Sec. 6. Rulemaking. Resolved: That the department shall by rule develop the program. Rules developed pursuant to this resolve are minor technical rules as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A. The department shall report back to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature by January 15, 2002 on the development of the program and any necessary implementing or sustaining legislation.

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to develop and implement the Maine Cattle Health Assurance Program. The components of the program are:

1. The development of best management practices that promote dairy and beef farm profitability, animal health and food product safety and environmental quality;

2. An on-site assessment program that aids dairy and beef producers by suggesting ways of improving the health of their herds and protecting against disease and liability for environmental damage;

3. Annual inspection and certification of those farms that choose to participate in the program and successfully implement the best management practices as suggested by the department; and

4. A nonlapsing fund to receive public and private funding for the benefit of the program.

The department is directed to develop the program through rulemaking and to report back to the Legislature on the progress in implementing the program. The department is also required to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Dairy Quality Management Alliance for the purpose of obtaining expertise from other states in New England and other mid-Atlantic region states.