Bill > LD1386

This bill provides temporary relief for wild blueberry sellers in Maine by suspending their portion of the state's blueberry tax for the 2025 calendar year. Currently, a tax of 1.5 cents per pound is imposed on wild blueberries, with sellers and processors/shippers each paying half. Under this legislation, sellers of blueberries harvested in Maine will be exempt from paying their usual 0.75 cents per pound tax in 2025, meaning processors and shippers will now be solely responsible for the 0.75 cents per pound tax on Maine-harvested blueberries. Processors and shippers will continue to be responsible for collecting and paying the full 1.5 cents per pound tax on blueberries harvested outside of Maine. The bill's preamble highlights the challenging economic conditions facing wild blueberry growers, including a 45% decline in inflation-adjusted prices over 20 years, rising farming supply costs, and increased loan interest rates. Recognizing these hardships, the legislature has deemed this tax relief an emergency measure necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon approval.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1386&snum=132