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The Florida Senate

2002 Florida Statutes

Section 504.31, Florida Statutes 2002

1504.31  Organic food advisory council.--

(1)  ORGANIZATION.--There is created within the department the organic food advisory council to consist of nine members appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture for 4-year staggered terms. The membership shall include a representative of the Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, a representative of the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association, two producers of organic food, two retailers of organic food, one handler-broker of organic food, and two consumer representatives who are not associated with the commercial production of agriculture. Initial appointments of council members shall be three for a term of 4 years, two for a term of 3 years, two for a term of 2 years, and two for a term of 1 year.

(2)  PROCEDURE.--

(a)  The members of the council at their first meeting shall organize by electing a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary, and shall adopt rules of procedure governing their deliberations. The terms of such officers shall be for 1 year.

(b)  The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the department, or at such times as may be prescribed by its rules, but at least once a year.

(c)  A majority of the members of the council constitutes a quorum for all purposes and an act by a majority of the quorum at any meeting constitutes an official act of the council.

(d)  Members of the organic food advisory council shall receive no compensation for their services, but are entitled to be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061

(3)  RESPONSIBILITIES.--The responsibilities of the organic food advisory council are to:

(a)  Formulate and recommend to the Commissioner of Agriculture rules and policies governing the business of organic food production by studying and evaluating organic food issues.

(b)  Review and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture on each applicant for a license as a certifying agent.

(c)  Formulate and recommend to the Commissioner of Agriculture actions and policies to promote organic products.

History.--ss. 1, 5, 6, ch. 90-322; s. 1, ch. 91-275; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 647, ch. 97-103; s. 17, ch. 2001-279.

1Note.--Repealed December 31, 2002, by s. 17, ch. 2001-279.