This chapter shall be known as the "Food Sovereignty Ordinance."
The purpose of this Food Sovereignty chapter is to:
A. Provide
citizens with unimpeded access to local food;
B. Enhance
the local economy by promoting the production and purchase of local
agricultural products;
C. Protect
access to roadside stands, farm-based sales, and direct producer-to-patron
sales;
D. Support
the economic viability of local food producers and processors;
E. Preserve
local knowledge and traditional ways.
This chapter shall be effective immediately upon its enactment.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
FOOD or FOOD PRODUCTS
Food or food products that are grown, produced, processed
or prepared for human consumption, including, but not limited to,
vegetables, fruit, milk or milk products, meat or meat products, poultry
or poultry products, fish or fish products, seafood or seafood products,
cider or juice, acidified foods or canned fruits or vegetables.
[Amended 6-12-2024 ATM
by Art. 12]
LOCAL FOOD(S)
Any food or food product that is grown, produced, or processed
in Maine by individuals who sell directly to their patrons at the
site of production of those food or food products.
PATRON
An informed individual who acquires local food directly from
a processor or producer and who does not resell the product.
PROCESSOR
Any individual who processes or prepares products of the
soil or animals for food or drink.
PRODUCER
Any farmer or gardener who grows any plant or animal for
food or drink.