Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §6209, sub-§7 is enacted to read:

7. Discount on certain leases.__When farmland acquired pursuant to this chapter is leased, the state agency or cooperating entity acting as the lessor in the lease agreement shall determine the fair market value of the lease. The state agency or cooperating entity acting as the lessor shall discount the lease fee by 50% when the lessee obtains organic certification from an organization accredited as a certifying agent by the National Organic Program within the United States Department of Agriculture for products grown on the land.__The lessee may apply for reimbursement equal to the amount of the discount for the 3-year period immediately preceding the organic certification. The discounted rate applies as long as the lessee maintains organic certification for products grown on the land.

SUMMARY

This bill provides for a discounted lease fee for farmland acquired under the Land for Maine's Future program and leased for agricultural production when the lessee attains organic certification.