An Act To Increase Consumption of Maine Foods in All State Institutions
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §213, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
3. Implementation schedule. The following percentages of foodstuffs purchased by a state or school purchaser must come directly from Maine food producers or food brokers who assist in the distribution of foodstuffs produced or harvested by Maine food producers according to the following schedule:
A. From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2023, at least 15%;
B. From January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2033, at least 25%; and
C. Beginning January 1, 2034, at least 35%.
SUMMARY
Current law requires state and school purchasers to buy meat, fish, dairy products, excluding milk and eggs, and species of fruits and fresh vegetables directly from Maine food producers or from food brokers. This bill establishes a minimum percentage of Maine foodstuffs that must be purchased, requiring at least 15% for the 10 years beginning January 1, 2014, at least 25% for the next 10 years and at least 35% beginning in 2034.