Resolve, Directing the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry To Conduct a Feasibility Study on Locating a Grain Processing Facility in Aroostook County
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 0495
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Sponsors: JACKSON, HICKMAN, BLACK, CARPENTER, DILL, GUERIN, MARTIN, STEWART

Legislative Document
No. 495
S.P. 160
In Senate, January 31, 2019
Resolve, Directing the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation 
and Forestry To Conduct a Feasibility Study on Locating a Grain 
Processing Facility in Aroostook County
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and 
ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by President JACKSON of Aroostook.
Cosponsored by Representative HICKMAN of Winthrop and
Senators: BLACK of Franklin, CARPENTER of Aroostook, DILL of Penobscot, GUERIN of 
Penobscot, Representatives: MARTIN of Eagle Lake, MARTIN of Sinclair, McCREA of Fort 
Fairfield, STEWART of Presque Isle.
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, farmers in Aroostook County rotate their potato crops with grain crops in 
sequential seasons in order to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil and 
increase soil fertility and crop yield; and
Whereas, due to the scarcity of grain processing facilities in the region, the grain 
that is grown for the purposes of soil enrichment is wasted; and
Whereas, the location of a grain processing facility in Aroostook County would 
provide local dairy farmers with an economical, local supply of grain, and benefit the 
grain farmers by providing a local market for the grain; and
Whereas, the feasibility study required by this legislation must be initiated before 
the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and the report 
submitted in time for submission to the next legislative session; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it
Sec. 1.  Feasibility study. Resolved:  That the Commissioner of Agriculture, 
Conservation and Forestry shall conduct a study on the feasibility of locating a grain 
processing facility in Aroostook County.
Sec. 2.  Findings and recommendations. Resolved:  That the Commissioner of 
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall present the study findings and 
recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and 
Forestry no later than December 4, 2019. The joint standing committee may submit a bill 
relating to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 129th 
Legislature.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve directs the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to 
conduct a study on the feasibility of locating a grain processing facility in Aroostook 
County. The resolve directs the commissioner to present the study findings and 
recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and 
Forestry no later than December 4, 2019, and authorizes the joint standing committee to 
submit a bill relating to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of 
the 129th Legislature.