130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 437		LR 1314(02)
	An Act To Establish the Maine Healthy Soils Program
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2021-22	FY 2022-23	Projections  FY 2023-24	Projections  FY 2024-25
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$500	$500	$500	$500
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill establishes the Maine Healthy Soils program within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) to promote and expand the use of healthy soils and best practices among farmers and farmland owners. It requires the ACF to consult with the Department of Environmental Protection and cooperate with the University of Maine, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, state and soil conservation districts and the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, in the development and administration of the program.
	The ACF has indicated that it will not require additional staffing at this time. The bill includes ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds allocations of $500 starting in fiscal year 2021-22 to establish the Maine Healthy Soils Fund to allow acceptance of grants, bequests, gifts or contributions to support the program from any source, public or private.  Any additional costs to the other state agencies referenced in this bill as a result of cooperation or consultation with the ACF are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.