127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1376		LR 230(02)
	An Act To Establish a Local Food Producers and Processors to Consumers Pilot Program
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2015-16	FY 2016-17	Projections  FY 2017-18	Projections  FY 2018-19
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$38,602	$48,920	$50,441	$52,022
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$38,602	$48,920	$50,441	$52,022
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$120	$160	$160	$160
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The bill establishes the Local Food Producers and Processers to Consumers Pilot Program to facilitate the sale of local foods by producers and processors directly to consumers. The pilot program will take place in the towns of Blue Hill, Brooksville, Penobscot, Sedgwick and Brooklin. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF), upon request of eligible producers and processors, to encourage best management practices for food safety, identify certain educational opportunities, make visits to producer and processor operations and assist and advise local food policy councils. This bill includes General Fund appropriations of $38,602 and $48,920 in fiscal year 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively, to establish a new part-time Consumer Protection Inspector to assist in the pilot program. This pilot program will end on March 31, 2022. Any additional revenue loss to ACF from issuing fewer licenses is expected to be minor.