AUGUSTA – A task force examining Maine’s dairy industry is suggesting a change in tax policy that will respond to the instability that leaves many farmers open to selling their land to developers.

A state program allows dairy farmers to have their land taxed as farms if they commit to staying in farming. The present program assesses penalties on farmers who sell their land.

The Governor’s Task Force on the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry is recommending a constitutional change that would make sure that farmland is assessed and taxed for its current use.

“It makes common sense,” said Dale Cole, who farms 250 acres in Sidney. “You have to tax it at what it is.”

Cole said Maine’s dairy industry is now so unstable that the program is no longer a viable option for everyone.

An amendment would be needed to change the standing policy because Maine’s Constitution says all properties must be taxed based on the highest and best use.