reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
7 ME Rev Stat § 283 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 8-F: MAINE FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ACT|7 §283. Statement of policy; local control and rural economic development

 §283. Statement of policy; local control and rural economic development It is the policy of this State to encourage food self-sufficiency for its citizens. The department shall support policies that:   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).]1.  Local control.  Through local control, preserve the ability of communities to produce, process, sell, purchase and consume locally produced foods;   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).] 2.  Small-scale farming and food production.  Ensure the preservation of family farms and traditional foodways through small-scale farming and food production;   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).] 3.  Improved health and well-being.  Improve the health and well-being of citizens of this State by reducing hunger and increasing food security through improved access to wholesome, nutritious foods by supporting family farms and encouraging sustainable farming and fishing;   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).] 4.  Self-reliance and personal responsibility.  Promote self-reliance and personal responsibility by ensuring the ability of individuals, families and other entities to prepare, process, advertise and sell foods directly to customers intended solely for consumption by the customers or their families; and   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).] 5.  Rural economic development.  Enhance rural economic development and the environmental and social wealth of rural communities.   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).
7 ME Rev Stat § 284 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 8-F: MAINE FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ACT|7 §284. Home rule authority

 §284. Home rule authority Pursuant to the home rule authority granted to municipalities by Title 30‑A, section 3001 and by the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, Part Second, and notwithstanding any provision of state food law to the contrary, except as contained in section 285, a municipality may adopt ordinances regarding direct producer-to-consumer transactions and the State shall recognize such ordinances by not enforcing those state food laws with respect to those direct producer-to-consumer transactions that are governed by the ordinance.   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).
7 ME Rev Stat § 285 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 8-F: MAINE FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ACT|7 §285. Departmental authority; livestock and poultry

 §285. Departmental authority; livestock and poultry Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, the department shall implement and enforce all provisions of Title 22, chapter 562‑A and the rules adopted thereunder that are necessary to ensure that the requirements of the State's meat and poultry products inspection, registration and licensing program are at least equal to the applicable requirements specified under applicable federal acts, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture or other federal agencies, without exception.   [PL 2021, c. 64, §1 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 64, §1 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 286 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 8-F: MAINE FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ACT|7 §286. Compliance with food safety regulations

 §286. Compliance with food safety regulations An individual who grows, produces, processes or prepares food or food products for purposes other than direct producer-to-consumer transactions in a municipality that adopts or amends an ordinance pursuant to section 284 shall grow, produce, process or prepare the food or food products in compliance with all applicable state and federal food safety laws, rules and regulations.   [PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).]SECTION HISTORY PL 2017, c. 314, §1 (NEW).
7 ME Rev Stat § 301 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 9: LOCAL FOOD CENTERS|7 §301. Legislative intent (REPEALED)

 §301. Legislative intent (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 532, §2 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 382, §A1 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 302 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 9: LOCAL FOOD CENTERS|7 §302. Community cooperative food centers (REPEALED)

 §302. Community cooperative food centers (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1983, c. 532, §2 (NEW). PL 1991, c. 780, §DDD21 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 382, §C3 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 305 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM|7 §305. Findings (REPEALED)

 §305. Findings (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 402, §A77 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 72, §3 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 306 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM|7 §306. Technology transfer program (REPEALED)

 §306. Technology transfer program (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 402, §A77 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 72, §4 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 307 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM|7 §307. Special projects

 §307. Special projects The commissioner may contract directly with the University of Maine System or qualified individuals, firms or organizations for market research, for testing new technologies and for research on technical problems related to the production, marketing, storage and processing of agricultural commodities.   [PL 2013, c. 64, §3 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 402, §A77 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 72, §6 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 64, §3 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 308 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM|7 §308. Special revenues

 §308. Special revenues Interest in the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, established in Title 10, section 1023‑J, and funds contributed by individuals, firms or organizations for special projects or for competitive agricultural development projects must be deposited in a dedicated account that does not lapse. Individuals, firms or organizations may specify that funds contributed to this account may be used to initiate projects affecting specific commodities.   [PL 1999, c. 72, §6 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 402, §A77 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 72, §6 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 309 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10: AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM|7 §309. Annual review

 §309. Annual review The commissioner and the Agricultural Development Committee shall, on an annual basis, review the effectiveness of the programs operated under the provisions of this chapter and provide a summary of the review to the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.   [RR 2015, c. 2, §6 (COR).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 402, §A77 (NEW). PL 1999, c. 72, §6 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 337, §9 (AMD). RR 2015, c. 2, §6 (COR).
7 ME Rev Stat § 311 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-A: THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ACT OF 1985|7 §311. Short title (REPEALED)

 §311. Short title (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 482, §2 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 424, §§1,4 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 312 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-A: THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ACT OF 1985|7 §312. Legislative findings (REPEALED)

