To further the purposes of this Part, the commissioner shall initiate and implement programs necessary to facilitate the effective, profitable marketing of Maine agricultural products. For the purposes of this subchapter, the terms "agricultural products" and "farm products" include, but are not limited to, products of aquaculture as defined in Title 12, section 6001, subsection 1. These programs include, but are not limited to, the following. [PL 2003, c. 660, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).] 1. Research. The commissioner, in conjunction with the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, shall conduct, assist and foster research to improve the marketing, handling, storage, processing, transportation and distribution of agricultural products in order to develop new and wider markets and reduce distribution costs. [PL 1983, c. 563, §1 (NEW).] 2. Information to producers. The commissioner, in conjunction with the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service and other public or private agencies, shall provide producers information regarding current market conditions and such other information as may be needed to maintain quality control and promote quality improvement for Maine agricultural products. [PL 1983, c. 563, §1 (NEW).] 3. Information to consumers. The commissioner, in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service, shall provide for the dissemination of information to consumers about Maine agricultural products. [PL 1983, c. 563, §1 (NEW).] 4. Organization. The commissioner shall aid Maine producers and consumers by assisting cooperative societies of buyers and sellers, encouraging direct marketing and by facilitating the efficient distribution of farm products. [PL 1983, c. 563, §1 (NEW).] 5. Coordination and assistance. The commissioner shall consult with, coordinate and assist producer and dealer organizations and other groups interested in the production, processing and packing, grading, promotion and sale of agricultural goods. [PL 1983, c. 563, §1 (NEW).] 6. Monitoring consumption of Maine-produced food. By November 1, 2000, the commissioner shall develop a method and baseline research to estimate the percentage of food consumed in Maine that is produced within Maine. The commissioner shall update the methodology and estimate every 2 years and include the latest estimate in the biennial report submitted to the Legislature pursuant to section 2, subsection 5. [PL 1999, c. 769, §3 (NEW).]
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