are manufactured, processed, packed or held for distribution, or to enter any vehicle being used to transport or hold such feeds, and to inspect at reasonable times and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner, such factory, warehouse, establishment or vehicle and all pertinent equipment, finished and unfinished materials, containers and labeling therein. The inspection may include the verification of only such records, and production and control procedures as may be necessary to determine compliance with the good manufacturing practice regulations established under section 717, subsection 4 . [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).]

2. Completion. Each such inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness. Upon completion of the inspection, the person in charge of the facility or vehicle shall be so notified. [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).]

3. Receipt of sample. If the officer or employee making such inspection of a factory, warehouse or other establishment has obtained a sample in the course of the inspection, upon completion of the inspection and prior to leaving the premises the officer or employee shall give to the owner, operator or agent in charge a receipt describing the samples obtained. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §98 (COR).]

4. Warrant. If the owner of any factory, warehouse or establishment described in subsection 1 , or the owner's agent, refuses to admit the commissioner or the commissioner's agent to inspect in accordance with subsections 1 and 2 , the commissioner is authorized to obtain from any state court a warrant directing such owner or owner's agent to submit the premises described in such warrant to inspection. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §99 (COR).]

5. Entry. For the purpose of the enforcement of this subchapter, the commissioner or the commissioner's duly designated agent is authorized to enter upon any public or private premises, including any vehicle of transport during regular business hours to have access to, and to obtain samples, and to examine records relating to distribution of commercial feeds. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §100 (COR).]

6. Methods. Sampling and analysis must be conducted in accordance with methods published by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, or in accordance with other generally recognized methods. [PL 2005, c. 512, §40 (AMD).]

7. Results. The results of all analyses of official samples shall be forwarded by the commissioner to the person named on the label and to the purchaser, if known, and the distributor of the feed. When the inspection and analysis of an official sample indicates a commercial feed has been adulterated or misbranded, and upon request within 30 days following receipt of the analysis, the commissioner shall furnish to the registrant a portion of the sample concerned. [RR 1991, c. 1, §16 (COR).]

8. Official sample. The commissioner, in determining for administrative purposes whether a commercial feed is deficient in any component, shall be guided by the official sample as defined in section 712, subsection 13 and obtained and analyzed as provided for in subsections 3 , 5 and 6 . [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2851 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 6-A / Chapter 529 / Section 2851
7 §2851. Disturbing honeybees on another's land
Status: in_force

No person may enter upon the land of another for the purpose of capturing, destroying or interfering with a colony or swarm of honeybees or removing honey, except by the consent of the owner of the land. Violation of any of this section is a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $50 nor more than $100 shall be adjudged for each violation. [PL 1985, c. 572 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3952-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 727 / Section 3952-A
7 §3952-A. Keeping a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog
Status: in_force

A person who owns or keeps a dog determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog commits a civil violation for which the court shall adjudge a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $5,000, plus costs, none of which may be suspended. All fines, other than costs, must be paid to the municipality where the dog resides pursuant to section 3910‑A and be placed in the municipality's animal welfare account established in accordance with section 3945 . [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

1. Procedure. A person who is assaulted or threatened with bodily injury by a dog or a person witnessing such an assault or threatened assault against a person or domesticated animal or a person with knowledge of such an assault or threatened assault against a minor, or a person whose property or crops have been damaged by a dog, within 30 days of the incident, may make written complaint to the sheriff, local law enforcement officer or animal control officer that the dog is a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog. For the purposes of this chapter, "domesticated animal" includes, but is not limited to, livestock as defined in section 3907, subsection 18‑A . A representative of the sheriff's department, a local law enforcement officer or an animal control officer appointed by the municipality shall investigate and document the complaint. Upon completion of the investigation of the complaint, the investigator may issue a civil violation summons for keeping a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog. All records of the outcome of the investigation must be kept by the municipality for the life of the dog, plus 2 years. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

2. Dangerous dog finding. If, upon hearing, the court finds that a dog is a dangerous dog, the court shall impose a fine and may order any one or more of the following that the court determines is appropriate: A. Order the dog to be euthanized if the court finds that the dog: (1) Has killed, maimed or inflicted serious bodily injury upon a person or has a history of a prior assault or a prior finding by the court of being a dangerous dog; and (2) Presents a clear threat to public safety; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] B. Order that the owner or keeper of the dog, if that person has previously been adjudicated of having violated this section, may not own, possess or have on that person's premises any dogs for a period of time, which may be permanent; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] C. Order the owner or keeper of the dog, if the owner or keeper is allowed to keep the dog, or any other person keeping the dog, to post dangerous dog signs, visible from all directions and provided by the department, around the entrance of the premises where the dog resides and to notify in writing any service provider that has a reasonable expectation to be on the property that the dog has been determined to be a dangerous dog. The owner or keeper is responsible for the cost of the signs; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] D. Order the dog confined in a secure enclosure. For the purposes of this paragraph, "secure enclosure" means a fence or structure of at least 6 feet in height forming or making an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children and suitable to confine a dangerous dog in conjunction with other measures that may be taken by the owner or keeper. The secure enclosure must be locked, be designed with secure sides and be designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure. The enclosure may also be designed with a secure top and bottom if determined necessary by the court. The court shall specify the length of the period of confinement and may order permanent confinement; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] E. Order that the owner or keeper of a dog confined to a secure enclosure pursuant to paragraph D may not allow the dog outside of the secure enclosure unless: (1) It is necessary to obtain veterinary care for the dog or to comply with orders of the court; and (2) The dog is securely muzzled with a basket-style muzzle, restrained by a leash not more than 3 feet in length with a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and under the direct control of the dog owner or keeper; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] F. Order the dog to be securely muzzled with a basket-style muzzle, restrained by a leash not more than 3 feet in length with a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and under the direct control of the dog owner or keeper whenever the dog is off the owner's or keeper's premises; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] G. Order the dog to be spayed or neutered; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] H. Order the dog to be microchipped within 60 days of the court order; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] I. Order the owner or keeper of the dog to obtain a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance for the life of the dog; [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] J. Order the owner or keeper of the dog to have the dog evaluated by a certified canine behaviorist or certified dog trainer and to attend dog training classes; and [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] K. Order the owner or keeper of the dog to immediately notify the sheriff, a local law enforcement officer or an animal control officer if the dog escapes. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] The court may order restitution in accordance with Title 17‑A, chapter 69 for any damages inflicted upon a person or a person's property by a dog determined to be a dangerous dog under this subsection. [PL 2019, c. 113, Pt. C, §2 (AMD).]

3. Nuisance dog finding. If, upon hearing, the court finds that a dog is a nuisance dog, the court shall impose a fine and may impose any of the penalties set forth in subsection 2, paragraphs F to K . A dog may be determined by a court to be a nuisance dog only once. After 2 years from the date of the court order finding that the dog is a nuisance dog, the owner or keeper may petition the court to amend or reduce any of the restrictions placed on the dog. The court may amend or reduce the restrictions placed on the dog if the owner or keeper demonstrates to the satisfaction of the court that the owner or keeper has complied with the court order and the dog no longer poses a risk as a nuisance dog. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

4. Identification and confinement of other dogs. In addition to orders imposed pursuant to subsections 2 and 3 , the court may order that the owner or keeper of a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog: A. Provide the animal control officer in the municipality where the dangerous dog or nuisance dog is kept with photographs and descriptions of other dogs kept by that owner or keeper including the sex, breed, age, identifying markings and microchip numbers of each dog; and [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] B. Confine any other dogs kept on the owner's or keeper's premises as provided in subsection 2, paragraphs D and E . [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

5. Failure to abide by court order. If the owner or keeper of a dog willfully fails to comply with any provision of a court order imposed pursuant to subsection 2 , 3 or 4 , the court shall find the owner or keeper in contempt. If the court order imposed pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph A is not complied with within the time set by the court, the court may, upon application by the complainant under subsection 1 or other person, issue a warrant to the sheriff or any of the sheriff's deputies or to a local law enforcement officer or constable in the municipality where the dog is found, commanding the officer to have the dog humanely euthanized and make a return of the warrant to the court within 14 days from the date of the warrant. The owner or keeper must be ordered to pay all costs of supplementary proceedings and all reasonable costs for seizure and euthanasia of the dog. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

6. Dogs presenting immediate or continuing threat to public. After issuing a summons pursuant to subsection 1 and before hearing, if the dog poses an immediate or continuing threat to the public, a sheriff, local law enforcement officer or animal control officer shall give a written order requiring the owner or keeper of the dog to muzzle with a basket-style muzzle, restrain or confine the dog to the owner's or keeper's premises or to have the dog confined at the owner's or keeper's expense at a place determined by the sheriff, local law enforcement officer or animal control officer. If an owner or keeper of a dog fails to comply with the written order, the sheriff, local law enforcement officer or animal control officer may apply to the District Court, the Superior Court or a justice of the peace for an ex parte order for authorization to take possession of the dog that poses an immediate or continuing threat to the public and turn the dog over to the applicant or other suitable person. A dog owner or keeper who fails to abide by the written order commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $200 may be adjudged for each day of noncompliance. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

7. Ex parte. An order may be entered ex parte upon findings by the court or justice of the peace when: A. The dog has inflicted serious bodily injury; or [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] B. There is a reasonable likelihood that the dog is dangerous or vicious and: (1) Its owner has failed to muzzle, restrain or confine the dog; and (2) That failure poses an immediate threat of harm to the public. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

8. Modify order. An order under subsection 7 may be modified by the court. A. Upon 2 days' notice or a shorter period the court may prescribe, the owner or keeper whose dog has been possessed pursuant to an ex parte order may appear in the District Court or the Superior Court and move for the dissolution or modification of the ex parte order. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] B. The court shall hear and determine the motion, and the hearing may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] C. The owner or keeper shall submit an affidavit setting forth specific facts to substantiate the modification or dissolution of the order. The applicant has the burden of presenting evidence to substantiate the original findings. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

9. Lien. Any person taking possession of a dog as provided in this section has a lien on that dog in accordance with Title 17, section 1021, subsection 6 . [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

10. Treble damages. If a dog whose owner or keeper refuses or neglects to comply with an order under this section wounds any person by a sudden assault or wounds or kills any domesticated animal, the owner or keeper shall pay the person injured treble damages and costs to be recovered by a civil action. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

11. Class D crime. If the owner or keeper of a dog refuses or neglects to comply with an order issued under subsection 2 , 3 , 4 or 7 , the owner or keeper commits a Class D crime. The court, as part of the judgment, may prohibit a person convicted under this subsection from owning or possessing a dog or having a dog on that person's premises for a period of time. The prohibition may be permanent. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]

12. Duty of owner or keeper to notify. The owner or keeper of a dog determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a dangerous dog or a nuisance dog shall notify the municipality in which the dog resides in writing and within 30 days if ownership of the dog is transferred, the residence of the dog is changed or the dog is deceased. [PL 2017, c. 404, §12 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3982 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 733 / Section 3982
7 §3982. Liens
Status: in_force

A railroad, motor truck, common carrier or its receiver, trustee or lessee has a lien on all animals in transit for reimbursement of penalties paid in consequence of the direction or orders of the owner or person in custody of the shipment of animals and for all extra expenses or damages incurred in the care and protection of animals according to this chapter. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3939-B — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 723 / Section 3939-B
7 §3939-B. Violations
Status: in_force

1. Noncompliance by new owner. If a person receiving a dog or cat from an animal shelter fails to comply with section 3939‑A , that person forfeits the sterilization deposit and commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200 per animal may be adjudged. [PL 2015, c. 223, §10 (AMD).]

2. Noncompliance by animal shelter. If an animal shelter fails to require a spay-neuter agreement or fails to collect a deposit as required under section 3939‑A , that animal shelter commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200 per animal may be adjudged. [PL 2015, c. 223, §10 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 2179 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 2179
7 §2179. License required
Status: in_force

A person may not advertise, consult, solicit, contract or in any way engage for compensation in the business of an arborist, or make representation as being able to do so, without being licensed as an arborist. [PL 2001, c. 299, §5 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 98 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 4 / Section 98
7 §98. Pull Events Commission
Status: in_force

The Pull Events Commission, as authorized by Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 3‑A , is established in accordance with this section. [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).]

1. Membership. The Pull Events Commission consists of 10 members: A. Two members appointed by a statewide association representing owners of draft horses and oxen who participate in pulling events; [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).] B. One member appointed by a statewide association representing owners of oxen who participate in pulling events; [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (AMD).] C. One member appointed by a statewide farmers association representing owners of draft horses who participate in pulling events; [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (AMD).] C-1. One member appointed by a statewide farmers association representing owners of draft oxen who participate in pulling events; [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] D. One fair superintendent appointed by the commissioner; [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (AMD).] D-1. One member appointed by a state association of agricultural fairs; [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (NEW).] E. One representative appointed by state humane organizations; [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).] F. One member, appointed by the commissioner, representing the general public; and [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (AMD).] G. [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (RP).] H. One member appointed by the Animal Welfare Advisory Council. [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 487, §1 (AMD).]

2. Chair; meetings; secretary; quorum. The Pull Events Commission shall elect one of its members as chair. The chair serves a 2-year term and may not serve as chair for consecutive terms. The commission shall meet a minimum of twice annually. The commissioner shall designate a person to serve as secretary to the Pull Events Commission. A quorum of the commission for the transaction of business is 6 members. An action may not be taken by the commission without approval of a majority of the members present. [PL 2011, c. 487, §2 (AMD).]

3. Terms; vacancies. Appointments to the Pull Events Commission must be for terms of 3 years. The appointing authority fills a vacancy for a full 3-year term. The appointing authority may remove a commission member for cause, which includes poor attendance. The chair shall make recommendations to the appointing authority concerning a removal. [PL 2011, c. 487, §3 (AMD).]

4. Rulemaking. The Pull Events Commission shall adopt rules establishing the qualifications and procedure for the certification of pull superintendents and assistant pull superintendents and guidelines for dealing with violations of section 95 and the rules adopted under this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).]

