AGRICULTURE CODE

CHAPTER 50C. TEXAS ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD


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

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. September 
1, 2007.


	§ 50C.002.  COMPOSITION.  (a)  The board is composed of 
the following 13 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 Texas trade 
association that represents the organic agricultural industry;
		(6)  one member who represents the Texas Cooperative 
Extension;             
		(7)  one technical advisor member who is employed by an 
institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, 
Education Code, or government agency as a researcher or instructor:
			(A)  in the field of organic agriculture products 
or sustainable agriculture; or
			(B)  who has technical expertise in soil biology, 
agronomy, entomology, horticulture, or organic farming systems;
		(8)  one member who represents the public; and                                
		(9)  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 six or seven 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.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. September 
1, 2007.


	§ 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 that:
				(i)  utilizes the Texas Cooperative 
Extension's educational programs and channels of distribution, 
when appropriate;
				(ii)  is consistent with Sections 2.002 and 
12.002 and any department policies relating to the promotion of 
Texas agriculture and agricultural products; and
				(iii)  does not refer negatively to any 
other agriculture process that is used or to any agricultural 
product that is grown or sold in this state; and
		(2)  review and provide guidance on rules impacting the 
organic agricultural products industry in this state.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. September 
1, 2007.


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

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. September 
1, 2007.


	§ 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.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. September 
1, 2007.