Bill > LD1528

This bill establishes a new nonlapsing, interest-bearing account within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to support the Maine Working Farmland Access and Protection Program. The account will be funded through legislative appropriations and contributions from private and public sources, with the goal of supporting public-private partnerships for farmland conservation. The bill also transfers $1,000,000 from the General Fund's unappropriated surplus to this program, and creates one new full-time Resource Management Coordinator position to help manage farmland conservation efforts. The funding and position are designed to support the department's initiative to protect and maintain agricultural lands, with specific budget allocations for personal services, administrative costs, and program expenses spanning the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. This legislation aims to provide financial stability and dedicated resources for preserving farmland in Maine by creating a sustainable funding mechanism and adding professional staff to support conservation efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1528&snum=132