Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this resolve establishes the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry to develop recommendations for strengthening the branding of Maine maple sugar products, creating value-added jobs in the natural resources sector and expanding export markets for Maine maple sugar products; and

Whereas,  the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the initial phase of the study may be completed and an interim 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. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 11 members appointed as follows:

1. Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including a member from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;

2. Four members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature; and

3. Five members appointed by the Governor with at least one member representing each of the following:

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of commission. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. After appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission in accordance with section 7. If 30 days or more after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, the chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the commission to meet and conduct its business; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall examine with reference to the Maine maple sugar industry:

1. The potential for expanding both the harvesting and processing of maple sap for sugar;

2. Obstacles to expanded production;

3. Opportunities for enhancing a Maine maple brand;

4. The potential for expanding value-added processing and the economic impact of expansion;

5. The potential for expanding export marketing and the economic impact of expansion;

6. Structures or network associations that could increase sustainable production;

7. Potential competitive or collaborative opportunities with North America's largest producer, Quebec, Canada; and

8. Investments or actions that could be taken by the State that would produce a tangible economic return.

In conducting its examination, the commission shall review models that have been successfully employed to promote other Maine food product industries, including marine products and agricultural products such as potatoes and blueberries; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Meetings. Resolved: That the commission may meet only when the Legislature is not in regular or special session; and be it further

Sec. 8. Agency cooperation. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the Commissioner of Conservation and the Chief Executive Officer of the Finance Authority of Maine shall each designate a representative from their respective agencies to serve as a resource to the commission, respond to information requests and attend commission meetings; and be it further

Sec. 9. Interim report. Resolved: That, no later than December 7, 2011, the commission shall submit an interim report that includes a summary of its discussions and its findings and an outline of the commission's work plan for the next interim to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters; and be it further

Sec. 10. Final report. Resolved: That, no later than November 7, 2012, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agricultural matters in the First Regular Session of the 126th Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 11. Outside funding. Resolved: That the commission shall seek funding contributions to fully fund the costs of the study. All funding is subject to approval by the Legislative Council in accordance with its policies. If sufficient contributions to fund the study have not been received within 30 days after the effective date of this resolve, no meetings are authorized and no expenses of any kind may be incurred or reimbursed.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Commission To Study the Promotion and Expansion of the Maine Maple Sugar Industry to examine enhancing the branding of Maine maple sugar products, the use of the maple resource, increasing value-added jobs and promoting export markets. The Legislative Council is directed to provide staffing services to the commission.

The commission is required to provide an interim report no later than December 7, 2011 and a final report by November 7, 2012.