HF 2075

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:58am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; creating a commission on local foods; requiring a report.

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

Section 1. new text begin MINNESOTA COMMISSION ON LOCAL FOODS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Commission. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of agriculture must convene
a statewide commission on local foods to advise the governor and legislature regarding
creating and sustaining local and regional food systems that support small and
medium-sized farms, sustainable farming practices, and local food-related enterprises.
The commission must develop and present a final report as provided under subdivision 3.
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new text begin (b) The agricultural development and financial assistance division of the Department
of Agriculture shall provide staff support to the commission. The commission may accept
outside resources to support its efforts.
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new text begin (c) Commission members must be compensated as provided in Minnesota Statutes,
section 15.059, subdivision 3.
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new text begin (d) The University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships is
requested to provide facilitation services to the commission including agenda and meeting
design; development and distribution of meeting notes; authorship and review of any
public reports or findings; communications with commission members; and fund-raising
to support the commission.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The speaker of the house and the Subcommittee on
Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the senate shall jointly
appoint members of the commission as follows:
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new text begin (1) up to two representatives of the University of Minnesota;
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new text begin (2) two representatives of the Department of Agriculture with expertise in local
foods marketing, specialty crops, and agricultural diversification;
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new text begin (3) one representative of the Department of Health;
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new text begin (4) two representatives of the local food or sustainable agriculture community;
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new text begin (5) two representatives of statewide farm organizations;
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new text begin (6) three representatives of the food industry, including one at-large representative,
one representative of food distribution, and one representative of food service or food
retailers;
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new text begin (7) one representative from the nutrition community;
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new text begin (8) one representative who is an enrolled tribal member from a reservation
community located within the state;
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new text begin (9) one farmer using sustainable farming practices on a small or medium-sized farm;
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new text begin (10) one representative of a food and farm policy nonprofit organization;
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new text begin (11) one representative of an organization representing the interests of agricultural
workers;
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new text begin (12) two legislative members, one from each body;
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new text begin (13) two representatives of local policy-making bodies; one from the Twin Cities
metropolitan area and one from rural Minnesota;
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new text begin (14) one representative of the health care industry;
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new text begin (15) one representative of the philanthropic community; and
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new text begin (16) one at-large member.
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new text begin (b) The commission may appoint additional members and develop subgroups
as needed to fulfill its objectives.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin By March 1, 2010, the commission shall develop and present to
the legislature and the governor an analysis and recommendations for local and regional
food systems in this state. The commission shall present its findings to the house of
representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The commission expires June 30, 2010.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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