ME LD1739

Authorizes a $55,600,000 General Fund bond issue to support Maine's agricultural sector, subject to voter approval at a November statewide election, with bonds not to exceed a 10-year term

Allocates bond proceeds across multiple programs: $25 million to the Maine Agriculture, Food and Forest Products Investment Fund; $10 million to Dirigo Business Incentives Program; $5 million each to the Dairy Improvement Fund, Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund, Business Recovery and Resilience Fund, and Agricultural Buildings Property Tax Exemption Program; and $600,000 for a common application system

Creates a property tax exemption for agricultural buildings constructed or reconstructed after January 1, 2026, exempting any increase in value for up to 10 years while the building remains in agricultural use, with back taxes owed if converted to non-agricultural use

Requires the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to study barriers to financial assistance programs for farmers and food producers, including examination of grant program consolidation and creation of a single common application

Mandates at least two listening sessions with farmers and food producers and a report with recommendations due to the Legislature by January 15, 2027