Dairy Task Force urges full funding for TIER, recommends processing and technical assistance investments

The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry heard a report from the Dairy Task Force summarizing findings and recommendations developed under LD 1274. Task force members recommended the Legislature fund the TIER dairy stabilization program at the full current cost‑of‑production level and establish a baseline funding allocation to reduce year‑to‑year volatility.

The task force presented 11 recommendations meant to support the long‑term sustainability and resiliency of Maine’s dairy sector. Key recommendations included: funding TIER at a level tied to current cost‑of‑production studies; establishing baseline program funding to reduce payment volatility; expanding on‑farm technical assistance and business support; increasing in‑state dairy processing capacity; creating a centralized Maine dairy resource hub; supporting farmer learning networks; enhancing support for farm transfer and succession planning; improving access to affordable feed and exploring tax‑credit or agricultural building tax incentives to encourage investment.

Presenters noted dairy’s broad role in Maine agriculture: stewardship of roughly 700,000 acres, links into regional supply chains (veterinarians, equipment dealers, feed producers), and support for approximately 14,600 jobs. The task force reported the number of dairy farms had fallen from 141 in June 2024 to 137 at the time of meetings, underscoring urgency for supportive measures.

Task force members highlighted implementation options including expanded caps or restructured criteria for existing programs (Farm for the Future, Dairy Improvement Fund, Ag Marketing Loan Fund), greater technical assistance through University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and potential bond funding to support infrastructure priorities.

Committee members asked about near‑term actions and funding options. Several members expressed interest in converting the task force report into a committee bill to propose baseline funding for TIER and other priorities; the committee discussed scheduling a work session to craft potential legislation. No final committee vote was taken on any bill at the presentation; the committee indicated it would discuss a committee bill during a follow‑up work session.

Stakeholders who testified included Annie Watson of the Maine Dairy Industry Association (also an organic dairy farmer), and representatives from University of Maine Cooperative Extension and dairy industry groups. The task force report and supporting materials were made publicly available online during the process.

The committee agreed to hold a work session to consider next steps, legislation and potential funding mechanisms.