Sec. 1. 7 MRSA c. 103, sub-c. XI-A is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER XI-A

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PLANTS AND SEEDS

§1051.__Definitions

1.__Genetically engineered.__"Genetically engineered" means altered by human manipulation at the molecular or cellular level by processes, including recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid techniques, cell fusion, microencapsulation, macroencapsulation and introduction of foreign genes, that are not possible under natural conditions.__"Genetically engineered" does not include products altered exclusively by breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization or tissue culture.

2. Cross-contamination.__"Cross-contamination" means the transfer and incorporation of genetic material from a genetically engineered crop, by cross-pollination or other means, into a nongenetically engineered crop or to wild plant populations.

§1052.__Responsibilities of manufacturer

A manufacturer of genetically engineered plants, planting stock or seeds that present a risk of cross-contamination__and are sold or distributed in this State is subject to the provisions of this chapter.

1.__Instructions. The manufacturer of the genetically engineered plants, plant parts or seeds shall provide written instructions to all growers on how to plant the plant parts, seeds or plants and how to grow and harvest the crop to avoid cross-contamination.__These instructions must include, but are not limited to, the establishment of adequate buffer zones between genetically engineered plants and wild or cultivated plants subject to the risk of cross-contamination.

2.__Contracts with growers.__An agreement to follow the instructions required under subsection 1 must be incorporated into a written contract between a manufacturer of genetically engineered seeds, plants or plant parts and a grower of the same in the State.__The manufacturer shall file a copy of each executed contract between that manufacturer and a grower in the State with the commissioner no later than 20 days following the sale of genetically engineered seeds, plants or plant parts.