§ 10 §3321 — Purpose

The Legislature finds that the potato industry has a substantial and unique effect on the economy of the entire State and Aroostook County in particular. A large number of people in Maine are directly or indirectly dependent upon the potato industry. In the recent past, a number of potato producers have been very adversely affected by the failure of processors of potatoes to compensate producers for the raw product contracted and delivered to the processor. As a result, some producers have been forced out of business as a way of life and as a means of earning a livelihood.
The Legislature intends through this legislation to provide producers of potatoes with a limited guarantee of payment for the raw product contracted by and delivered to a processor. This legislation is designed to afford limited protection for producers and thereby promote the general welfare of the State which is dependent upon the potato industry and the producer.

Legislative History

PL 1975, c. 725 (NEW).