Bill > LD2256

This bill exempts sellers of blueberries harvested in the State of Maine from the wild blueberry tax for the 2024 calendar year. This will result in a tax of 0.75 cents per pound on processors and shippers for blueberries harvested in the State, while processors and shippers continue to be responsible for collecting and paying the full 1.5 cents per pound tax on blueberries harvested outside the State. This emergency legislation is intended to provide immediate financial assistance to the State's struggling wild blueberry industry, which has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, including declining market prices, rising input costs, and higher interest rates.