 §312. Legislative findings (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 482, §2 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 424, §§1,4 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 313 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-A: THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ACT OF 1985|7 §313. Maine Agricultural Viability Advisory Committee (REPEALED)

 §313. Maine Agricultural Viability Advisory Committee (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 482, §2 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 424, §§1,4 (RP). PL 1989, c. 503, §§B37,B38 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 314 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-A: THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ACT OF 1985|7 §314. Establishing a program for identifying regional opportunities (REPEALED)

 §314. Establishing a program for identifying regional opportunities (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 482, §2 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 424, §§1,4 (RP). PL 1987, c. 424, §2 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 315 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-A: THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ACT OF 1985|7 §315. Implementation (REPEALED)

 §315. Implementation (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 482, §2 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 424, §§1,4 (RP). PL 1987, c. 424, §3 (RPR).
7 ME Rev Stat § 316 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-A: THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL VIABILITY ACT OF 1985|7 §316. Participation of other agencies (REPEALED)

 §316. Participation of other agencies (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 482, §2 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 779, §30 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 424, §§1,4 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 317 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-B: MAINE FARMS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM|7 §317. Maine Farms for the Future Program

 §317. Maine Farms for the Future Program The Maine Farms for the Future Program, referred to in this chapter as the "program," is created. The program is administered by the department, either directly or by contract with a suitable organization. The program provides a selected farm with assistance in developing a detailed business plan that involves changes in the farm's operation to increase the vitality of the farm and investment money to help implement the plan. Participants in the program are eligible to apply for reduced-interest loans from the Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund established under Title 10, section 1023‑J and administered under section 435. The department shall organize a review panel, referred to in this chapter as the "panel," to evaluate and approve applications for participation in the program and for investment support.   [PL 2007, c. 660, §1 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 763, §1 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 660, §1 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 318 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-B: MAINE FARMS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM|7 §318. Business plan development

 §318. Business plan development 1.  Eligibility.  An applicant must own a farm that has been producing agricultural products commercially in the State for at least 2 years at the time of application. The applicant must submit an application to the department to be eligible for participation in the program pursuant to procedures developed by the department.   [PL 2007, c. 660, §2 (AMD).] 2.  Criteria for selection.  The panel shall evaluate and approve applications that are based upon criteria developed by the department, including:   A. The degree of opportunity for increasing the vitality of the farm due to factors such as the capability of the applicant to effect positive changes in farm operations and the suitability of the land in agricultural use to sustain those changes; and   [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.   [PL 2003, c. 167, §1 (AMD).][PL 2003, c. 167, §1 (AMD).] 3.  Services package; reimbursement.  Once an applicant is selected to participate in the program, the department shall assist the selected farm in assembling a services package to develop the business plan within 18 months of the selection. These services must include:   A. Outside experts to provide services such as analyzing production practices and markets or developing financial data; and   [PL 2007, c. 660, §3 (AMD).]B. Department-approved instruction or classroom training in economics and business planning for the owner or operator of the farm.   [PL 2007, c. 660, §3 (AMD).]A services package must be approved by the department before it is implemented. The department shall pay for outside services contracted as part of an approved services package. The department may not pay more than $10,000 for outside services contracted as part of the services package to a selected farm. The department shall keep an accounting of the services provided to a selected farm as part of the services package.   [PL 2007, c. 660, §3 (AMD).] 4.  First farmland protection agreement.   [PL 2003, c. 167, §2 (RP).] 5.  Business plan requirements.  A selected farm must use a services package to develop a business plan that identifies changes in farm management practices and investments in equipment and property that would increase the vitality of the farm.   [PL 1999, c. 763, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 1999, c. 763, §1 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 167, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 660, §§2, 3 (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 320-B (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1: ADMINISTRATION|Chapter 10-C: AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND FOREST PRODUCTS|7 §320-B. Maine Agriculture, Food and Forest Products Investment Fund

 §320-B. Maine Agriculture, Food and Forest Products Investment Fund 1.  Fund established.  The Maine Agriculture, Food and Forest Products Investment Fund, referred to in this chapter as "the fund," is established and administered by the department to support public-private partnerships to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The fund consists of money appropriated to the fund or received from any other private or public source. Interest in investment of money of the fund is credited to the fund. Unexpended balances at the end of the fiscal year do not lapse but carry over into the next fiscal year. The Maine Agriculture, Food System and Forest Products Infrastructure Investment Advisory Board established in section 320‑C shall oversee and determine expenditures from the fund.   [PL 2021, c. 483, Pt. KK, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2021, c. 483, Pt. KK, §2 (NEW).
7 ME Rev Stat § 321 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-A: AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT|Chapter 9: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND SPECIAL RESEARCH PROJECTS|7 §321. Findings (REPEALED)

 §321. Findings (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 779, §31 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 402, §A78 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 322 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-A: AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT|Chapter 9: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND SPECIAL RESEARCH PROJECTS|7 §322. Technology transfer program (REPEALED)