5. Other duties. The Pull Events Commission shall: A. Periodically review the statutory rules for pulls as contained in section 97, subsection 4 and recommend to the Legislature changes as necessary; [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).] B. Give advice and recommendations to the commissioner on request or as the commission considers necessary; and [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).] C. Coordinate, develop and conduct pull superintendent training seminars. [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 563, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3985 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 733 / Section 3985
7 §3985. Immunity from liability
Status: in_force

Neither the commissioner nor any person having a lien in accordance with section 3982 or 3983 is liable for the detention of animals pursuant to this chapter. [PL 1987, c. 383, §3 (NEW); PL 1993, c. 468, §25 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 1018 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1018
7 §1018. Hearings
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall conduct hearings pursuant to this Article in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act and has full power to subpoena such witnesses and documents as the commissioner considers necessary. The Superior Court, on the petition of the commissioner, may issue summary process to enforce the lawful orders of the commissioner in these actions. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §117 (COR).]
7 M.R.S. § 4203 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 10 / Chapter 747 / Section 4203
7 §4203. Nutrient Management Review Board
Status: in_force

The Nutrient Management Review Board is established pursuant to Title 5, section 12004-D, subsection 5 . [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]

1. Duties. The board's duties are as follows: A. The board shall review and approve all proposed amendments to the original rules adopted in accordance with this chapter; [PL 2003, c. 283, §2 (AMD).] B. When an aggrieved party within 30 days of the commissioner's decision appeals a decision of the commissioner regarding a livestock operations permit under section 4205 , a request for a variance under section 4204, subsection 8 or a certification under section 4210 , the board shall hold a hearing in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4 . The board may affirm, amend or reverse a permit or certification decision made by the commissioner. The board's decision is a final agency action; and [PL 2003, c. 283, §2 (AMD).] C. When an aggrieved party within 30 days of the commissioner's decision appeals a decision of the commissioner regarding site-specific best management practices prescribed for a farm or other issue governed under section 156 or Title 17, section 2701-B, the board shall hold a hearing in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4 . The board may affirm, amend or reverse a decision made by the commissioner. The board's decision is a final agency action. The board may also conduct an information-gathering meeting at the request of the department or any party with a legitimate interest to facilitate the complaint resolution process under section 156 or Title 17, section 2701‑B . [PL 2007, c. 649, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2007, c. 649, §4 (AMD).]

2. Membership. The board consists of 7 members appointed as follows: A. One member from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service with expertise in agricultural production appointed by the Director of the Cooperative Extension Service; [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).] B. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection or the commissioner's designee; [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).] C. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee; and [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).] D. Four other persons appointed by the Governor, consisting of: (1) One member with expertise in nutrient management or soil science; (2) One member actively involved in a livestock production operation with less than 300 animal units; (3) One member actively involved in a livestock production operation with more than 300 animal units; and (4) One member with an interest in nutrient management issues representing the general public. [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]

2-A. Temporary membership. When the subject matter of an appeal or complaint resolution process under this section is other than manure or nutrient management, the commissioner may appoint up to 3 temporary board members for the purpose of hearing an appeal, conducting an information-gathering meeting or facilitating the complaint resolution process under section 156 . At least one temporary member must have expertise with the subject matter of the complaint or problem and one temporary member must represent the agricultural sector involved. The terms for temporary members expire when the board determines that it has taken final action on the appeal or complaint resolution process. [PL 2007, c. 649, §5 (AMD).]

3. Terms of membership; chair. Except for initial appointees, each member appointed by the Governor serves for a term of 4 years. In the case of a vacancy, the Governor shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term. The Governor shall determine initial appointment terms to stagger term expirations. The board shall annually elect one of its members as chair. [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]

4. Compensation. Members of the board are entitled to expenses only. [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]

5. Staff. The department shall provide staff to the board. [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]

6. Meetings. The board shall meet twice a year with the commissioner to discuss the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and as needed to perform its duties. [PL 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 426 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 426
7 §426. Contents of market order or market agreement
Status: in_force

Any market order or market agreement adopted by the commissioner may contain any or all of the following: [PL 1981, c. 154, §1 (NEW).]

1. Surplus. Provisions for determining the existence and extent of the surplus of any agricultural commodity, or of any grade, size or quality thereof, and for regulating and disposing of the surplus; [PL 1981, c. 154, §1 (NEW).]

2. Quantity. Provisions for limiting the total quantity of any agricultural product, or of any grade or grades, size or sizes, or quality or portions of those agricultural products which may be marketed during any specified period or periods. The total limitations of any commodity so regulated shall not provide for the marketing of less than the quantity which the commissioner finds is reasonably necessary to supply the market demand of consumers for that commodity; [PL 1981, c. 154, §1 (NEW).]

3. Time periods. Provisions for regulating the period or periods, during which any agricultural commodity, or any grade or grades, size or sizes or quality or portions or combinations of a commodity, may be marketed; [PL 1981, c. 154, §1 (NEW).]

4. Standards. Provisions for establishing uniform standards of quality, grade, condition, size, maturity or pack of any agricultural commodity delivered by producers or other persons to handlers or processors or others engaged in the handling of agricultural commodities; [PL 1981, c. 154, §1 (NEW).]

5. Prohibition on sale; mandatory inspection. Provisions prohibiting a producer of an agricultural commodity to which a market order or market agreement applies from selling, offering for sale or delivering a commodity not meeting and complying with standards established pursuant to subsection 4 . A provision for mandatory inspection under a market order must be indicated in the market order and specifically included in the referendum proposal under section 425, subsection 2 ; [PL 2005, c. 512, §8 (RPR).]

6. Other sales. Provisions for requiring that no handler or processor of any agricultural commodity for which standards are established pursuant to subsection 4 may, except as otherwise provided in the market agreement or order, have in the handler's or processor's possession, sell, offer for sale, process, distribute or otherwise handle any such commodity produced within or without the State, not meeting or complying with the established standards; [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §68 (COR).]

7. Other provisions. Such other provisions as may be necessary to carry out the declared purposes of this subchapter. [PL 1981, c. 154, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3946 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 725 / Section 3946
7 §3946. Dog recorders in unorganized territories
Status: in_force

Dog recorders appointed by the commissioner in unorganized territories shall issue dog licenses, receive the license fees and pay them to the department. The recorders shall keep the clerk's copy of all licenses issued by them and make reports to the department on a form approved by the department of all licenses issued and fees received. The recorders shall report following each month in which licenses are actually issued and fees are actually collected. [PL 1995, c. 490, §15 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 1812 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 4 / Chapter 305 / Section 1812
7 §1812. Brucellosis
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall, in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , formulate and implement rules, regulations and methods of procedure generally adopted for the prevention, control and eradication of brucellosis. [PL 1981, c. 197, §2 (AMD).]

Cattle brought into the State may enter pursuant to the provisions of 9 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 78. [PL 2013, c. 17, §1 (AMD).]

For the prevention and control of brucellosis, the commissioner shall continue to conduct recognized tests on all the herds in the State as required to maintain United States Department of Agriculture certification that the State is free of brucellosis. Such tests must be conducted by regularly employed federal or state veterinarians or technicians or authorized veterinarians and tested by the state laboratory. All animals showing a positive reaction to the test must be identified by a "reactor" ear tag and brand and must be slaughtered, except vaccinated animals under 14 months of age. [PL 2001, c. 572, §40 (AMD).]

Officially vaccinated calves, if purebred, must be properly identified by an official ear tag provided by the department or registration papers or tattoo number. Grade animals must be tagged with an official ear tag. All officially vaccinated calves must be tattooed with the official state tattoo mark. Evidence of vaccination must be the official state tattoo mark and either a vaccination ear tag or a tattoo number. [PL 2001, c. 572, §41 (AMD).]

Any person who tampers, with an intent to change or destroy, with a vaccination identification ear tag, official state tattoo mark, tattoo number or the identification on a registration paper shall be subject to a civil penalty of $5,000 for each incident, payable to the State, to be recovered in a civil action. [PL 1981, c. 197, §2 (NEW).]

For the purpose of this section, the term "officially vaccinated" means a vaccination against brucellosis that complies with the requirements for such vaccination established by the United States Department of Agriculture. [PL 1981, c. 197, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2987 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 603-A / Section 2987
7 §2987. Rules
Status: in_force

The commission may adopt all rules establishing or relating to hearing procedures, cost accounting and the collection of information as may be necessary to carry out this chapter. [PL 1983, c. 484, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3916 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 720 / Section 3916
7 §3916. Rabies vaccinations
Status: in_force

1. Required for cats. Except as provided in subsection 4 , an owner or keeper of a cat over 3 months of age shall have that cat vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinary technician under the direct supervision or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a certified rabies vaccinator. Upon receiving an initial vaccination, a cat is considered protected for one year and an owner or keeper of that cat shall get a booster vaccination for that cat one year after the initial vaccination and subsequent booster vaccinations at intervals that do not exceed the intervals recommended by a national association of state public health veterinarians for the type of vaccine administered. [PL 2025, c. 141, §4 (AMD).]

1-A. Required for dogs. Except as provided in subsection 4 , an owner or keeper of a dog, within 30 days after the dog attains 3 months of age, shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinary technician under the direct supervision or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a certified rabies vaccinator. Upon receiving an initial vaccination, a dog is considered protected for one year and an owner or keeper of that dog shall get a booster vaccination for that dog one year after the initial vaccination and subsequent booster vaccinations at intervals that do not exceed the intervals recommended by a national association of state public health veterinarians for the type of vaccine administered. A wolf hybrid is required to be vaccinated in accordance with this subsection. The procedure prescribed under Title 22, chapter 251, subchapter 5 for a wolf hybrid suspected of having rabies does not change based on proof that the wolf hybrid has received a rabies vaccination. [PL 2025, c. 141, §4 (AMD).]

2. Certificate. A licensed veterinarian who vaccinates or supervises the vaccination of an animal, a licensed veterinary technician who vaccinates an animal under the direct supervision or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a certified rabies vaccinator who vaccinates an animal shall issue to the owner or keeper a certificate of rabies vaccination approved by the State and shall indicate on the certificate the date by which a booster vaccination is required pursuant to subsection 1 or 1‑A , whichever is applicable. [PL 2025, c. 141, §4 (AMD).]

2-A. Notice to department. A veterinarian, licensed veterinary technician under the direct supervision or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian or certified rabies vaccinator who issues a certificate of rabies vaccination for a dog pursuant to subsection 2 shall, within 30 days of issuing the certificate, forward by mail, e-mail or fax a copy of that certificate to the department. The department shall send a copy of the certificate by mail, e-mail or fax to the clerk of the municipality in which the owner or keeper resides. If the owner or keeper resides in the unorganized territory, the department shall send a copy of the certificate to the dog recorder in that unorganized territory or, in the absence of a duly authorized dog recorder, to the dog recorder in the nearest municipality or unorganized territory in the same county in which the owner or keeper resides. The department may retain a copy or electronic record of the rabies certificate. The department may accumulate certificates received and distribute them periodically to the appropriate municipalities and dog recorders. Distributions must be made no fewer than 4 times a year. [PL 2025, c. 141, §4 (AMD).]

3. Enforcement. A humane agent, an animal control officer or a law enforcement officer may ask an owner or keeper of a cat or dog to present proof of a certificate of rabies vaccination from the State. [PL 2005, c. 422, §5 (AMD).]

4. Exception. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, an animal shelter operated by a nonprofit organization is not required to vaccinate an abandoned or stray cat or dog received by the shelter. An owner or keeper of a cat or dog is exempt from the requirements of subsection 1 or 1‑A , whichever is applicable, if a medical reason exists that precludes the vaccination of the cat or dog. To qualify for this exemption, the owner or keeper must have a written statement signed by a licensed veterinarian that includes a description of the cat or dog and the medical reason that precludes the vaccination. [PL 2025, c. 141, §4 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 503 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 503
7 §503. Submission of names and amounts
Status: in_force

The commissioner, when the commissioner considers it necessary in the administration of this subchapter, may require the submission of the names and amounts of any hazardous ingredients in any hazardous substance. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §80 (COR).]
7 M.R.S. § 2105 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 2105
7 §2105. Violations
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or any rule promulgated under this chapter is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500. [PL 1983, c. 565, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 785 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 785
7 §785. Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The commissioner is authorized pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , to adopt and enforce such rules as may be necessary for this subchapter. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 639 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 639
7 §639. Violations
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation who shall violate any of the provisions of sections 631 to 639 or shall neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions thereof or any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder commits a civil violation for which the following forfeitures shall be adjudged: [PL 1977, c. 696, §68 (RPR).]

1. First violation. For the first violation, a forfeiture not to exceed $50; and [PL 1977, c. 696, §68 (NEW).]

2. Subsequent violation. For each subsequent violation, a forfeiture not to exceed $200. [PL 1977, c. 696, §68 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 1304 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 3 / Chapter 201 / Section 1304
7 §1304. License; agents
Status: in_force

A person, firm, partnership or corporation may not act as a dealer of livestock and poultry unless licensed by the department. An agent may not act for any dealer unless that agent and the dealer are licensed by the department and the dealer has designated such agent to act in the dealer's behalf. A dealer is accountable and responsible for acts of the dealer's agents. [PL 2001, c. 572, §5 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 2963 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 603 / Section 2963
7 §2963. Transportation allowance study
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that historically the commission has allowed a deduction in the price paid to producers for Class II milk sold by Maine dealers to federally regulated plants. This transportation allowance has remained constant while the ability to transport milk and the shipping and sales practices of dealers have changed. In order to further understanding of the transportation allowance the commission shall: [PL 1989, c. 438 (NEW).]

1. Original intent. Examine the original intent of the transportation allowance; [PL 1989, c. 438 (NEW).]

2. Current practice. Determine whether the transportation allowance is being applied in situations other than those originally intended; [PL 1989, c. 438 (NEW).]

3. Finding. Determine whether the transportation allowance should be applied to transfers of milk that are ordinary business practice or are recurring transactions; [PL 1989, c. 438 (NEW).]

4. Adopt rules. In accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , adopt any necessary rules which the commission determines, after hearing, are not inconsistent with the original intent, and current use of the transportation allowance; and [PL 1989, c. 438 (NEW).]

5. Report. Report its findings, any actions taken by the commission and any recommendations for legislation by March 1, 1990, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters. The committee may introduce any legislation necessary to address the findings or actions of the commission. [PL 1989, c. 438 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 1454 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 3 / Chapter 207 / Section 1454
7 §1454. Permit
Status: in_force

A person, partnership, association or corporation may not hold or conduct an auction without obtaining a permit from the commissioner a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the auction. A person intending to hold auctions on a regular basis may apply for and be issued a permit valid for multiple dates at the location specified in the permit. [PL 2001, c. 572, §16 (RPR).]
7 M.R.S. § 2190 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 2190
7 §2190. Denial of license; suspension or revocation
Status: in_force

The department may suspend or revoke a license pursuant to Title 5, section 10004 . In addition, the department may refuse to issue or renew or the District Court may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license on any of the following grounds: [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §78 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

1. Misstatement. Deliberate misstatement in the application for original license or in the application for any renewal license under this subchapter; [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

2. Violation. Violating any provision of this chapter or any rule of the department; [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

3. Aiding or abetting. Willfully aiding or abetting another in the violation of this subchapter or of any rule issued pursuant to this subchapter; [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

4. Unauthorized use of license. Allowing one's license under this subchapter to be used by an unlicensed person; [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

5. Misrepresentation. Making substantial misrepresentation or false promises of a character likely to influence, persuade or induce in connection with the business of an arborist; [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

6. False advertising. Pursuing a continued course of misrepresentation or of making false promises through advertising, sales representatives, agents or otherwise in connection with the business of an arborist; [PL 2003, c. 343, §3 (AMD).]

