Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §950, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:

2-A.__Maine Potato Board.__"Maine Potato Board" means the Maine Potato Board as established in Title 36, section 4603.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §971, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 513, §7, is amended to read:

§971. Purpose

The Legislature finds that agriculture, particularly the production and marketing of potatoes, is a significant and unique component of the economy of the State and is the single most important component of the economy of northern Maine. The Legislature further finds that the potato industry in Maine is in serious decline and, that unless major changes in the existing infrastructure, packing, storing and marketing systems are accomplished, the industry will not remain viable. The Legislature intends through this Article and Article 4 to stimulate the improvement of the potato industry. The Legislature finds that a strengthened potato industry will benefit the entire economy and promote improvement and stabilization in the use of our agricultural resources for the benefit of the people of this State. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide the statutory framework and initial funding to begin and expand programs for improved marketing systems, including modernization, construction and operation of storage and centralized packing facilities for potatoes, and to expand and develop infrastructure.

Sec. 3. 7 MRSA §972, as amended by PL 2001, c. 125, §1, is further amended to read:

§972. Potato Marketing Improvement Committee

There is established an advisory committee, as authorized by Title 5, section 12004-H, subsection 10, of 10 members to be known as the Potato Marketing Improvement Committee. The Potato Marketing Improvement Committee shall advise the commissioner Maine Potato Board on the development and implementation of improved potato marketing systems, including the modernization, construction and operation of storage and central packing facilities, and the expansion and development of infrastructure. The Potato Marketing Improvement Committee shall also advise the commissioner Maine Potato Board concerning the funding and expenditures of the Potato Marketing Improvement Fund created pursuant to Title 10, section 1023-N. The commissioner Maine Potato Board shall appoint one member representing the University of Maine System, one member representing the Farmers Home