Resolve, To Study Maine's Agricultural Creative Economy Sector
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0876
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Sponsors: PIEH, NUTTING, GIFFORD, HOLMAN, PERCY, PIOITI, SMITH, RA YE, SHERMAN

Legislative Document 
No. 876 
H.P.666 
House of Representatives, February 27, 2007 
Resolve, To Study Maine's Agricultural Creative Economy Sector 
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and 
ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative PIEH of Bremen. 
Cosponsored by Senator NUTTING of Androscoggin and 
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117.11/ttc~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CRA Y of Palmyra, GIFFORD of Lincoln, HOLMAN of Fayette, PERCY of 
Phippsburg, PIOITI of Unity, SMITH of Monmouth, Senators: RA YE of Washington, 
SHERMAN of Aroostook. 
Printed 011 recyded paper 
Sec. 1. DepartmcBB to study the creative, rural agricultural value-added 
sector of the State's eCOllomy. Resolved: That the Department of Agriculture, Food 
and Rural Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, Department of 
Economic and Community Development and Department of Conservation, shall 
undertake a study of the creative, rural agricultural value-added sector of the State's 
economy. The study must include consideration of: 
1. The economic impact of farmers in the State expanding their businesses and 
diversifying their products to meet local demand for locally grown produce, meats, 
artisan and specialty food products, the use of shared-use kitchens and farm-to-school 
programs; 
2. Barriers to small-scale food production that cater to the tourist trade and local 
demand; 
3. 
Creation of a cabinet-level advisory board compnsmg representatives of the 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Department of Labor, Department 
of Economic and Community Development and Department of Conservation to develop 
long-term strategies in agriculture and agricultural value-added businesses in all aspects 
of economic development; 
4. Creation of positions in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources 
to develop and nurture the agricultural creative economy, including veterinarians, dairy 
inspectors, meat inspectors, livestock marketing specialists, home and small food 
processing specialists, advisors on new trends such as shared-use kitchens and farm-to-
school programs and agricultural and business liaison specialists; and 
5. Funding for the marketing of agricultural and food products from the State, a food 
policy council, a revolving loan program and training in cooperation with the University 
of Maine Cooperative Extension in business and food processing; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural 
Resources shall submit a report on the results of the study undertaken pursuant to section 
along with any recommended legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd 
Legislature no later than December 5, 2007. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve directs the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the 
Department of Labor, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the 
Department of Conservation to collaborate on a study of the creative, rural agricultural 
value-added sector of the State's economy. 
This resolve directs the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to 
submit the study to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature along with any 
recommended legislation no later than December 5, 2007.