HF 874

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 02/25/2013 02:17pm

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:
new text end

new text begin (1) a representative of the commissioner of agriculture;
new text end

new text begin (2) a representative of the commissioner of health;
new text end

new text begin (3) a representative of the commissioner of natural resources;
new text end

new text begin (4) three representatives of the University of Minnesota, one from each of the
following institutions: the Department of Applied Economics; University of Minnesota
Extension Service; and the Institute on the Environment;
new text end

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;
new text end

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.
new text end

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.
new text end

new text begin (b) The council may employ an executive director, assistant director, and
administrative assistant to carry out its duties.
new text end