7. Qualifications. Failure to possess the necessary qualifications or to meet the requirements of this subchapter for the issuance or holding of a license; or [PL 2003, c. 343, §3 (AMD).]

8. Continued course of unprofessional conduct. Pursuing a continued course of conduct that violates the standards of practice for the profession as established by rule and that is demonstrated by repeated verified complaints against a licensed arborist. [PL 2003, c. 343, §4 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 4211 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 10 / Chapter 747 / Section 4211
7 §4211. Revocation of livestock operations permit
Status: in_force

If the commissioner finds that a person issued a livestock operations permit has failed to comply with the provisions of that permit, the commissioner may revoke that person's permit. [PL 1999, c. 530, §7 (NEW).]

1. Notice. The commissioner shall give written notice of a revocation immediately following a decision to revoke. A notice of revocation must state the reason the permit is being revoked and the effective date of the revocation and must inform the person of the hearing provisions under subsection 2 and the appeals process before the board. [PL 1999, c. 530, §7 (NEW).]

2. Hearing. A person receiving a notice of revocation under subsection 1 may request a hearing on that revocation. A request for a hearing must be in writing and must be made not later than 30 days after receipt of the revocation notice required under subsection 1 . The commissioner shall notify the person of the date and location of the hearing. A person may present evidence at a hearing that might justify reinstatement of the permit. [PL 1999, c. 530, §7 (NEW).]

3. Decisions; appeal. Decisions of the commissioner must be in writing. A person whose permit is revoked by the commissioner may appeal that decision to the board. [PL 1999, c. 530, §7 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2957 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 603 / Section 2957
7 §2957. Expenditure of funds
Status: in_force

Moneys received through this chapter shall be paid forthwith to the Treasurer of State and shall be appropriated and used for the following purposes:

1. Collection. For the collection of all fees and assessments provided for by this chapter;

2. Administration. For the cost of administering this chapter.

Moneys received through this chapter shall remain a continuing carrying account and shall not lapse.
7 M.R.S. § 2421 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 415 / Section 2421
7 §2421. Fund established
Status: in_force

The Maine Pesticide Education Fund, referred to in this chapter as "the fund," is established. The fund consists of any funds received as contributions from private and public sources. The fund, to be accounted within the department, must be held separate and apart from all other money, funds and accounts. Eligible investment earnings credited to the assets of the fund become part of the assets of the fund. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of any fiscal year must be carried forward to the next fiscal year. [PL 2007, c. 302, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 1048 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1048
7 §1048. Seizure
Status: in_force

Any lot of agricultural, vegetable or tree and shrub seeds not in compliance with this subchapter shall be subject to seizure on complaint of the commissioner to a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality in which the seed is located. In the event that the court finds the seed to be in violation of this subchapter, and orders the condemnation of said seed, it shall be denatured, processed, destroyed, relabeled or otherwise disposed of as provided in this subchapter. In no instance shall the court order such disposition of seed without first having given the claimant an opportunity to apply to the court for the release of said seed or permission to process or relabel it to bring it into compliance with this subchapter. [PL 1969, c. 42, §10 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 784 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 784
7 §784. Forfeiture for violations
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any provision of this subchapter commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $200 must be adjudged. This subchapter may not be construed to require the commissioner to sue or to issue an order as a result of minor violations of this subchapter, when the commissioner believes that the public interest will best be served by a suitable written warning. In such a case the commissioner shall issue a written warning. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §110 (COR).]

The commissioner may apply for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating or continuing to violate this subchapter, notwithstanding the existence of other remedies at law. The injunction shall be issued without bond being required of the State. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 764-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 764-A
7 §764-A. Exemption for industrial by-products
Status: in_force

Section 764 does not apply to unpackaged industrial by-products derived primarily from residuals regulated by Title 38, chapter 13 and by rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection governing solid waste management matters concerning composting facilities and the agronomic utilization of residuals when those industrial by-products include a legible and conspicuous disclaimer on their marketing materials and labeling specifically stating: "This product is an industrial by-product, and any claims of neutralizing value and fineness are not guarantees." [PL 2013, c. 204, §6 (NEW).]

Industrial by-products exempted under this section need not comply with sections 765 and 766 . [PL 2013, c. 204, §6 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2953-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 603 / Section 2953-A
7 §2953-A. Interstate conferences and compacts
Status: in_force

The commissions shall have power to enter into compacts, subject to congressional approval, with legally constituted milk commissions or similar authorities of other states or of the United States of America to effect a uniformity in regulating and insuring an adequate supply of pure and wholesome milk to the inhabitants of this State, to provide uniform control of milk produced in this State and handled in interstate commerce and to exercise all the powers hereunder for such purpose as well as the following powers: [PL 1965, c. 463 (NEW).]

1. Hearings. To conduct joint investigations and hearings and to issue joint or concurrent orders. [PL 1965, c. 463 (NEW).]

2. Enforcement. To employ or designate a joint agent or agencies to enforce such orders or compacts. [PL 1965, c. 463 (NEW).]

3. Classification. To provide for classifications of milk in accordance with the form in which it is used or moved with uniform minimum prices or methods of fixing such prices for each class. [PL 1965, c. 463 (NEW).]

4. Payments. To provide for payment to all producers and associations of producers delivering milk to dealers of uniform prices, subject to adjustments with the joint agent for location and butterfat content. [PL 1965, c. 463 (NEW).]

4-A. Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact. To enter into the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact. A. Maine's representatives to the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact are as follows: (1) The commissioner or designee; (2) The chair of the Maine Milk Commission or designee; and (4) A dairy farmer who is engaged in the production of milk at the time of appointment or reappointment, to be appointed by the Governor and subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters and confirmation by the Legislature. [PL 2005, c. 382, Pt. F, §6 (AMD).] B. [PL 2005, c. 382, Pt. F, §7 (RP).] C. The Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact may establish rules using the procedures outlined in the Federal Administrative Procedure Act and may proceed under emergency rule-making provisions without making findings of emergency. [PL 1989, c. 437 (NEW).] D. This subsection shall not take effect until the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact is enacted by 3 other states and approved by the Congress of the United States. [PL 1989, c. 437 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 382, Pt. F, §§6, 7 (AMD).]

5. Regulations. To make such joint regulations as may be incidental to the foregoing and not inconsistent thereto and as may be necessary to effectuate the above mentioned powers. [PL 1965, c. 463 (NEW).]

6. Compensation. Members serving pursuant to subsection 4-A, paragraph A , subparagraphs (2) and (4) are compensated for attendance at Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact meetings in amounts not to exceed those set forth in Title 3, section 2 , except that employees of the State who are compensated as part of their employment do not receive additional compensation under this subsection. [PL 1999, c. 679, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 679, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]
7 M.R.S. § 171 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 6-A / Section 171
7 §171. Management of mosquitoes for protection of public health; state policy
Status: in_force

It is the policy of the State to work to find and implement ways to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in a manner that minimizes risks to humans and the environment. The State, led by the department and the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to this chapter and Title 22, chapter 257‑B , respectively, shall monitor mosquito-borne diseases and shall base mosquito management methods, including potential pesticide use, on an evaluation of the most current risk assessments. On a continuing basis, the State shall research and evaluate means of reducing disease-carrying mosquitoes without the use of pesticides. When the Department of Health and Human Services determines that the disease risk is high and public education efforts are insufficient to adequately prevent mosquito-borne diseases in the State, the Department of Health and Human Services may declare a mosquito-borne disease public health threat pursuant to Title 22, chapter 257‑B and the State may undertake emergency activities to reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations that threaten the health of residents of this State. The State in undertaking emergency activities shall use a combination of the lowest risk, most effective integrated pest management techniques and science-based technology and shall consult with officials from affected municipalities in determining the most appropriate combination of response strategies. [PL 2013, c. 548, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 53-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 2-B / Section 53-A
7 §53-A. Eligibility
Status: in_force

Any owner who intends to register land as farmland pursuant to section 53‑B shall: [PL 1989, c. 478, §1 (NEW).]

1. Application. Submit an application for review by the soil and water conservation district in which the land is located in accordance with the provisions of Title 12, section 6‑A . The owner shall use an application provided by the department; and [PL 2011, c. 608, §5 (AMD).]

2. Notice of intent. Give notice of intent to register to all abutting landowners, as indicated on municipal or state tax records, a minimum of 15 days prior to submitting registration materials under section 53‑B or 53‑I . Abutters must be notified on a form provided by the department. [PL 2011, c. 608, §5 (AMD).]

3. Farm and Open Space Tax Law. [PL 2011, c. 608, §5 (RP).]
7 M.R.S. § 283-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 8-F / Section 283-A
7 §283-A. Food sovereignty principles
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds that advancing the principles of food sovereignty will further the preservation of rural life and values as set forth in section 1‑B and protect the right to food as declared in the Constitution of Maine, Article I, Section 25. Food sovereignty: [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]

1. Focuses on the people. Centers the right to sufficient, healthy and culturally appropriate food for the people of the State in food, agriculture, livestock and fisheries policies; [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]

2. Values food producers. Values all those who grow, harvest and process food, including women, small-scale farmers, herders, persons who fish commercially, forest dwellers, indigenous populations and agricultural, migrant and fisheries workers; [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]

3. Localizes food systems. Brings food producers and consumers closer together so they can make joint decisions on food issues that benefit and protect the people of the State; [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]

4. Promotes local control. Respects the right of food producers to have control over their land, seeds and water and protects natural resources for the people of the State; [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]

5. Builds knowledge and skills. Values the sharing of local knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations to safeguard traditional foodways and enhance sustainable food production, free from technologies that undermine bodily health and well-being; and [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]

6. Works with nature. Focuses on production and harvesting methods that maximize the contribution of ecosystems and improve the resiliency of local food systems in the face of drought and other extreme weather conditions. [PL 2025, c. 309, §10 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 319 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 10-B / Section 319
7 §319. Investment support
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility. A selected farm business that has completed a business plan pursuant to section 318 is eligible to apply for funding to implement the plan. The applicant may apply for a reduced-interest loan from the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund under chapter 101, subchapter 1‑D and for a grant pursuant to the terms outlined in subsection 4 . [PL 2025, c. 254, §2 (AMD).]

2. Award of grants. The panel shall develop a competitive process to determine the farm businesses that receive grants to implement a business plan in exchange for a farmland protection agreement under subsection 4 and farm businesses that are eligible to apply for a reduced-interest loan under section 435, subsection 3‑A . This determination must be based upon selection criteria developed by the department including: A. The viability of the business plan; [PL 1999, c. 763, §1 (NEW).] B. The degree of threat to the continuation of agricultural use of the land due to factors such as the financial capacity and current farm management practices of the applicant; and [PL 2003, c. 167, §3 (AMD).] C. The degree to which the business plan would accomplish broader objectives such as the protection of water resources, wildlife habitat, open space and scenic and cultural amenities. [PL 1999, c. 763, §1 (NEW).] When possible, the panel shall award grants to applicants representing diverse agricultural enterprises and geographic areas of the State. [PL 2025, c. 254, §2 (AMD).]

3. Uses and limitations of funding. Any funds provided by the department pursuant to this section must be used to implement the business plan either in the plan's original form or in a subsequent amended version that has been approved by the department. For a farm business applying for and receiving a loan from the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, the loan requirements and limitations under chapter 101, subchapter 1‑D and Title 10, section 1023‑J apply. For a farm business receiving a grant, the department may provide funds to implement the business plan in an amount not to exceed $45,000 or 25% of the total investments identified by the business plan, whichever is less. [PL 2025, c. 254, §2 (AMD).]

4. Agricultural conservation agreement or farmland protection agreement. A farm business selected to receive a grant under subsection 2 must have an existing agricultural conservation agreement or enter into a new 7-year farmland protection agreement with the department before the department provides investment support pursuant to this section. The agreement must provide that the farm business will protect the land in agricultural use from nonagricultural development for the period of the agreement. Exceptions may be granted by the department if an applicant does not own the land on which the applicant operates the applicant's farm business but has a long-term lease arrangement. A selected farm business may terminate the farmland protection agreement at any time if the farm business repays the department for any funds provided to the farm business by the department pursuant to this section. [PL 2025, c. 254, §2 (AMD).]

5. Review of business plan. The department shall arrange to review the business plan for a farm business selected to receive a grant under subsection 2 within 2 years of the date the grant is awarded. [PL 2025, c. 254, §2 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 1034-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1034-A
7 §1034-A. Variety labeling
Status: in_force

There is established a voluntary potato variety labeling program to provide consumers with accurate information on the varieties of potatoes that are available and to assist the industry in establishing markets for new varieties. [PL 1989, c. 459, §3 (NEW).]

1. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375 concerning the program, including, but not limited to, program participation, identification of the varieties of potatoes eligible for inclusion in the potato variety labeling program, requirements of the inspection of potatoes in the program and appropriate methods of labeling. A rule may not be adopted that requires the inspection of potatoes labeled by variety when the packer is not a participant in the potato variety labeling program. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §13 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

2. Fees. The commissioner shall establish inspection fees for potatoes packed in bags labeled in accordance with the potato variety labeling program at a level 3¢ below the inspection fees established pursuant to sections 1033‑A and 1034 . [PL 1989, c. 459, §3 (NEW).]

3. Violation. A participant in the potato variety labeling program may not pack potatoes in a bag labeled with the name of a different potato variety. For the purposes of this subsection, each load of potatoes constitutes a separate violation. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §14 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]

4. Sunset. [PL 1991, c. 506, §4 (RP).]

5. Penalties. The following penalties apply to violations of this section. A. A person who violates subsection 3 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] B. A person who violates subsection 3 after having previously violated subsection 3 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $2,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).] [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. B, §15 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
7 M.R.S. § 745 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 745
7 §745. Inspection, sampling and analysis
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall inspect and sample for analysis in accordance with section 490 commercial fertilizers distributed within this State to the extent the commissioner considers necessary to determine compliance with this subchapter. The commissioner or the commissioner's agent is authorized to enter upon any public or private premises during regular business hours in order to have access to commercial fertilizers, subject to this subchapter and the rules adopted pursuant to section 748 . [PL 2015, c. 191, §6 (AMD).]

