An Act To Support Investment In Agriculture

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Pluecker and 1 co-sponsor

Promotes investment in Maine agriculture through incentives, marketing, and outreach to boost farms, agribusiness, and investment opportunities.

ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

#investments #marketing #outreach

Overview

Bill Number: LD 299

Title: An Act To Support Investment In Agriculture

Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Subject: Investments, Marketing, Outreach

Purpose (as indicated by title): To promote and facilitate investment in the agricultural sector, with a likely emphasis on investment, marketing, and outreach activities to support farming and agri-business in Maine.

Introduced: January 30, 2025

Status: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature (pursuant to Joint Order SP 800)

Purpose and intent

The bill appears to be designed to bolster investment in Maine agriculture, potentially by enabling financing, creating incentives, expanding marketing efforts, and improving outreach to attract investment and support for farms and agribusinesses.

The available materials do not include the bill’s full text, so specific objectives, programs, funding mechanisms, or regulatory changes are not listed in this summary.

Key provisions (substantive content not provided in the materials)

The exact statutory changes, programs, or funding authorizations are not included in the provided documents.

Based on the title and subject, the bill may address:

Investment incentives for agricultural operations or agribusinesses
Marketing and outreach initiatives to promote Maine agriculture to investors, buyers, or partners
Administrative or programmatic changes within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or associated agencies

For precise provisions (sections, definitions, eligibility criteria, funding levels, reporting requirements), the full text of LD 299 would need to be consulted.

Affected parties

Farmers and farm-related businesses seeking investment or partnerships

Investors and lenders interested in agricultural opportunities in Maine

Marketing organizations, cooperative networks, or outreach entities linked to agriculture

State agencies, particularly the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and related economic development or agricultural promotion programs

Fiscal impact

The Fiscal Note attached to the bill is labeled as preliminary with “Concept Draft – Insufficient Data.”

Fiscal Note status: Approved February 11, 2025; “Fiscal Note Required: No”

Implication: At this stage, there is no formal fiscal estimate available; potential costs, savings, or funding sources depend on the bill’s later, more complete provisions.

Procedural history and timeline

January 30, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

January 30, 2025: Referred under Joint Rule 308.2; ordered printed under Joint Rule 401.

March 21, 2025: Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session per Joint Order SP 519.

May 15, 2025: Work Session Held – Tabled.

May 16, 2025: Carry Over Requested.

May 19, 2025: Carry Over Approved.

June 25, 2025: Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session per Joint Order SP 800.

Overall status: The bill remains in limbo, carried over to future sessions without modification in the 132nd Legislature so far.

Next steps for readers

Review the full text of LD 299 and any associated fiscal notes for concrete provisions, funding levels, eligibility, and implementation timelines.

Monitor updates from the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for action or amendments.

If interested in impact, consider the potential effects on farmers, investors, and agricultural marketing/outreach programs in Maine.

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