 §322. Technology transfer program (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 779, §32 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 402, §A78 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 323 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-A: AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT|Chapter 9: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND SPECIAL RESEARCH PROJECTS|7 §323. Special projects (REPEALED)

 §323. Special projects (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 402, §A78 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 324 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-A: AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT|Chapter 9: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND SPECIAL RESEARCH PROJECTS|7 §324. Special revenues (REPEALED)

 §324. Special revenues (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 402, §A78 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 325 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-A: AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT|Chapter 9: AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND SPECIAL RESEARCH PROJECTS|7 §325. Annual review (REPEALED)

 §325. Annual review (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1985, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 402, §A78 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 331 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-B: WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: AROOSTOOK COUNTY WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM|7 §331. Legislative findings (REPEALED)

 §331. Legislative findings (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 435, §3 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 382, §A2 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 332 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-B: WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: AROOSTOOK COUNTY WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM|7 §332. Aroostook Water and Soil Management Board (REPEALED)

 §332. Aroostook Water and Soil Management Board (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 435, §3 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 503, §B39 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 502, §E32 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 497, §1 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 556, §8 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. A, §21 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 333 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-B: WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT|Chapter 11: AROOSTOOK COUNTY WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM|7 §333. Aroostook Water and Soil Management Fund (REPEALED)

 §333. Aroostook Water and Soil Management Fund (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1987, c. 435, §3 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 369, Pt. A, §21 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 351 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 1-B: WATER AND SOIL MANAGEMENT|Chapter 13: AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT AND IRRIGATION|7 §351. Agricultural Water Management and Irrigation Fund

 §351. Agricultural Water Management and Irrigation Fund 1.  Fund; established.  The Agricultural Water Management and Irrigation Fund, referred to in this chapter as "the fund," is established as a nonlapsing fund in the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The commissioner may accept money for the fund from any public or private source and make expenditures from the fund for the purpose of improving the use of irrigation in agriculture and the use of water resources in animal agriculture.   [PL 2005, c. 150, §2 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).] 2.  Administration.  The commissioner shall administer the fund.   [PL 2005, c. 150, §2 (NEW).] 3.  Rulemaking.  The commissioner shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.   [PL 2005, c. 150, §2 (NEW).] 4.  Report.  The commissioner shall submit an annual report on March 1st to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters. The report must include a summary of money available in the fund, the use of the fund and the status of agricultural irrigation in the State.   [PL 2005, c. 150, §2 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2005, c. 150, §2 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).
7 ME Rev Stat § 1090 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 105: PAYMENT OF DUES|7 §1090. Findings and purpose

 §1090. Findings and purpose The Legislature finds and declares that the agricultural industry as a whole is of significant economic and social importance to the State of Maine. The Legislature further finds and declares that the agricultural industry is subject to unique financial difficulties. Such difficulties include instability of prices, the general inflexibility of demand for farm products, rising costs to producers, dealers and processors, and the vagaries of nature.   [PL 1971, c. 428 (NEW).]Such financial difficulties have a direct effect on a significant portion of the people of the State who are not directly involved in agricultural activities or industries.   [PL 1971, c. 428 (NEW).]The Legislature further finds and declares that the relationships between agricultural producers and dealers or processors are also unique. The normal labor relationship of employer and employee does not ordinarily apply in the agricultural industry. In view of these facts, the Legislature has determined that it is in the best interests of those engaged in agriculture and agriculturally related industry, and of the people of the entire State to regulate the relationship of producers to dealers and processors by encouraging and facilitating the formation and operation of cooperative agricultural marketing associations. The Legislature in enacting this legislation intends to exercise the police power of the State to benefit the health and welfare of the agricultural industry and the people of the State.   [PL 1971, c. 544, §18-A (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1971, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1971, c. 544, §§18-A (AMD).
7 ME Rev Stat § 1091 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 105: PAYMENT OF DUES|7 §1091. Dues (REPEALED)

 §1091. Dues (REPEALED)SECTION HISTORY PL 1971, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 384, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 329, §1 (RP).
7 ME Rev Stat § 1092 (2021)
2021 Maine Revised Statutes|TITLE 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS|Part 2: MARKETING, GRADING AND LABELING|Chapter 105: PAYMENT OF DUES|7 §1092. Assignment

 §1092. Assignment No provision that is inserted in any contract or other instrument that is prepared by a dealer or processor that makes an assignment of the dues or fair share fees described in section 1091-A ineffective is valid.   [PL 2003, c. 329, §3 (AMD).]An assignment of dues or fair share fees may not exceed 1% of the total value of the product or services delivered by the member to the dealer or processor.   [PL 2003, c. 329, §3 (AMD).]SECTION HISTORY PL 1971, c. 438 (NEW). PL 1987, c. 384, §2 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 329, §3 (AMD).