The methods of sampling, sample preparation and analysis are those adopted from sources such as AOAC International. The commissioner, in determining for administrative purposes whether a commercial fertilizer is deficient in any component, is guided solely by the official sample as defined and obtained and analyzed as provided for in this section. [PL 2007, c. 147, §4 (AMD).]

When the inspection and analysis of an official sample indicate a commercial fertilizer has been adulterated or misbranded, the commissioner shall forward the results of the analysis to the distributor or manufacturer. Upon request within 30 days, the commissioner shall furnish to the registrant a portion of the sample concerned. [PL 2005, c. 512, §42 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 2771 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 6-A / Chapter 525 / Section 2771
7 §2771. Disease and parasites of honeybees
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall adopt rules to designate the diseases and parasites to be regulated in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . All honeybees infected with the disease known as American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood or other regulated honeybee diseases and parasites, together with the equipment contaminated by any such disease or parasite, are declared to be a danger to spreading these diseases and parasites. All honeybees and equipment which are suspected by the commissioner to be infected or infested with a regulated disease or parasite shall be quarantined in a location stipulated by the commissioner. The presence of a regulated disease or parasite shall be confirmed using a suitable method and qualified agency authorized by the commissioner. Upon confirmation, the beekeeper shall be notified by a state bee inspector and allowed 7 days to eliminate the disease in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. If no corrective action is taken within 7 days, the infected or infested colonies shall be abated by a bee inspector in a manner prescribed by rule in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1985, c. 572 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 957 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 957
7 §957. Violations
Status: in_force

Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of sections 952 to 957 or to Article 4 or neglects or refuses to comply with any of the provisions required therein or in any way violates any of those provisions shall be subject to warning and to civil penalties payable to the State to be recovered in a civil action as provided in this section. [PL 1981, c. 513, §6 (RPR).]

1. First violation. [PL 1993, c. 699, §2 (RP).]

1-A. Penalty. The following civil penalties apply: A. For the first violation committed during a shipping season, a forfeiture of not more than $200; [PL 1993, c. 699, §3 (NEW).] B. For the 2nd violation committed during a shipping season, a forfeiture of $1,000; and [PL 1993, c. 699, §3 (NEW).] C. For the 3rd and subsequent violations committed during a shipping season, a forfeiture of not less than $1,500. [PL 1993, c. 699, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1993, c. 699, §3 (NEW).]

1-B. Mandatory inspection. After notice and an opportunity for hearing in an adjudicatory proceeding in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, the commissioner may order a person the commissioner finds has violated this chapter 3 or more times in a shipping season to undergo mandatory inspection in the manner provided in section 446 for a period of one year from the date of the final administrative determination. If the inspection order is stayed during appeal of the administrative determination, the period of the stay is not counted in calculating the one-year period. A person subject to mandatory inspection under this subsection may not ship potatoes packed in consumer packs unless the packs are accompanied by an unrestricted, original certificate of inspection covering the entire manifest, or an original or a copy of a certificate of inspection positively identifying the actual bags or containers in the shipment. Shipment of potatoes without the certificate required by this subsection is a separate violation subject to the penalties provided by this section. [PL 1993, c. 699, §3 (NEW).]

2. Violations subsequent to the first. [PL 1993, c. 699, §4 (RP).]

2-A. No violation. There shall be no violation of section 952 or 953 where the lot of potatoes involved has been segregated and conspicuously marked with a sign stating that the potatoes are known to be out of grade or that the potatoes are awaiting state inspection under section 1036 ; provided that no such potatoes may be moved without consent of the department, except for purposes of repacking or regrading; and provided further that the department has been notified of the location and quantity of the potatoes involved. Any potatoes segregated under this subsection must be inspected by the department prior to shipment. [PL 1985, c. 655, §3 (NEW).]

3. Third and subsequent violations. [PL 1981, c. 513, §6 (RP).]
7 M.R.S. § 768 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 768
7 §768. Stop sale orders
Status: in_force

1. Issuance of order. The commissioner may issue a written "stop sale, use or removal" order to the owner or custodian of any lot of agricultural liming materials when the commissioner determines that a violation of this subchapter has taken place. The order must include a notice that the owner or custodian may request a review of the determination of the commissioner at a hearing by filing a written request with the commissioner. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§ 1, 3 (NEW).]

2. Hearing. Within 10 days of receipt of a request for a hearing under subsection 1 , the commissioner shall hold a hearing in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV. Upon the hearing, the commissioner shall either rescind the order or, for good cause shown, continue the order. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§ 1, 3 (NEW).]

3. Release of materials. When the requirements of this subchapter have been met and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the withdrawal have been paid, the commissioner shall release the agricultural liming materials held under this section by terminating the "stop sale, use or removal" order and issuing a release order. The issuance of the release order shall not be considered licensing or an adjudicatory proceeding, as defined by the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 . [PL 1987, c. 425, §§ 1, 3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 1012 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1012
7 §1012. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this Article, in addition to the meanings given to the terms set forth in section 993 which meanings are applicable to such terms when used in this Article, the following terms shall have the following meanings: [PL 1971, c. 366 (NEW).]

1. Agent. "Agent" means any person who sells or distributes potatoes or rotation crops in commerce for or on behalf of producers or others and whose operations may include the planting, cultivating, harvesting, grading, packing and furnishing containers, supplies or other services. [PL 1997, c. 606, §2 (AMD).]

2. Applicant. "Applicant" means any person applying for a license under this Article. [PL 1971, c. 366 (NEW).]

3. Broker. "Broker" means any person engaged in the business of negotiating sales of potatoes in commerce for or on behalf of the seller or the purchaser, respectively. The term "broker" shall apply to nonresidents of this State who carry on such business in this State, whether such "broker" is licensed in the state of his residence or not. [PL 1981, c. 513, §8 (AMD).]

4. Buyer. "Buyer" means any person other than a consumer who purchases or contracts to purchase potatoes or rotation crops. [PL 1997, c. 606, §2 (AMD).]

5. Dealer. "Dealer" means any person engaged in the business of buying or selling potatoes or rotation crops in wholesale or jobbing quantities in commerce and includes: A. Jobbers, distributors and other wholesalers; [PL 1997, c. 606, §3 (AMD).] B. Producers who buy and resell potatoes or rotation crops grown by others in wholesale or jobbing quantities; and [PL 1997, c. 606, §3 (AMD).] C. Nonresidents of this State who carry on the business of buying and selling potatoes or rotation crops in this State, whether such dealer is licensed in that dealer's state of residence or not. [PL 1997, c. 606, §3 (AMD).] The term "dealer" does not include persons buying potatoes or rotation crops for canning or processing, or both, within this State and persons buying potatoes or rotation crops for sale primarily to consumers. [PL 1997, c. 606, §3 (AMD).]

6. Licensed federal-state potato inspector. "Licensed federal-state potato inspector" means an authorized representative of the Federal-State Inspection Service. [PL 1971, c. 366 (NEW).]

7. Licensee. "Licensee" means any person who holds an unrevoked and valid unsuspended license issued under this Article. [PL 1971, c. 366 (NEW).]

8. Maine Potato Council. [PL 1991, c. 837, Pt. A, §18 (RP).]

9. Retailer. "Retailer" means a person engaged in the business of buying potatoes or rotation crops in wholesale or jobbing quantities and reselling the potatoes or rotation crops bought primarily to consumers through at least 5 retail outlets located within or without the State. [PL 1997, c. 606, §4 (AMD).]

9-A. Rotation crop. "Rotation crop" means small grain, soybean or flax grown in rotation with potatoes. [PL 1997, c. 606, §5 (NEW).]

10. Sale. "Sale" includes every contract of purchase or sale, contract to purchase or sell, purchase, sale and disposition of potatoes or rotation crops for value. [PL 1997, c. 606, §6 (AMD).]

11. Seller. "Seller" means any person who sells or contracts to sell potatoes or rotation crops in the regular course of business. [PL 1997, c. 606, §6 (AMD).]

12. Verified complaint. "Verified complaint" means a writing signed by a person, who, under oath, swears that the person has reason to believe that a person required to be licensed under this Article has violated one or more of the provisions of this Article or of the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, setting forth a short and plain statement of the allegations that are the basis for such belief. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §116 (COR).]

13. Wholesale or jobbing quantities. "Wholesale or jobbing quantities" means aggregate quantities of potatoes totalling 25 tons, that is, 50,000 pounds, or more in weight purchased or contracted to be purchased in any calendar month. [PL 1979, c. 541, Pt. A, §63 (AMD).]

14. Processor. "Processor" means any person other than a consumer who purchases or contracts to purchase potatoes or rotation crops primarily for manufacture into articles of food or starch by operations that change the physical form the potatoes or rotation crops possessed when harvested. The effects of the following operations are considered as changing the physical form possessed by potatoes or rotation crops when harvested: Chopping, slicing, cutting, dicing, mashing, removal of skin or peel, frying or otherwise cooking, freezing, canning, dehydrating or comparable methods of preparation for marketing in what is generally considered to be a processed form. [PL 1997, c. 606, §7 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 902 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 902
7 §902. Labeling of birch syrup
Status: in_force

All containers of birch syrup sold or offered for sale for human consumption must be labeled with the volume, name and address of the producer or packer, together with the producer's or packer's seal in a manner approved by the commissioner on the cap of the container, which must be affixed so that the container cannot be opened until the seal is broken. Any marking that indicates pure Maine birch syrup must be used exclusively for pure birch syrup produced in this State that has not been bleached or lightened in color by artificial means. [PL 2021, c. 43, §1 (NEW).]

The words "Maine Birch" may not be used alone or in combination with other words on a label or container to designate the flavor of the contents unless all of the birch flavoring of the contents is a pure birch produced in this State. [PL 2021, c. 43, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2352 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 2352
7 §2352. Responsibility of the commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner may institute such pest control survey programs as the commissioner considers essential to the welfare of the industry. The commissioner may, in conjunction with the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station, and other public and private agencies, and in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, designate by rule those potato pests and diseases that pose a threat to the Maine potato industry, and by rule provide for the inspection, seizure, destruction or other deposition of any seed, plant, culls or other materials within the State whenever the commissioner finds such materials to be infested, or are reasonably believed to be infested, with any designated pest or disease, and further provide for the disinfection of any vehicle or other conveyance so infested. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §135 (COR).]
7 M.R.S. § 3910-C — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 717 / Section 3910-C
7 §3910-C. Companion Animal Sterilization Program
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Administrator" means the entity that administers the program as provided in subsection 7 . [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] B. "Fund" means the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund under section 3910‑B . [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] C. "Neuter" means to castrate a male animal by removing the animal’s testicles or to sterilize a male animal by a nonsurgical method approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] D. "Overpopulation" means a surplus of cats or dogs when compared to demand for ownership by humans as determined by the commissioner by rule. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] E. "Program" means the Companion Animal Sterilization Program established under subsection 2 . [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] F. "Spay" means to sterilize a female animal by removing the animal’s ovaries or to sterilize a female animal by a nonsurgical method approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] G. "Spay or neuter event" means an event scheduled by a veterinary provider, including, but not limited to, a mobile clinic, a pop-up clinic or a clinic in a fixed location, during which 10 or more sterilizations are provided per day for program participants. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] H. "Sterilization" means the spaying or neutering of a companion animal, a stray animal or a feral cat. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] I. "Veterinary provider" means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine under Title 32, section 4861 or an animal welfare organization that has at least one licensed veterinarian on staff and regularly provides companion animal sterilization services to the public. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

2. Establishment. The Companion Animal Sterilization Program is established within the department to provide sterilization services in order to reduce: A. Stray and unwanted cats and dogs; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] B. Cat and dog euthanasia rates; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] C. Dog bites; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] D. Feral cats; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] E. Threats to public health and safety from rabies and other zoonotic diseases; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] F. Costs associated with community and state animal control; and [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] G. Areas lacking access to veterinary care. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

3. Eligibility. A person is eligible to have a companion animal, a stray animal or a feral cat sterilized under the program if the person is: A. At least 18 years of age and not declared as a dependent by another person for tax purposes; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] B. A resident of the State; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] C. The owner of the companion animal or the keeper of the stray animal or feral cat to be sterilized; and [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] D. One of the following: (1) The owner of the companion animal or the keeper of the stray animal to be sterilized and has a household income less than 133% of the federal poverty level, except that, if money is available in the fund, the department may by rule increase the household income limit for the purposes of eligibility up to 150% of the federal poverty level; (2) The owner of the companion animal or the keeper of the stray animal to be sterilized participates in an income-based governmental public assistance program as determined by the department by rule; or (3) The keeper of a feral cat, regardless of income. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] A person determined eligible under this subsection may be issued a voucher for sterilization services under this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

4. Copayment. A person who meets the eligibility requirements under subsection 3 and who receives services under the program shall submit to the administrator or the veterinary provider, whichever is applicable, a copayment determined by the department unless the animal that is spayed or neutered is a feral cat. The department shall determine the copayment on an annual basis. The administrator may waive the copayment if the administrator determines that the copayment creates a financial hardship for the person. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

5. Veterinary provider participation and payment. On an annual basis, a veterinary provider that wishes to receive payments for sterilization services under the program shall sign an agreement with the department on a form provided by the department. Under the agreement, the veterinary provider agrees to fees that may be charged for sterilization services, as established by the department, and all other program conditions and elects the manner of payment under the program in accordance with this subsection. The agreement must specify that the program only provides payments for the specific services covered under the program pursuant to subsection 6 . A veterinary provider may elect one of the following ways in which to receive payments under the program. A. A veterinary provider may elect to receive prepayments for sterilizations in accordance with this paragraph by filing an application with the administrator requesting funding for sterilizations that the provider commits to perform in the 6-month period following the application’s approval. The administrator shall provide prepayments to the veterinary provider in a single installment or in multiple installments. If the administrator provides multiple installments, any installment after the first installment must be conditioned upon the veterinary provider's provision of at least 75% of the sterilizations prepaid by the first installment and the availability of funding. A veterinary provider shall collect the copayments established under subsection 4 and provide an accounting to the administrator. The administrator may supply to the veterinary provider vouchers that allow the provider to verify in-clinic eligibility of clients. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] B. A veterinary provider may elect to receive reimbursements for individual sterilizations by submitting an invoice to the administrator for the sterilization performed for a person issued a voucher by the administrator. The veterinary provider shall submit the invoice with the associated voucher after performing the sterilization. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

