Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §1053 is enacted to read:

§1053.__Moratorium on genetically engineered foods

During the period beginning October 1, 2003 and ending October 1, 2006, a person may not plant or cultivate genetically engineered plant parts, seeds or plants out of doors and a person may not plant or cultivate genetically engineered plant parts, seeds or plants in greenhouses for commercial crop production.__The department shall prepare a marketing plan that uses the moratorium as a promotional tool for Maine's agricultural products.__This section is repealed October 1, 2006.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a 3-year moratorium on planting or cultivating genetically engineered plant parts, seeds or plants out of doors and a moratorium on planting or cultivating genetically engineered plant parts, seeds or plants in greenhouses for commercial crop production. The moratorium begins October 1, 2003 and ends October 1, 2006. During this time, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources must prepare a marketing plan that uses the moratorium as a promotional tool for Maine's agricultural products.