Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 37 - RULES GOVERNING THE VOLUNTARY MUNICIPAL FARM SUPPORT PROGRAM
- Section 001-37-1 - DEFINITIONS
- Section 001-37-2 - PREPARING TO ESTABLISH A VOLUNTARY MUNICIPAL FARM SUPPORT PROGRAM
- Section 001-37-3 - ESTABLISHING A MUNICIPAL VOLUNTARY FARM SUPPORT PROGRAM
- Section 001-37-4 - FARM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Section 001-37-5 - MUNICIPAL REVIEW OF FARM APPLICATIONS TO DESIGNATE QUALIFIED FARMLAND AND FARM BUILDINGS
- Section 001-37-6 - MUNICIPAL ACTION TO AUTHORIZE FARM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS
SUMMARY: The 123rd Legislature authorized the initiation of the Voluntary Municipal Farm Support Program (7 M.R.S.A., Chapter 2-C) to create a mechanism for municipalities to voluntarily protect and support local farms, preserve farmland and reduce the potential tax burdens from new development by allowing them to enter into farm support arrangements with the owners of qualified farmland. These rules establish the procedures for governing the program, including: guidance for determining qualified farmland and the extent and amount of the farm support arrangement, the farm support application procedures and municipal easement monitoring responsibilities.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 7 M.R.S.A. Chapter 2-C
