8. Increases food self-reliance through increasing production of food in Maine and increasing the consumption of Maine-produced fish and farm products;

9. Is recognized as a vital sector of the Maine economy, enhances rural economic development and contributes positively to Maine's rural quality of life;

10. Is supported by an adequate supply of farmland and access to working waterfronts to sustain Maine's food and fisheries industries and provide for their future growth;

11. Is accompanied by public and consumer information on the value of a proper diet and healthy lifestyle and the benefits of Maine-produced agricultural and fish products; and

12. Is supported by stable and consistent state policies and programs.

Sec. 8. Development of strategic plan. In developing an initial strategic plan as required under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 7, section 216, subsection 7, the Maine Food Policy Council shall build on the goals and recommendations of the food policy working group convened pursuant to Public Law 2005, chapter 382 by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources in 2005 and articulated in Section II and Appendix C of that group's report submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in January of 2006.

SUMMARY

This bill is submitted by the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry pursuant to Public Law 2005, chapter 382, Part C, section 6. It establishes the Maine Food Policy Council and charges the council with developing and implementing a strategic plan to support a food supply system for Maine. The council is directed to build on the report of the food policy working group convened by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources in 2005.