6. Voucher reimbursement rate. The department shall establish by rule voucher reimbursement rates under the program in consultation with a statewide association of veterinarians. The reimbursement rates must cover the cost of the presterilization examination, the sterilization and a rabies vaccination. The reimbursement rate may cover additional procedures approved by the department, including feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia vaccinations; distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccinations; and flea and tick treatment and may cover pain management and a device that prevents the cat or dog from reaching the surgical site. The owner of a companion animal or keeper of a stray animal or feral cat is responsible for the payment of any additional procedures administered by the veterinary provider that are not covered by the program. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

7. Program administration. The department through a competitive selection process shall contract with a suitable animal welfare organization to administer the program. The administrator must have adequate resources and staff, or plans for adding sufficient staff, to administer the program, as determined by rule by the department. Other than the payment of administrative costs under section 3910‑B, subsection 1‑A , the administrator may not have any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in or receive or be eligible to receive, directly or indirectly, any benefit that may arise from a contract with the State under this section. In the event that the department is unable to contract with a suitable animal welfare organization, the department is the administrator. The administrator shall: A. Issue a unique identifying code to a person who is determined to be eligible under subsection 3. The code must indicate the type of animal that is eligible for sterilization under the program; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] B. Issue a group of vouchers to a veterinary provider to be used at a spay or neuter event for persons determined eligible in accordance with subsection 3 . Vouchers under this paragraph are valid for no more than 120 days from the date of issuance unless extended by the administrator; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] C. Maintain a phone line and a voice mail system and ensure that calls and messages are returned within 10 business days; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] D. Procure veterinary provider participation agreements under subsection 5 and maintain relationships with veterinary providers; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] E. Maintain a list of participating veterinary providers; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] F. Except as provided under subsection 5, paragraph A , verify individual owner or keeper eligibility for the program; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] G. Establish a process for spay or neuter events that ensures that participating veterinary providers are verifying owner or keeper eligibility for the program; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] H. Dispense payment to veterinary providers in a timely manner once an application for payment is approved or an invoice for services is received and verified; [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] I. Collect and review progress reports from veterinary providers, including, but not limited to, specific vouchers redeemed, fund expenditures, money remaining in the fund, changes needed for additional funding installments pursuant to subsection 5, paragraph A and accounting for copayments under subsection 4 paid directly to veterinary providers; and [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] J. Report quarterly to the commissioner on program progress including reconciliation of all funding, vouchers issued and redeemed, participating veterinary providers' progress, number of funding applications, number and type of sterilizations performed, geographic distribution of owners and keepers participating in the program, funds dispersed and fund balance. [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]

8. Rules. The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Notwithstanding Title 5, section 8071, subsection 2 , rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 458 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 458
7 §458. Exemptions
Status: in_force

1. Producers. Producers are exempt from this subchapter when selling licensed commodities which they have grown, which they are presently growing or which they intend to grow. [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]

2. Other persons. The commissioner, by rule, may provide an exemption from this subchapter for persons who deal in quantities of licensed commodities sufficiently small so as to not require the imposition of the standards of financial responsibility established by this subchapter. [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]

3. Retailers. A retailer who sells licensed commodities to consumers is exempt from this subchapter with respect to those sales. [PL 2005, c. 512, §14 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 2999 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 604-A / Section 2999
7 §2999. Duties
Status: in_force

In order that the optimal health of the citizens of the State may be achieved more fully, the Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council shall provide guidance in nutrition and nutrition education based on the concept of a balanced diet, including milk and its products in accordance with scientific recommendations, and protect the interests of all the people of the State by strengthening and preserving the dairy industry. The council has the following powers and duties. The council: [PL 1993, c. 689, §5 (AMD).]

1. Contracts and agreements. May make or enter into contracts or agreements with any local, state, federal or private agency, department, firm, corporation or association for the purposes defined in this chapter. The contracts or agreements may include, without limitation, those relating to the lease or purchase of office space, facilities, property, equipment or supplies the council determines necessary for its purposes. The council may delegate to its executive director the power to enter into the contracts or agreements, subject to the council's oversight; [PL 1993, c. 689, §5 (NEW).]

2. Cooperation with other agencies. Shall cooperate with other state or regional agencies with similar purposes, including transferring to those agencies any portion of its receipts that the council considers appropriate and in the best interests of the dairy industry in the State; [PL 1993, c. 689, §5 (NEW).]

3. Books and records. Shall keep books, records and accounts of all its activities, which must be open to inspection and audit by the State at all times. An independent certified public accountant shall conduct an annual audit of the financial records of the council and report the results of the audit to the council, the commissioner, the Treasurer of State and the Legislature; [PL 1995, c. 693, §16 (AMD); PL 1995, c. 693, §25 (AFF).]

4. Annual report. Shall prepare an annual report that must include a summary of all receipts and expenditures, including expenditures for specific programs; a description of the various programs operated, contracted or sponsored by the council; and a directory of current council members, including their affiliation and term of office; and [PL 1993, c. 689, §5 (NEW).]

5. Funding. May receive and expend funds from any source, public or private, that it determines necessary to carry out its purposes. [PL 1995, c. 693, §16 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 693, §25 (AFF).]
7 M.R.S. § 4101 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 743 / Section 4101
7 §4101. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1991, c. 779, §41 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 779, §60 (AFF).]

1. Boarding stable. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (RP).]

2. Commercial riding facility. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (RP).]

3. Engage in an equine activity. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (RP).]

4. Equine. "Equine" means a horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).]

5. Equine activity. "Equine activity" includes but is not limited to the following: A. Riding or driving an equine or riding as a passenger on or in a vehicle powered by an equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] B. Equine training, teaching or testing activities; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] C. Boarding or keeping an equine, including, but not limited to, normal daily care of an equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] D. Riding, inspecting or evaluating an equine belonging to another person, whether or not the owner has received some monetary consideration or other thing of value for the use of the equine or is permitting a prospective purchaser of the equine to ride, inspect or evaluate the equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] E. Rides, trips, hunts or other equine activities of any type, however informal or impromptu, that are sponsored by an equine activity sponsor; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] F. Providing or assisting in the provision of hoof care, including, but not limited to, horseshoeing; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] G. Trailering, loading, unloading or transporting an equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] H. Providing or assisting in the provision of veterinary treatment or maintenance care for an equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] I. Conducting or assisting in the conducting of procedures necessary to breed an equine by means of artificial insemination or otherwise; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] J. Participating in an equine activity sponsored by an equine activity sponsor; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] K. Participating or assisting a participant in an equine activity at an equine event; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] L. Managing or assisting in the managing of an equine in an equine event; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] M. Showing or displaying an equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] N. Operating or assisting in the operation of an equine event; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] O. Providing or assisting in the provision of equine dental care; and [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] P. Participating in racing. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).]

6. Equine activity sponsor. "Equine activity sponsor" means an individual, group, club, partnership, corporation or other entity, whether operating for profit or nonprofit, that sponsors, organizes or provides the facilities for an equine activity, including, but not limited to: pony clubs; 4-H clubs; field trial clubs; hunt clubs; riding clubs; classes or programs sponsored by a school or college; therapeutic riding programs; and operators, instructors and promoters of equine facilities at which equine activities are held, including, but not limited to, stables, clubhouses, ponyride strings, fairs and arenas. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).]

6-A. Equine event. "Equine event" means an event in which an equine activity occurs, including, but not limited to, fairs, competitions, performances or parades that involve any breed of equine and any of the equine disciplines, including, but not limited to, dressage, hunter and jumper horse shows, grand prix jumping, 3-day events, combined training, 4-H events, Pony Club events, rodeos, driving, pulling, cutting, reining, team penning, barrel racing, polo, steeplechasing, endurance or nonendurance trail riding, English and western performance riding, games, packing, recreational riding and hunting. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).]

7. Equine professional. "Equine professional" means a person engaged for compensation: A. In instructing a participant or renting to a participant an equine for the purpose of riding, driving or being a passenger on the equine; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] B. In renting equipment or tack to a participant; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).] C. In providing daily care of equines boarded at an equine facility; or [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] D. In training an equine. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (AMD).]

7-A. Inherent risks of equine activities. "Inherent risks of equine activities" means those dangers and conditions that are an integral part of equine activities, including, but not limited to: A. The propensity of an equine to behave in ways that may result in damages to property or injury, harm or death to persons on or around the equine. Such equine behavior includes, but is not limited to, bucking, shying, kicking, running, biting, stumbling, rearing, falling and stepping on; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] B. The unpredictability of an equine's reaction to such things as sounds, sudden movements and unfamiliar objects, persons or other animals; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] C. Certain hazards such as surface and subsurface conditions; [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] D. Collisions with other equines or objects; and [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] E. Unpredictable or erratic actions by others relating to equine behavior. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).]

8. Participant. "Participant" means a person, whether amateur or professional, who directly engages in an equine activity, whether or not a fee is paid to participate in the equine activity. [PL 1991, c. 779, §41 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 779, §60 (AFF).]

9. Spectator. "Spectator" means a person who is in the vicinity of an equine activity but who is not a participant. [PL 1999, c. 498, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 484 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 484
7 §484. Misbranding
Status: in_force

The term "misbranded" as used in this chapter or chapter 103 applies to all articles of commercial feeding stuff, commercial fertilizer or food, the package or label of which bears any statement, design or device regarding such article, or the ingredients or substances contained therein, that is false or misleading in any particular or that is falsely branded in any particular. [PL 2005, c. 512, §19 (AMD).]

1. Drug. [PL 2005, c. 512, §19 (RP).]
7 M.R.S. § 3950-C — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 725 / Section 3950-C
7 §3950-C. Immunity from civil liability
Status: in_force

A municipality, veterinarian, humane agent, animal control officer or animal shelter is not civilly liable to any party for authorization made in accordance with section 3950‑B nor is any person performing euthanasia under that authorization civilly liable. [PL 2019, c. 437, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3152-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 611 / Section 3152-A
7 §3152-A. Agricultural cooperatives which are producer-dealers
Status: in_force

1. Exemption; pool payments. An agricultural cooperative that is a producer-dealer under section 3152, subsection 10 is exempt from payment into and redistributions out of the Maine Milk Pool to the extent that the milk sold or otherwise distributed by the agricultural cooperative does not exceed 5,000,000 pounds a month. Nothing in this subsection exempts an agricultural cooperative that is a producer-dealer from any other requirements of this chapter. In any month in which the milk sold or otherwise distributed by the agricultural cooperative that is a producer-dealer exceeds 5,000,000 pounds, the agricultural cooperative shall make payment into and redistributions out of the Maine Milk Pool in accordance with this chapter with respect to that milk that is in excess of 5,000,000 pounds. [PL 2005, c. 382, Pt. F, §29 (AMD).]

2. Promotion; administration. [PL 1999, c. 161, §4 (RP).]
7 M.R.S. § 455 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 455
7 §455. Application for license
Status: in_force

1. Application. The applicant shall file an application on forms as prescribed and furnished by the commissioner. These forms shall include the full name of the person applying for the license and, if the applicant is a corporation, partnership, association, exchange or legal representative or officer, director, partner or member thereof, all names and positions are to be stated on the application. If the applicant is a foreign corporation, it shall certify that it is registered with the Secretary of State under Title 13‑A, chapter 12 and further state the principal business address of the applicant in the State or elsewhere, the address of all places of business in the State and the name or names of the person or persons authorized to receive and accept service of lawful process upon the applicant within the State. All questions required to be answered in application for licenses shall be sworn to. [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]

2. Notice to interested persons. Upon receipt of the applications, the commissioner shall cause written notice to be provided to any person who has filed, within the preceding year, a written request to receive the notice of applications. Any interested person shall have 10 days in which to file comments as to the applicant's qualifications or to request a hearing prior to the issuance of the license. [PL 1981, c. 139 (NEW).]

3. Qualifications of applicant. The applicant shall satisfy the commissioner of the applicant's character, financial responsibility and good faith in seeking to engage in the business. The commissioner may issue a license to the applicant if the commissioner is satisfied as to the applicant's qualifications. When the license is issued, the applicant may act in the capacity described in the license for a period of one year from the date of issuance. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §70 (COR).]

4. Bond. In order to insure the licensee's financial responsibility and to protect producers of licensed commodities, the commissioner shall require the licensee to file a bond in a form and amount satisfactory to the commissioner, but in any event not less than $5,000 nor more than $100,000, payable to the commissioner in the commissioner's official capacity and conditioned on the full and prompt payment for all licensed commodities received or purchased from producers or other licensees during the effective period of the license. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §71 (COR).]

5. License fees. Each license must plainly state the name and business address or addresses of the licensee and must be posted in a conspicuous place in each office where the business is transacted. The fee for each license is $50. If the licensee desires to carry on business in more than one place within the State, the licensee shall procure additional copies of the license, certified by the commissioner, for each place where business is to be conducted. The fee for each certification is $10. All fees collected under this subchapter must be paid forthwith to the Treasurer of State and credited to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for the administration of this subchapter and other expenses incident to the administration of the department, and must be expended by the commissioner for the purposes for which the department is created. If any fees are not expended during the year in which they are collected, the unexpended balance does not lapse, but is carried as a continuing account available for the purposes specified, until expended. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §72 (COR).]
7 M.R.S. § 252 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 8-E / Section 252
7 §252. Liability
Status: in_force

1. No liability. Except as provided in subsection 2 , an agritourism professional is not liable for any property damage or damages arising from the personal injury of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of agritourism activities. Except as provided in subsection 2 , a participant or participant's representative may not make any claim or recover from an agritourism professional for property damage or damages for personal injury resulting from the inherent risks of agritourism activities. A participant expressly assumes the risk and legal responsibility for any property damage or damages arising from personal injury that results from the inherent risk of agritourism activities. A participant has the sole responsibility for knowing the range of that person's ability to participate in an agritourism activity. It is the duty of a participant to act within the limits of the participant's own ability, to heed all warnings and refrain from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to the injury of any person or damage to any property. [PL 2011, c. 609, §1 (NEW).]

2. Exceptions. Nothing in subsection 1 prevents or limits the liability of an agritourism professional if the agritourism professional: A. Commits an act or omission that constitutes negligence or reckless disregard for the safety of others, and that act or omission causes an injury. For purposes of this section, "reckless" has the same meaning as "recklessly," as defined in Title 17‑A, section 35, subsection 3, paragraph A ; [PL 2011, c. 609, §1 (NEW).] B. Has actual knowledge or reasonably should have known of a dangerous condition of the land, facilities or equipment used in an agritourism activity or the dangerous propensity of a particular animal used in the agritourism activity and does not make the danger known to a participant, and the danger causes an injury; or [PL 2011, c. 609, §1 (NEW).] C. Intentionally injures a participant. [PL 2011, c. 609, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 609, §1 (NEW).]

