AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance emergency legislation sponsored by Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, aimed at removing the permit requirement for transporting wild blueberries.
Currently, it is unlawful to ship wild blueberries in quantities exceeding 25 pounds without a permit. LD 285 would remove this requirement, making life easier for farmers.
"I'm proud that there was bipartisan support for this bill," said Perry. "Removing the permit requirement for transporting wild blueberries will help to ease the administrative burden on our farmers so they can focus on their blueberry harvests for this year and beyond."
The permit system was put in place in the late 1980s to address issues of blueberry theft. Given changes in the industry over the last 30 years, theft is less likely to occur and the need for transportation tags no longer exists.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Perry is serving her eighth non-consecutive term in the Maine House. She represents Baileyville, Baring, Calais, Eastport, Grand Lake Stream, Meddybemps, Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point, Perry, Robbinston and Passamaquoddy Indian Township.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Perry], c. 305-965-2744