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An Act To Recognize Local Control Regarding Food Systems
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  7-A MRSA §101, sub-§2-B  is enacted to read:
 
2-B.  Local food system.     "Local food system" means a community food system within a municipality that integrates food production, processing, consumption, direct producer-to-consumer exchanges and other traditional foodways to enhance the environmental, economic, social and nutritional health and well-being of the municipality and its residents.
Sec. 2.  7-A MRSA §201-B  is enacted to read:
§ 201-B. Local authority to regulate food systems
Pursuant to the home rule authority granted to municipalities by Title 30-A, section 3001 and by the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, Part Second, and pursuant to section 201-A, and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a municipal government may regulate by ordinance local food systems, and the State shall recognize such ordinances.
An ordinance adopted by a municipality pursuant to this section must apply only to food or food products that are grown, produced or processed by individuals within that municipality who sell directly to consumers.
Any food or food products grown, produced or processed in the municipality intended for wholesale or retail distribution outside of the municipality must be grown, produced or processed in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 128th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.