3. Assumption of risk. In a personal injury action against an agritourism professional, a defense or immunity described in subsection 1 may be asserted only if the participant injured in the course of an agritourism activity had been notified of the inherent risks of an agritourism activity and the limitations of liability. For purposes of this subsection, notice of the inherent risks of agritourism activities may be satisfied either by a statement signed by the participant or a sign or signs prominently displayed at the place or places where the agritourism activities take place. The statement or sign must contain the following information. "WARNING Under Maine law, there is no liability for injury to a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment and animals, as well as the potential for injury if you act in a negligent manner. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity." The message on the sign must be in black letters at least one inch in height and the sign or signs must be placed in a clearly visible location on or near the places where the agritourism professional conducts agritourism activities. [PL 2011, c. 609, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 282 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 8-F / Section 282
7 §282. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).]

1. Direct producer-to-consumer transaction. "Direct producer-to-consumer transaction" means an exchange of food or food products directly between a food producer and a consumer by barter, trade or purchase on the property or premises owned, leased or rented by the food producer; at roadside stands, fundraisers, farmers' markets and community social events; or through buying clubs, deliveries or community-supported agriculture programs, herd-share agreements and other private arrangements. [PL 2023, c. 420, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Consumer. "Consumer" means an individual who acquires food or food products directly from a food producer of the individual's choosing solely for consumption by the individual or the individual's family. [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (NEW).]

2. Food or food products. "Food or food products" means food or food products that are grown, produced, processed or prepared for human consumption, including, but not limited to, vegetables, fruit, eggs, grain or grain products, herbs, seasonings or spices, milk or milk products, meat or meat products, poultry or poultry products, fish or fish products, seafood or seafood products, cider or juice, acidified foods, canned fruits or vegetables, honey, nuts, maple products or condiments or any combination of those items, such as baked goods, sandwiches or other meals, and that are provided in a direct producer-to-consumer transaction. [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (AMD).]

2-A. Food producer. "Food producer" means a person that provides directly to a consumer food or food products that the person: A. Grows, raises or produces; or [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (NEW).] B. Grows, raises, produces or acquires from another source and then processes or prepares in a kitchen. [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (NEW).] For the purposes of this subsection, "kitchen" means a room, area, site or location where food or food products are produced, processed or prepared for a direct producer-to-consumer transaction. [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (NEW).]

2-B. Food sovereignty. "Food sovereignty" means the right of persons to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods and the right of persons to define their own food and agriculture systems. [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (NEW).]

3. State food law. [PL 2021, c. 625, §2 (RP).]

4. Traditional foodways. "Traditional foodways" means the cultural, social and economic practices related to the production and consumption of food, including the conveyance of knowledge regarding food production, preservation, preparation and presentation. [PL 2025, c. 309, §5 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 3950-B — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 725 / Section 3950-B
7 §3950-B. Euthanasia for severely sick or severely injured livestock
Status: in_force

1. Written authorization. A humane agent, animal control officer or animal shelter may authorize in writing the euthanasia of severely sick or severely injured livestock under the following conditions: A. The clerk or animal control officer of the municipality in which the livestock was found has been notified of the livestock's presence and a reasonable attempt to contact the owner of the livestock has been made; and [PL 2019, c. 437, §3 (NEW).] B. A veterinarian states in writing that given reasonable time and reasonable care the livestock's recovery from the livestock's sickness or injury is doubtful. [PL 2019, c. 437, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 437, §3 (NEW).]

2. Immediate euthanasia. Notwithstanding subsection 1, paragraphs A and B , a veterinarian may authorize immediate euthanasia if, in the veterinarian's judgment, there is no possibility of recovery for severely sick or severely injured livestock. [PL 2019, c. 437, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 1808-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 4 / Chapter 305 / Section 1808-A
7 §1808-A. Direct purchase of rabies vaccine
Status: in_force

A veterinarian licensed in this State may sell rabies vaccine to a person who owns cattle, sheep, goats or cervids as defined in section 1333 . A veterinarian who sells rabies vaccine in accordance with this section is not, as a result of selling the vaccine, liable for claims arising from the administration of the vaccine by the purchaser. [PL 2003, c. 386, §15 (AMD).]

An animal vaccinated against rabies by a person who is not a licensed veterinarian, a certified rabies vaccinator appointed and certified pursuant to section 3920 or a licensed veterinary technician under the direct supervision or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian may not be certified as vaccinated against rabies and must be treated as an unvaccinated animal under Title 22, chapter 251, subchapter 5 and rules adopted pursuant to that chapter. For purposes of this section, "direct supervision" has the same meaning as in Title 32, section 4853, subsection 4‑A ; "indirect supervision" has the same meaning as in Title 32, section 4853, subsection 4‑B ; "licensed veterinarian" has the same meaning as in Title 32, section 4853, subsection 5 ; and "licensed veterinary technician" has the same meaning as in Title 32, section 4853, subsection 11 . [RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §13 (COR).]
7 M.R.S. § 505 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 505
7 §505. Access to carriers
Status: in_force

Carriers engaged in commerce, and persons receiving hazardous substances in commerce or holding such substances so received, shall upon the request of an officer or employee duly designated by the department permit such officer or employee, at reasonable times, to have access to and to copy all records showing movement in commerce of any hazardous substance, or the holding thereof during or after such movement, and the quantity, shipper and consignee thereof. It is unlawful for any such carrier or person to fail to permit access to and copying of any such records so requested when such request is accompanied by a statement in writing specifying the nature or kind of hazardous substance to which the request relates. Evidence obtained under this section shall not be used in a criminal prosecution of the person from whom obtained and carriers shall not be subject to the other provisions of this subchapter by reason of their receipt, carriage, holding or delivery of hazardous substances in the usual course of business as carriers. [PL 1965, c. 65 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 513 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 513
7 §513. Exception
Status: in_force

No person shall be prosecuted for violation of any provision of this subchapter if such person has been acquitted or convicted under the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act of the same act or omission which, it is alleged, constitutes a violation of this subchapter. [PL 1965, c. 65 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 53-D — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 2-B / Section 53-D
7 §53-D. Notice of registration
Status: in_force

An owner registering land as farmland shall notify all abutting landowners, as indicated on municipal or state tax records, by sending to the abutting landowners a statement of registration provided by the department. The owner shall send notification by certified mail, return receipt requested, within 2 days of submitting the registration in accordance with section 53‑B, subsection 2 . [PL 1989, c. 478, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 320-K — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 10-D / Section 320-K
7 §320-K. Fund To Address PFAS Contamination
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Advisory committee" means the Advisory Committee on the Fund To Address PFAS Contamination in section 320‑L . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] B. "Agricultural land" has the same meaning as in section 32, subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] C. "Commercial farm" means a farm that produces any farm product with the intent that the farm product be sold or otherwise disposed of to generate income. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] D. "Farm product" has the same meaning as in section 52, subsection 3‑A . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] E. "Fund" means the Fund To Address PFAS Contamination established under subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] F. "Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" or "PFAS" has the same meaning as in Title 32, section 1732, subsection 5‑A . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] G. "Septage" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 1303‑C, subsection 27 . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] H. "Sludge" has the same meaning as in Title 38, section 1303‑C, subsection 28‑A . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).]

2. Fund established. The Fund To Address PFAS Contamination is established within the office of the commissioner as a nonlapsing account for the purposes specified in this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).]

3. Sources of the fund. The fund is funded from money accepted by the commissioner or allocated or appropriated by the Legislature, including funds stipulated for deposit in the fund as part of the terms of settlement of legal actions relating to PFAS contamination against corporations, partnerships or individuals. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).]

4. Purposes. Allocations from the fund may be made as determined by the department upon recommendation of the advisory committee and for the following purposes: A. Monitoring the health of a person, and members of that person's household, whose agricultural land is found to be contaminated by PFAS; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] B. Providing medical care to a person found to have blood levels of PFAS greater than the general population or health effects associated with exposure to PFAS; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] C. Relocating a commercial farm when the agricultural land of the farm is found to be contaminated by PFAS; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] D. Buying and selling agricultural land found to be contaminated by PFAS; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] E. Investing in equipment, facilities and infrastructure to ensure that a commercial farm with land found to be contaminated by PFAS maintains profitability while the commercial farm transitions to an alternative cropping system or implements remediation strategies, technological adaptations, solar development or other modifications to its operations in response to PFAS contamination; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] F. Assisting a commercial farm with land found to be contaminated by PFAS with developing enterprise budgets for alternative cropping systems, remediation strategies or technological adaptations or transitioning to alternative revenue streams, including but not limited to land use systems combining agricultural use of the land with solar energy production; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] G. Providing short-term assistance to a person whose commercial farm is found to be contaminated by PFAS, including but not limited to income replacement and mortgage payments; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] H. Evaluating the capacity of PFAS testing and data management in the State; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] I. Conducting research that supports short-term farm management decisions and assesses future options for viable uses of agricultural land that has been contaminated with PFAS; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] J. Conducting research that quantifies the impact of PFAS on commercial farms and agricultural communities in the State; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] K. Conducting research on soil and water remediation systems and the viability of those systems for commercial farms; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] L. Conducting research on alternative cropping systems, PFAS uptake of different crops, the use of livestock systems to mitigate exposure to and for remediation of PFAS and food safety criteria for food products; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] M. Developing and implementing educational programs for landowners, including but not limited to determining best practices for informing residents about the potential of being near or on a site on which sludge or septage application was licensed or permitted by the State prior to 2019, and providing information and guidance on buying or selling agricultural lands that have had sludge or septage applied; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] N. Long-term monitoring of PFAS contaminated sites and establishing a corresponding centralized data repository; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] O. Establishing food safety criteria and guidance for farm products; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] P. Assisting commercial farms and others in the agricultural sector not directly affected by PFAS contamination with marketing efforts whose branding and marketing may be affected by public perception of PFAS contamination in the State; and [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] Q. Regional planning with other states and the Federal Government to protect food supply and farmers in the State from out-of-state PFAS contamination. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).] Health care information obtained by the department in the course of providing services related to paragraphs A and B , including billing information, must be treated as confidential pursuant to Title 22, section 1711‑C . For purposes of this section, "health care information" has the same meaning as in Title 22, section 1711‑C, subsection 1, paragraph E . [PL 2025, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]

5. Administration and authority. The administration of the fund and the authority to administer the fund is as follows. A. The department shall administer the fund allocations in accordance with a plan that establishes funding priorities, administration and oversight and with the review and advice of the advisory committee. The department may use funds for personnel services and to contract for professional services to carry out the purposes of this section. [PL 2025, c. 65, §2 (NEW).] B. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee is authorized to sell, grant, lease, transfer or otherwise convey any real or personal property acquired under subsection 4, paragraph D . Proceeds from the sale or lease of property and the disposal of all other interests in real property including timber sales and revenue generated from solar development must be deposited into the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Office of the Commissioner program, Fund To Address PFAS Contamination, Other Special Revenue Funds account. [PL 2025, c. 65, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 65, §2 (RPR).]

6. Rules. The department may adopt rules to implement this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).]

7. Reports. Beginning March 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the department shall submit a report on the plan under subsection 5 and on the uses of the fund to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture, conservation and forestry, environment and natural resources and health and human services matters. The report must include information on the status of carrying out the purposes of the fund as described in subsection 4 , additional needs identified by the agricultural community, what funds have been disbursed from the fund and for what purpose those funds were disbursed. The report must include the activities of the advisory committee, including, but not limited to, the number of meetings held, a summary of each meeting and recommendations for legislation from the advisory committee. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. XX, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2319 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 410 / Section 2319
7 §2319. Relations with nonparty jurisdictions -- Article VIII
Status: in_force

1. Application. A party state may make application for assistance from the insurance fund with respect to a pest in a nonparty state. The application must be considered and decided on by the governing board or executive committee in the same manner as an application with respect to a pest within a party state, except as provided in this section. [PL 2005, c. 147, §1 (NEW).]

2. Nonparty state. At or in connection with any meeting of the governing board or executive committee held pursuant to section 2317 , a nonparty state is entitled to appear, participate and receive information only to the extent that the governing board or executive committee provides. A nonparty state is not entitled to a review of any determination made by the executive committee. [PL 2005, c. 147, §1 (NEW).]

3. Expenditures. The governing board or executive committee shall authorize expenditures from the insurance fund to be made in a nonparty state only after determining that the conditions in the nonparty state and the value of the expenditures to the party states, as a whole, justify them. The governing board or executive committee may set any conditions that it considers appropriate with respect to the expenditure of money from the insurance fund in a nonparty state and may enter into an agreement or agreements with nonparty states and other jurisdictions or entities as it determines necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of the insurance fund with respect to expenditures and activities outside of party states. [PL 2005, c. 147, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2956-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 603 / Section 2956-A
7 §2956-A. Dairy Industry Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established; source. The Dairy Industry Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," is established. In addition to payments to the commission pursuant to section 2956 , a dealer shall deduct 1¢ per hundredweight from amounts paid by the dealer to each Maine milk producer and pay that amount into the fund as a monthly payment. [PL 2001, c. 8, §1 (NEW).]

2. Distributions from fund. Notwithstanding section 2957 , the commission shall make distributions from the fund to a statewide association that has been approved by the majority of dairy farmers in the State in amounts allocated from the fund for that purpose. [PL 2001, c. 8, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 524-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 524-A
7 §524-A. Produce packed in State
Status: in_force

When produce that was grown or raised in a foreign country is packed in this State, the label must identify the country in which the produce was grown in letters as large or larger than the letters identifying the name and place of business of the packer. [PL 1999, c. 405, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 631 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 631
7 §631. Definitions
Status: in_force

Terms used in sections 631 to 639 shall be construed as follows unless a different meaning is clearly apparent from the language or context:

1. Candling. "Candling" means the common practice of examining the interior of an egg by holding and twirling the same before a light passing through an aperture in an opaque shield.

1-A. Restricted egg. "Restricted egg" means any check, dirty egg, incubator reject, inedible, leaker or loss. [PL 1973, c. 48, §1 (NEW).]

