SF 2150

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; extending the existence of
the Organic Advisory Task Force; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2004, section 31.94.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 31.94, is
amended to read:

31.94 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.

(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic
agriculture in Minnesota, the commissioner shall:

(1) survey producers and support services and organizations
to determine information and research needs in the area of
organic agriculture practices;

(2) work with the University of Minnesota to demonstrate
the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to
conditions in this state;

(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work
toward the promotion of organic agriculture in this state;

(4) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could
utilize and support organic agriculture practices; and

(5) work closely with producers, the University of
Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade Office, and other appropriate
organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well as
ensure coordination and avoid duplication of state agency
efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension
work relating to organic agriculture.

(b) By November 15 of each even-numbered year the
commissioner, in conjunction with the task force created in
paragraph (c), shall report on the status of organic agriculture
in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees
and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture. The report
must include:

(1) a description of current state or federal programs
directed toward organic agriculture, including significant
results and experiences of those programs;

(2) a description of specific actions the department of
agriculture is taking in the area of organic agriculture,
including the proportion of the department's budget spent on
organic agriculture;

(3) a description of current and future research needs at
all levels in the area of organic agriculture;

(4) suggestions for changes in existing programs or
policies or enactment of new programs or policies that will
affect organic agriculture;

(5) a description of market trends and potential for
organic products;

(6) available information, using currently reliable data,
on the price received, yield, and profitability of organic
farms, and a comparison with data on conventional farms; and

(7) available information, using currently reliable data,
on the positive and negative impacts of organic production on
the environment and human health.

(c) The commissioner shall appoint a Minnesota Organic
Advisory Task Force to advise the commissioner on policies and
practices to improve organic agriculture in Minnesota. The task
force must consist of the following residents of the state:

(1) three farmers using organic agriculture methods;

(2) two organic food wholesalers, retailers, or
distributors;

(3) one representative of organic food certification
agencies;

(4) two organic food processors;

(5) one representative from the Minnesota Extension
Service;

(6) one representative from a Minnesota postsecondary
research institution;

(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization
representing producers;

(8) one at-large member;

(9) one representative from the United States Department of
Agriculture; and

(10) one organic consumer representative.

Terms, compensation, and removal of members are governed by
section 15.059, subdivision 6. The task force must meet at
least twice each year and expires on June 30, deleted text begin 2005 deleted text end new text begin 2011 new text end .

(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and
developing production and marketing of the organic products of
Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may receive funds from
state and federal sources and spend them, including through
grants or contracts, to assist producers and processors to
achieve certification, to conduct education or marketing
activities, to enter into research and development partnerships,
or to address production or marketing obstacles to the growth
and well-being of the industry.

(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of
state organic production and handling operations including those
exempt from organic certification according to Code of Federal
Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and certification agents
operating within the state.

Sec. 2. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

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