‘Sec. 1. 7 MRSA c. 8-F is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 8-F
THE MAINE FOOD SOVEREIGNTY ACT OF 2013
§ 261. Short title
This chapter may be known and cited as "the Maine Food Sovereignty Act of 2013."
§ 262. Statement of policy
It is the policy of this State to encourage food self-sufficiency for the citizens of the State. The purposes of this chapter are to:
1. Local control. Preserve the ability of local communities to produce, process, sell, purchase and consume locally produced foods;
2. Small-scale farming and food production. Ensure the preservation of family farms and traditional food ways;
3. Improved health and well-being. Improve the health and well-being of the people of the State, reduce hunger and increase food security with improved access to wholesome, nutritious and safe foods by supporting family farms and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices;
4. Independence and personal responsibility. Encourage independence and personal responsibility and ensure the unimpeded ability of individuals, families and other entities to prepare, process, advertise and sell foods intended solely for consumption by the patrons or their families and sell foods directly to these patrons; and
5. Rural economic development. Enhance the economic, environmental and social wealth of rural communities.
§ 263. Authority
Pursuant to the home rule authority granted to municipalities by Title 30-A, section 3001 and by the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, Part Second, and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, local government may regulate food systems by local ordinance.’