2. Retail. "Retail" means selling direct to consumer.

3. Wholesale. "Wholesale" means selling to retailers.
7 M.R.S. § 2176 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 404 / Section 2176
7 §2176. Powers
Status: in_force

The department has the following duties and powers, in addition to those otherwise set forth in this chapter. [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

1. Licenses; enforcement. The department shall evaluate the qualifications and supervise the examination of applicants for licensure under this chapter and shall investigate or cause to be investigated all complaints made to it and all cases of noncompliance with this chapter. [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

2. Rules. The department may, in accordance with procedures established by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II , adopt such rules as may be reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and the administration of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A . [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

3. Hearings. Hearings may be conducted by the department to assist with investigations, to determine whether grounds exist for suspension, revocation or denial of a license or as otherwise considered necessary to fulfill its responsibilities under this chapter. The department may not refuse to renew a license for any reason other than failure to pay a required fee, unless it has afforded the licensee an opportunity for an adjudicatory hearing. The department shall hold an adjudicatory hearing at the written request of any person who is denied a license for any reason other than failure to pay a required fee, if the request for hearing is received by the department within 30 days of the person's receipt of written notice of the denial, the reasons for the denial and the person's right to request a hearing. Hearings must be conducted in conformity with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV , to the extent applicable. The department may subpoena witnesses, records and documents in any hearing it conducts. [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 776 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 776
7 §776. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

1. Brand name. "Brand name" means the term, designation, trademark, product name or other specific designation under which individual plant or soil amendments are distributed. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

2. Bulk. "Bulk" means in nonpackaged form. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. [PL 1979, c. 491, §§1,2 (NEW); PL 1979, c. 731, §19 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

4. Distribute. "Distribute" means to import, consign, manufacture, produce, compound, mix or blend plant or soil amendments, or offer for sale, sell, barter or otherwise supply plant or soil amendments in this State. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

5. Distributor. "Distributor" means any person who distributes. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

6. Ingredient form. "Ingredient form" means the chemical compound such as salt, chelate, oxide, acid, etc., of an ingredient or the physical form of an ingredient. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

7. Investigational allowance. "Investigational allowance" means an allowance for variations inherent in the taking, preparation, analysis or testing of an official sample of a plant or soil amendment. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

8. Label. "Label" means any written, printed or graphic matter upon the immediate container or accompanying a plant or soil amendment. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

9. Labeling. "Labeling" means any written, printed or graphic matter, upon or accompanying any plant or soil amendment, or advertisements, brochures, posters or television or radio announcements used in promoting the sale of the plant or soil amendment. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

10. Net weight. "Net weight" means the weight of amending ingredients plus other ingredients as offered for sale, exclusive of the weight of any package or container. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

11. Official sample. "Official sample" means any sample of plant or soil amendment taken by the commissioner and designated as "official" by the commissioner. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

12. Other ingredients. "Other ingredients" means any ingredients present in plant or soil amendments which are not plant-amending ingredients or soil-amending ingredients, respectively. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

13. Percent or percentage. "Percent" or "percentage" means percent or percentage by weight. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

14. Person. "Person" means individual, partnership, association, firm or corporation, municipality or quasi-municipal entity. [PL 1985, c. 10 (AMD).]

15. Plant-amending ingredients. "Plant-amending ingredients" means any substance applied to plants or seeds which is intended to improve germination, growth, yield, product quality, reproduction, flavor or other desirable characteristics of plants, except commercial fertilizers, soil amendments, agricultural liming materials, animal and vegetable manures, pesticides, plant regulators and other like materials, which may be exempted by rule. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

16. Plant amendment. "Plant amendment" means any product distributed consisting of a plant-amending ingredient and other ingredients. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

17. Registrant. "Registrant" means the person who registers plant or soil amendments under the provisions of this subchapter. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

18. Soil-amending ingredient. "Soil-amending ingredient" means any substance which is intended to improve the chemical, biological or physical characteristics of the soil, except commercial fertilizers, plant-amending ingredients, agricultural liming materials, unmanipulated animal and vegetable manures, pesticides and other like material, exempted by rule. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

19. Soil amendment. "Soil amendment" means any product distributed consisting of a soil-amending ingredient and other ingredients. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]

20. Ton. "Ton" means a net weight of 2,000 pounds avoirdupois. [PL 1979, c. 491, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 1044-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1044-A
7 §1044-A. Licensing requirements
Status: in_force

For the purpose of providing revenues to defray the expense of the inspection and analysis prescribed in this subchapter, the commissioner shall license seed labelers. The commissioner shall prescribe the license application form. License fees established under this subchapter may be collected on other than an annual basis if the license required in this section is issued in conjunction with a nursery operator's license issued under section 2171 . [PL 1999, c. 84, §2 (AMD).]

1. Retail dealer's license. [PL 1995, c. 435, §2 (RP); PL 1995, c. 435, §3 (AFF).]

2. Seed labeling license. A person, firm or corporation may not label agricultural, vegetable and tree and shrub seeds, except seed potatoes, for planting purposes for distribution or sale in this State without having obtained a seed labeling license. The seed labeling licensee is responsible for the accuracy of the seed contents of all packages, boxes and bags of seeds labeled by the licensee. The fee for a seed labeling license is $50 annually. A license may be issued for a one-year, 2-year or 3-year period. Licenses for a period in excess of one year may only be issued with the agreement of or at the request of the applicant. The fee for a 2-year license is 2 times the annual fee. The fee for a 3-year license is 3 times the annual fee. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. EEE, §2 (AMD).]

3. Disposition of fees. Fees received for licenses established under this section shall be paid to the Treasurer of State for deposit in the General Fund. [PL 1979, c. 672, Pt. A, §25 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2157 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 403 / Section 2157
7 §2157. Potato Variety Development Program
Status: in_force

1. Promotion. The Maine Potato Board shall be responsible for developing, each year, a program to promote new potato varieties. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).]

2. Breeding. The Maine Agricultural Experiment Station shall be responsible for breeding and testing of new potato varieties. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).]

3. Testing. The Maine Agricultural Experiment Station shall hire an agronomist to work with the Maine Potato Breeding Program in Presque Isle to test new potato varieties. The agronomist shall be responsible for: A. Developing the best cultural practices for new varieties; [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] B. Promoting new varieties of Maine seed potatoes to farmers in Maine and other areas; [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] C. Establishing field trials of new varieties; and [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] D. Monitoring the sales and performance of the new varieties. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).]

4. Multiplication. The Seed Potato Board shall be responsible for multiplying seedstocks of advanced selections from breeding programs. The board shall establish an isolated facility at the Porter Farm to produce a sufficient volume of pathogen-free seedstocks of advanced selections from breeding programs, in order to: A. Provide extensive and rigorous pathogen testing on the seedstocks introduced, cultured and multiplied in the facility; [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] B. Establish systematic production of pathogen-free seedstocks by meristem culture after heat therapy to free the stocks of any infectious viruses; and [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] C. Provide limited increase of the pathogen-free seedstocks in the field to produce quality seed potatoes for further evaluation by breeders and growers. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).]

5. Challenge grants. The commissioner shall establish a challenge grant program to help in establishing field trials for new potato varieties. Grant proposals must be approved by the commissioner after review and recommendation by the Potato Plant Breeder at the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station in Presque Isle, the director of the division of animal and plant health, the chair of the seed grower's executive council of the Maine Potato Board and the Director of the Seed Potato Board. Grants may be given to farmers outside of this State. Grants may consist of seed, and assistance in determining cultural practices, and a percentage of the farmer's production costs to be determined by the commissioner. Those receiving grants shall cooperate with the agronomist of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station in developing the best cultural practices and sharing production and marketing information. [PL 2011, c. 420, Pt. A, §6 (AMD).]

6. Reporting. The agronomist of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station shall monitor the sales and performance of new potato varieties and shall report annually to the commissioner and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture. The report shall summarize the field trial program and address total sales of new seedstock, adoption of new varieties by the State's farmers, yields, quality and other indicators of performance. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).]

7. Potato Variety Development Fund. There is established a nonlapsing Potato Variety Development Fund. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may accept money for this fund from the Federal Government or any public or private source and make expenditures from this fund in order to carry out activities relative to the program. Any General Fund money appropriated for potato variety development shall be deposited into the Potato Variety Development Fund. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

8. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules, according to the requirements of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , for the interpretation and implementation of this section. [PL 1987, c. 813, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 741 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 741
7 §741. Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known as the "Maine Commercial Fertilizer Law".
7 M.R.S. § 3961-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 9 / Chapter 729 / Section 3961-A
7 §3961-A. Attack on service animal or assistance animal
Status: in_force

A person who owns or keeps a dog that attacks, injures or kills a service animal or assistance animal while the service animal or assistance animal is in discharge of its duties commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not more than $1,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2015, c. 457, §6 (AMD).]

When a person is adjudicated of a violation of this section, the court shall order the person to make restitution to the owner of the service animal or assistance animal for any veterinary bills and necessary retraining costs or replacement costs of the service animal or assistance animal if it is disabled or killed. [PL 2015, c. 457, §6 (AMD).]

For the purposes of this section, "service animal" has the same meaning as set forth in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 9‑E . For the purposes of this section, "assistance animal" has the same meaning as set forth in Title 5, section 4553, subsection 1‑H . [PL 2015, c. 457, §6 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 521 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 521
7 §521. Short title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known and be cited as the "Maine Fair Packaging and Labeling Act." [PL 1969, c. 325 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 125 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 125
7 §125. Board of Agriculture
Status: in_force

1. Establishment; duties. The Board of Agriculture, referred to in this section as the "board," as established in Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 4‑A , is created within the University of Maine System. The board shall advise the Chancellor of the University of Maine System and the President of the University of Maine at Orono on matters concerning the operation and management of agricultural research conducted by the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station and university farm-based programs, including those of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service. The board's duties are limited to advising the chancellor and the president on research and programs relating to agriculture. The board does not advise the Director of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station or have a role in the operation of research and programs within the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station that relate to forestry, wildlife, or fisheries and aquaculture. The board shall assist the chancellor and the president in articulating the mission of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station as it pertains to agriculture. The director, with the agreement of the board, shall develop a budget for the station. The board and the director shall seek agreement on all issues. In the event that agreement can not be reached, final authority rests with the director. The board may not interfere with funding and grants for commodity research programs brought to the University of Maine System directly or through the efforts of commodity groups. The board shall respect the expertise of the various commodity groups and shall maintain the integrity of the research being recommended and reviewed by specific commodity groups. The board shall assist in the coordination of activities with commodity groups interested in or supporting agricultural research. The board shall consult with the following agricultural commodity advisory committees on agricultural research and extension priorities: A. The University of Maine System Wild Blueberry Advisory Committee; and [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] B. The Maine Potato Board Research and Product Development Committee. [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).]

2. Membership. The board consists of the following 20 members: A. A designee of the President of the University of Maine at Orono; [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] B. A designee of the Chancellor of the University of Maine System; [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] C. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the commissioner's designee; [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).] D. The president of a statewide farm bureau or the president's designee; [PL 2009, c. 393, §1 (AMD).] E. The president of a statewide agricultural council or the president's designee; [PL 2009, c. 393, §1 (AMD).] F. Eight members representing the agricultural industry, one person designated by each of the following: (1) The Maine Potato Board; (2) The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine; (3) A statewide pomological society; (4) A statewide vegetable and small fruit growers association; (5) A statewide dairy industry association; (6) A statewide landscape and nursery association; (7) A statewide florist and growers association; and (8) A statewide organic farmers and gardeners association; [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] G. Two members of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House; [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] H. One farmer with livestock experience in an area other than dairy farming, chosen from a list of 3 nominees submitted by a statewide beef and sheep producers association, appointed by the Governor; [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).] I. Two research faculty members associated with agricultural research at the University of Maine at Orono, appointed by the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System; [PL 2009, c. 393, §1 (AMD).] J. The Director of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service; and [PL 2009, c. 393, §1 (AMD).] K. One member representing the aquaculture industry designated by a statewide aquaculture industry association. [PL 2009, c. 393, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 393, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]

3. Terms. Each member serves a term of 5 years, except that the terms of legislative members expire the first Wednesday in December of even-numbered years. Vacancies must be filled by the appointing authority to complete the term of the preceding appointee. [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).]

4. Chair; secretary. The board shall select annually one of its members to serve as chair. The Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station shall serve as secretary to the board but the director is not a member of the board and has no vote. [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).]

5. Compensation. The board members are entitled to legislative per diem compensation for attendance at board meetings in accordance with Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).]

6. Report. The Board of Agriculture shall report at least annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters and to the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System. The report must include an accounting of meetings and actions of the Board of Agriculture, including agreements entered into, status of demonstration projects, research findings, informational activities and an evaluation of the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service programs, with recommendations regarding changes or improvements in the programs and the budget. The Board of Agriculture shall submit annually to the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System proposals for additional funding for capital building projects at the research farms. [PL 1997, c. 711, §5 (NEW).]

7. Long-range plan. By January 15, 2000, the board shall establish a long-range plan for operation of the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service programs that includes but is not limited to plans for each of the research farms, joint appointments for experiment station and extension faculty, better utilization of research farms and objectives for research for each agricultural commodity in the State. The plan developed by the board does not include operations, research and programs relating to forestry, wildlife, aquaculture and fisheries. [PL 1999, c. 72, §1 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 953 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 953
7 §953. False or misleading potato branding or labeling
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 952 , it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association, organization or corporation to expose for sale or sell at full sale or retail, to ship, deliver or consign, or have in possession potatoes prepared for market in containers which bear any statements, design or device regarding such potatoes which shall be false or misleading, in any particular, or potatoes packed in such manner that the face or shown surface is not an average of the contents of the package, or potatoes that fail to meet the grade requirements established and promulgated by the commissioner or potatoes that are accompanied by a bill of lading false or misleading in any particular. When a violation of this section occurs, it is deemed to have taken place at the point where such violation first became evident to the commissioner or his duly authorized representative. [PL 1981, c. 513, §5 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 1091-A — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1091-A
7 §1091-A. Dues and fair share fees
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Association" has the same meaning as in Title 13, section 1774, subsection 3 . [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).] B. "Fair share fee" means a fee deducted by a dealer or processor from a producer who is not an association member. [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).]

2. Association dues. When a member of an association makes a written assignment of dues to that association, those dues must be paid out of funds due or to become due to that member for any farm product produced or to be produced by that member or for any services performed or to be performed by that member in the production of farm products. A person who accepts or receives the product or services from the member is bound by that assignment after receiving written notice from the association or from the member, and that person shall withhold the assigned dues from amounts payable by that person to the member thereafter during the period of the assessment. [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).]

3. Fair share fees for contracts entered into after the association agreement. A nonmember producer who supplies farm products to a dealer or processor subject to collective bargaining and who enters into a preseason contract with the dealer or processor after the association has signed an agreement with that dealer or processor must be assessed a fair share fee equal to 50% of the amount charged to association members as dues. The dealer or processor shall withhold the fair share from the nonmember in the same manner as member dues are withheld. The nonmember shall make a written assignment directing the dealer or processor to have the fair share fee: A. Remitted to the association and used to defray the costs incurred by the association as the recognized collective bargaining unit in fulfilling its duty to represent producers in their relations with the dealer or processor; or [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).] B. Deposited in a fund established by the dealer or processor for awarding educational scholarships to contributing nonmembers and association producers. [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).]

