Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
015 - MAINE MILK COMMISSION
Chapter 4 - MARKETING AREAS
Current through 2024-13, March 27, 2024
SUMMARY: "Market" means any city, town or parts thereof of the State, or 2 or more of the same or parts thereof designated by the commission as a natural marketing area. "Commission" means the Maine Milk Commission.
The minimum wholesale and retail prices established by the commission must be just and reasonable taking into due consideration the public health and welfare and the insuring of an adequate supply of pure and wholesome milk to the inhabitants of this State under varying conditions in various marketing areas; prevailing prices in neighboring states; seasonal production and other conditions affecting the costs of production, transportation and marketing in the milk industry, including a reasonable return to producer, dealer and store; and the public need for the establishment of retail milk prices at the lowest practicable levels.
In establishing and changing minimum wholesale and retail prices, the commission shall consider the effect of possible pricing decisions on the ability of the Maine dairy industry to compete in supplying milk to Maine consumers and, in such a consideration, shall include the following factors:
(1) The strength and viability of the Maine dairy industry as a whole;
(2) The extent of any social or economic benefits of maintaining dairy processing plants in different geographic regions or natural marketing areas of the State; and
(3) The encouragement of consumption by Maine consumers of milk produced and processed within the State, consistent with the Constitution of Maine and the United States Constitution.
The Commission may vary minimum prices in different market areas of the State. Once minimum prices for a market take effect, no dealer, store or other person handling milk in that market may buy or offer to buy, sell or offer to sell milk for prices less than the scheduled minimum prices established for that market.
Because of changes in the number of processing plants and their location throughout the state, and because of the consolidation of retail distribution of milk within the state, the Commission believes it is no longer necessary to divide the state into different natural marketing areas. Therefore, the Commission hereby adopts the State of Maine as a natural marketing area.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 7 M.R.S.A. §2954
