§222. Responsibilities of the commissioner

The commissioner shall:   [PL 1987, c. 520 (NEW).]

1.  Information.  Conduct studies and otherwise gather, maintain and disseminate information concerning farmland transfers, availability of farm labor, existence of farm internship and training programs, persons desiring to participate in that training, farmers retiring or otherwise ceasing farming operations, persons desiring to enter farming or associated employment and all other information deemed necessary to carry out this chapter;

[PL 1987, c. 520 (NEW).]

2.  Training.  Provide and supervise opportunities for on-farm and off-farm training, through state-sponsored programs or in cooperation with other appropriate agencies and organizations. Training may include on-site experience under the guidance of approved farmer-supervisors or classroom instruction in farm management, finance, equipment use and maintenance, production and marketing principles and techniques and other relevant subjects;

[PL 1987, c. 520 (NEW).]

3.  Assistance.  Provide assistance in matching retiring farmers with persons desiring to enter farming and recruit and place interns with farmer-supervisors;

[PL 2001, c. 168, §1 (AMD).]

4.  Cooperation.  Cooperate with appropriate local, state and federal agencies and institutions and with farm organizations and interested individuals, including the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, the University of Maine and the Cooperative Extension Service, in carrying out this chapter; and

[PL 2013, c. 29, §1 (AMD).]

5.  Staff support.  Designate an employee of the department to oversee the Maine Agricultural and Internship Training Program.

[PL 2013, c. 29, §2 (AMD).]

6.  Report.

[PL 2013, c. 29, §3 (RP).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1987, c. 520 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 700, §A32 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 168, §§1-3 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 29, §§1-3 (AMD).