4. Fair share fees for contracts entered into before the association agreement. Except as provided in subsection 5 , a dealer or processor subject to collective bargaining may not assess or withhold a fair share fee from a nonmember producer who enters into a preseason contract to supply farm products to that dealer or processor before the association has signed an agreement with that dealer or processor unless the nonmember producer directs the processor or dealer to do so in accordance with this subsection. A nonmember producer may make a written assignment directing the dealer or processor to withhold a fair share fee equal to 50% of the amount charged to association members as dues for deposit in a fund established by the dealer or processor for awarding educational scholarships to contributing nonmembers and association producers. [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).]

5. Changes in nonmember contract. The dealer or processor shall withhold a fair share fee from a nonmember in accordance with subsection 3 when: A. The nonmember entered into a preseason contract to supply farm products to a dealer or processor before the association signed an agreement with that dealer or processor; and [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).] B. The nonmember consents to a change or changes in that nonmember's contract after the association has signed an agreement with that dealer or processor and the change or changes provide an increase in contract value. [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 329, §2 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 715 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 715
7 §715. Labeling
Status: in_force

A commercial feed shall be labeled as follows: [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).]

1. Commercial feed. In case of a commercial feed, except a customer-formula feed, it shall be accompanied by a label bearing the following information: A. The net weight; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] B. The product name and the brand name, if any, under which the commercial feed is distributed; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] C. The guaranteed analysis stated in such terms as the commissioner by regulation determines is required to advise the user of the composition of the feed or to support claims made in the labeling. In all cases the substances or elements must be determinable by laboratory methods such as the methods published by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] D. The common or usual name of each ingredient used in the manufacture of the commercial feed: The commissioner by regulation may permit the use of a collective term for a group of ingredients that perform a similar function, or the commissioner may exempt such commercial feeds or any group thereof, from this requirement of an ingredient statement, if the commissioner finds that such statement is not required in the interest of consumers; [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §95 (COR).] E. The name and principal mailing address of the manufacturer or the person responsible for distributing the commercial feed; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] F. Adequate directions for use for all commercial feeds containing drugs and for such other feeds as the commissioner may require by regulation as necessary for their safe and effective use; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] G. Such precautionary statements as the commissioner by regulation determines are necessary for the safe and effective use of the commercial feed. [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §95 (COR).]

2. Customer-formula feed. In the case of a customer-formula feed, it shall be accompanied by a label, invoice, delivery slip or other shipping document, bearing the following information: A. Net weight; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] B. Name and address of the manufacturer; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] C. Name and address of the purchaser; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] D. Date of delivery; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] E. The product name and brand name, if any, and the net weight of each registered commercial feed used in the mixture, and the net weight of each other ingredient used; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] F. Adequate directions for use for all customer-formula feeds containing drugs and for such other feeds as the commissioner may require by regulation as necessary for their safe and effective use; [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] G. Such precautionary statements as the commissioner by regulation determines are necessary for the safe and effective use of the customer-formula feed. [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1971, c. 77, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 527 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 527
7 §527. Promulgation of regulations
Status: repealed

The authority to promulgate regulations for the enforcement of this subchapter is vested in the State Sealer of Weights and Measures. Regulations shall be adopted in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. The regulation or regulations so promulgated shall become effective on a date fixed by the sealer which date shall not be prior to 30 days after filing with the Secretary of State. Such promulgation may be amended or repealed in the same manner as is provided for its adoption, except in the case of emergency rulemaking rules shall become effective as provided in the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. In the promulgation of regulations, the sealer shall, in the interest of promoting uniformity, give consideration to regulations promulgated under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of November 3, 1966, Public Law 89-755. The sealer, among other things, may give consideration to: [PL 1977, c. 694, §51 (AMD).]

1. Exemptions. Exempting a particular commodity because of nature, form or quantity or for other good and sufficient reason making it impracticable or not necessary for adequate protection of consumers; [PL 1969, c. 325 (NEW).]

2. Standards. Establishing and defining standards for characterization of the size of a package enclosing a consumer commodity which may be used to supplement the label statement of net quantity of contents of packages containing such commodity; [PL 1969, c. 325 (NEW).]

3. Printed matter. The placement upon any package containing any commodity or upon any label printed matter stating or representing by implication that such commodity is offered for retail sale at a price lower than ordinary and customary retail price or that a retail sale price is accorded purchasers thereof by reason of size of the package or quantity of its contents; [PL 1969, c. 325 (NEW).]

4. Usual name. Requiring that the label on each package of a consumer commodity bear the common or usual name of such commodity and in the case such commodity consists of 2 or more ingredients, the common or usual name of each ingredient listed in decreasing predominance. [PL 1969, c. 325 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 605 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 605
7 §605. Misbranded
Status: in_force

The term "misbranded": [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).]

1. False, misleading or inconspicuous labeling. As applied to any pesticide subject to this subchapter means that: A. Its labeling bears any statement, design or graphic representation relative to the pesticide or to its ingredients that is false or misleading in any particular; [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] B. It is an imitation of or is distributed under the name of another pesticide; or [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] C. Any word, statement or other information required to appear on the label or labeling is not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness, as compared with other words, statements, designs or graphic matter, in the labeling and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use; or [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).]

2. Lack of certain information. As applied to any pesticide means that: A. The labeling does not contain a statement of the use classification under which the product is registered; [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] B. The labeling accompanying it does not contain directions for use that are necessary for effecting the purpose for which the product is intended and that, if complied with, together with any requirements imposed under FIFRA, Section 3(d), are adequate to protect health and the environment; [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] B-1. The label does not contain a warning or caution statement that may be necessary and that, if complied with, together with any requirements imposed under FIFRA, Section 3(d), would be adequate to protect the health and environment; [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (NEW).] B-2. The label does not bear an ingredient statement on that part of the immediate container, and on the outside container and wrapper of the retail package, if there is one, through which the ingredient statement on the immediate container cannot be clearly read, which is presented or displayed under customary conditions of purchase. The pesticide is not misbranded if the ingredient statement appears prominently on another part of the container as permitted pursuant to FIFRA, Section 2(q)(2)(A) if the size or form of the container makes it impracticable to place it on the part of the retail package that is presented or displayed under customary conditions of purchase; [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (NEW).] C. There is not affixed to its container, and to the outside container or wrapper of the retail package, if there is one, through which the required information on the immediate container cannot be clearly read, a label bearing: (1) The name, brand or trademark under which the pesticide is sold; (4) The net weight or measure of the content; (5) The name and address of the manufacturer, registrant or person for whom manufactured; and (6) The EPA registration number assigned to each establishment in which it was produced and the EPA registration number assigned to the pesticide, if required by regulations under FIFRA; [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] D. The pesticide contains any substance or substances in quantities highly toxic to human beings unless the label bears, in addition to other label requirements: (1) The skull and crossbones; (2) The word "POISON" in red prominently displayed on a background of distinctly contrasting color; and (3) A statement of a practical treatment, including first aid or otherwise, in case of poisoning by the pesticide; or [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] E. The pesticide container does not bear a registered label or the label does not contain all the information required by this subchapter or the rules adopted under this subchapter. [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 620, §4 (AMD).]
7-A M.R.S. § 204 — ME Code / Title 7-A / Subtitle 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 204
7-A §204. Powers and duties of commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner has all of the powers and duties necessary to carry out the mission and responsibilities of the department. The commissioner has the power to distribute the functions and duties given to the commissioner under this Title, Title 7 and Title 12 among the various bureaus of the department so as to integrate the work properly and to promote the most economical and efficient administration of the department. Powers and duties given to the commissioner or the department in this Title, Title 7 or Title 12 must be assumed and carried out by the bureaus that the commissioner designates and may in turn be delegated to subordinates by bureau directors with the approval of the commissioner. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §13 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

1. Administration. The commissioner shall administer the department in accordance with the requirements of this Title and shall fulfill the duties prescribed to the commissioner by state and federal law. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. V, §1 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

2. Rulemaking. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this Title. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules, as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A , unless otherwise specified. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. V, §1 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

3. Employees. The commissioner may employ personnel as necessary to carry out the work of the department. Except as otherwise provided by law, all personnel of the department are under the immediate supervision, direction and control of the commissioner. Department personnel are subject to the Civil Service Law, except for positions subject to appointment by the commissioner under subsection 4 and as otherwise specified. [PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. V, §1 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]

4. Appointments. The deputy commissioner and bureau directors of the department are appointed by the commissioner and serve at the pleasure of the commissioner, except as otherwise provided by law. The deputy commissioner and bureau directors appointed pursuant to this Title must have educational qualifications and professional experience directly related to the functions of and services provided by the relevant unit or bureau. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §14 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §17 (AFF).]
7 M.R.S. § 3155 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 7 / Chapter 611 / Section 3155
7 §3155. Penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who fails to furnish reports required by the commissioner pursuant to section 3154 in a timely fashion shall be subject to the following civil penalties, to be collected by the commissioner in a civil action: [PL 1983, c. 816, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).]

1. First violation. For the first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $100; and [PL 1983, c. 573, §4 (NEW).]

2. Subsequent violation. For each subsequent violation within one year of the first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $500. [PL 1983, c. 573, §4 (NEW).]

Persons who violate any other rules promulgated under this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $100 to be collected by the commissioner in a civil action. All penalties collected by the commissioner shall be paid to the Treasurer of State for deposit to the General Fund. In addition to other available remedies, the commissioner may bring a civil action to collect any amounts owed to the Maine Milk Pool under this chapter. [PL 1987, c. 447, §11 (AMD).]
7 M.R.S. § 763 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 763
7 §763. Labeling
Status: in_force

1. Contents of label. Agricultural liming materials distributed in the State shall have affixed to each package in a conspicuous manner on the outside of the package, a plainly printed, stamped or otherwise marked label, tag or statement or, in the case of bulk sales, a delivery slip setting forth at least the following information: A. The name and principal office address of the manufacturer or distributor; [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).] B. The brand or trade name of the material; [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).] C. The identification of the type of agricultural liming material according to section 762 ; [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).] D. The net weight of the agricultural liming material; [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).] E. A statement expressing minimum total neutralizing value stated as calcium carbonate equivalence and the minimum calcium carbonate equivalence derived from magnesium sources; and [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).] F. The minimum percent of the agricultural liming material by weight passing through federal standard sieves as prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).]

2. False or misleading information prohibited. No information or statement may appear on any package, label, delivery slip or advertising matter which is false or misleading relative to the quality, analysis, type or composition of the agricultural liming material. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).]

3. Adulterated material. In the case of any material which has been adulterated subsequent to packaging, labeling or loading and before delivery to the consumer, a plainly marked notice to that effect shall be affixed by the vendor to the package or delivery slip to identify the kind and degree of the adulteration. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).]

4. Posting of statement. At every site from which agricultural liming materials are delivered in bulk and at every place where consumer orders for bulk deliveries are placed, there shall be conspicuously posted a copy of the label required by this section for each brand and type of agricultural liming material sold in bulk. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§1, 3 (NEW).]

5. Rule concerning calcium and magnesium content. When the commissioner finds, after a public hearing held in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375 , that the requirement for expressing the calcium and magnesium in elemental form will not impose an economic hardship on distributors and users of agricultural liming materials by reason of conflicting labeling requirements among the states, the commissioner may require that the minimum percentage of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate be expressed in the following form: Total calcium (Ca) .................... percent Total magnesium (Mg)................... percent The effective date of the rule may be not less than 6 months following the issuance of the rule and, for a period of 2 years following the effective date of the rule, the equivalent of calcium and magnesium may also be shown in the form of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §104 (COR).]
7 M.R.S. § 894 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 894
7 §894. Labeling containers
Status: in_force

Any person, partnership, association, firm or corporation shall not sell or offer for sale in any place, or serve in any hotel, restaurant or other public eating place any maple sugar, maple confection or candy or maple syrup or any product labeled or represented as such that is in any way combined, interfused or diluted with cane or other sugars or any substance without distinctly marking, stamping or labeling the article or the package containing the same or the advertisement of or menu statement thereof with an accurate and descriptive name of such article and in the case of maple sugar and maple syrup, the percentage in which maple sugar or maple syrup enters into its composition. In case of maple confection or candy a list of the ingredients thereof shall be listed in the order of their volume. The word "maple", "mapled", "mapleing" and words of similar import, except as printed in the percentage statement shall not appear in any manner on the said article in which a product of maple sap is so combined, interfused or diluted, unless the word "blend" appears immediately before, after, above or below said word or words of similar import in equal prominence with the word "maple" or similar term, or unless the term "maple flavored" appears in similar fashion on the label. [PL 1967, c. 104 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 221 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 1 / Chapter 8-B / Section 221
7 §221. Establishment of Maine Agricultural Internship and Training Program
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall establish a Maine Agricultural Internship and Training Program. [PL 1987, c. 520 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 2311 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 5 / Chapter 410 / Section 2311
7 §2311. Pest Control Compact
Status: in_force

The Pest Control Compact is enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining the compact in the form substantially as provided in this chapter. [PL 2005, c. 147, §1 (NEW).]
7 M.R.S. § 767 — ME Code / Title 7 / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 767
7 §767. Inspection; sampling; analysis
Status: in_force

1. Commissioner shall inspect, analyze, test. The commissioner, or the commissioner's authorized agent, shall sample, inspect, analyze and test the agricultural liming materials distributed within this State to determine whether the agricultural liming materials are in compliance with this subchapter. The commissioner, individually or through the commissioner's agent, may enter upon any public or private premises or carriers during regular business hours in order to have access to agricultural liming materials subject to this subchapter and rules adopted under this subchapter and to the records relating to their distribution. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §105 (COR).]

2. Methods of analysis and sampling. The methods of analysis and sampling shall be those approved by the commissioner and shall be guided by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists procedures. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§ 1, 3 (NEW).]

3. Adulterated or misbranded materials. When the inspection and analysis of an official sample indicate an agricultural liming material has been adulterated or misbranded, the results of analysis shall be forwarded by the commissioner to the registrant and to the distributor of the sample. If the registrant or distributor, within 30 days of notification, requests a portion of the test sample then the commissioner shall furnish, within 30 days of this request, a portion of the sample to the registrant or distributor who made the request. [PL 1987, c. 425, §§ 1, 3 (NEW).]