The Legislature finds that the potato industry has a substantial and unique effect on the economy of the entire State and Aroostook County in particular. Large numbers of the people in the State are directly or indirectly dependent on the industry. Over the years the industry has experienced wide fluctuations in prices and quality of product. Such fluctuations have caused commensurate instability in the economy of a large portion of the State. To a great extent the well-being of the industry is dependent upon those persons engaged in the marketing of the potatoes and rotation crops grown by others and the manner in which their services are performed. The entire manner of marketing potatoes and rotation crops is unique and requires special consideration.   [PL 1997, c. 606, §1 (AMD).]

The Legislature intends through this legislation to exercise the police power of the State in order to protect and promote the general welfare of the potato industry and the people of the State and maintain and encourage fair and equitable practices in the handling, sale and storage of potatoes and rotation crops. Such stabilization of the potato industry will have the beneficial effect of improving the economy of the entire State.   [PL 1997, c. 606, §1 (AMD).]