Sec. B-6. 7 MRSA §3151, first and 5th ¶¶, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 573, §4, are amended to read:

The Legislature finds that among Maine's dairy farmers, prices received for milk differ substantially, and that these differences arise in part from a dual marketing system whereby approximately 1/2 the milk produced in Maine is marketed in Maine subject to the price control authority of the Maine Milk Commission, Maine market, while the other 1/2 is marketed to handlers selling in southern New England, commonly known as the Boston market, subject to the price regulations of the New England Federal Milk Marketing Order, Milk Order No 1 northeast marketing area milk marketing order.

The Legislature finds that dairy farms in Aroostook, Washington and northern Penobscot Counties presently operate at signigicantly significantly higher costs because of their remoteness from markets and supplies; that they face greater risks because they operate on a closer margin; that their markets are less secure; and that negative changes in the overall economy have a magnified effect in the northern Maine region.

Sec. B-7. 7 MRSA §3152, sub-§1-A, as amended by PL 1991, c. 266, §4, is further amended to read:

1-A. Base minimum price. "Base minimum price" means that part of the minimum Class I, Class II and Class III prices established by the Maine Milk Commission pursuant to chapter 603 which that corresponds to Class I, Class II and Class III prices established pursuant to the New England Milk Marketing Order northeast marketing area milk marketing order, excluding any amounts established by the Maine Milk Commission to reflect the increased costs of production pursuant to section 2954, subsection 2, paragraph A.

Sec. B-8. 7 MRSA §3152, sub-§1-B, as amended by PL 1991, c. 266, §5, is further amended to read: