80R7957 BEF-D

By: Anderson H.B. No. 2345

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of the Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board.

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

SECTION 1. Title 3, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Chapter 50C to read as follows: CHAPTER 50C. TEXAS ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD

Sec. 50C.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "board" means the Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board.

Sec. 50C.002. COMPOSITION. (a) The board is composed of the following 11 members appointed by the commissioner:

(1) four members who produce organic agricultural products;

(2) two members who are retail sellers of organic agricultural products;

(3) one member who distributes organic agricultural products;

(4) one member who processes organic agricultural products;

(5) one member who represents a trade association that represents the organic agricultural industry;

(6) one member who represents the public; and

(7) one representative from the department.

(b) The board shall elect a presiding officer from among its members.

(c) Members of the board serve staggered terms of four years, with either five or six members' terms, as applicable, expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year. Members may be reappointed at the end of a term.

(d) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the board.

(e) Service on the board by a state officer or employee is an additional duty of the member's office or employment. Members of the board are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement of expenses.

Sec. 50C.003. DUTIES. The board shall:

(1) assist the department in:

(A) assessing the state of the organic agricultural products industry in this state;

(B) developing recommendations to the commissioner and the legislature to promote and expand the organic agricultural products industry in this state;

(C) identifying and obtaining grants and gifts to promote and expand the organic agricultural products industry in this state; and

(D) developing a statewide organic agricultural products education and awareness campaign, utilizing the Texas Cooperative Extension's educational programs and channels of distribution when appropriate; and

(2) review and provide guidance on rules impacting the organic agricultural products industry in this state.

Sec. 50C.004 MEETINGS. The board shall meet at least once each year and may meet at other times considered necessary by the commissioner.

Sec. 50C.005. STAFF. The board is administratively attached to the department. The department shall provide the board with the staff necessary to carry out its duties under this chapter.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.