HF 289

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 01/17/2017 10:30am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; establishing a Minnesota Food Council; providing
appointments; requiring reports; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 41E.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [41E.01] MINNESOTA FOOD COUNCIL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; membership. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Food Council is established.
The council is composed of 20 members as follows:
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new text begin (1) the commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner's designee;
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new text begin (2) the commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee;
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new text begin (3) the commissioner of natural resources or the commissioner's designee;
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new text begin (4) three representatives of the University of Minnesota, one from each of the following
institutions: the Department of Applied Economics; Extension; and the Institute on the
Environment;
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new text begin (5) ten stakeholder representatives, consisting of at least one representative of each of
the following groups, as appointed by the governor: farmers, consumers, agricultural
advocates, environmental advocates, and public health advocates;
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new text begin (6) the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction
over agriculture finance; and
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new text begin (7) the ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees
with jurisdiction over agriculture finance.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The council must be a vehicle for networking, communication, research,
and reporting of policy recommendations to improve the food system in Minnesota,
particularly the development and expansion of secure, local, and sustainable food production
systems that promote economic viability, ecological soundness, and social responsibility.
The council must report at least annually to the governor and the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Terms and compensation of appointees; staff. new text end

new text begin (a) The council's membership
terms, compensation, filling of vacancies, and removal of members are as provided in section
15.0575.
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new text begin (b) The council may employ an executive director, assistant director, and administrative
assistant to carry out its duties.
new text end