(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 and other research and education institutions 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 about state or federal programs that support organic agriculture practices; and
(5) work closely with producers, producer organizations, the University of Minnesota, and other appropriate agencies and 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 year that ends in a zero or a five, 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 available data on organic acreage and production, available data on the sales or market performance of organic products, and recommendations regarding programs, policies, and research efforts that will benefit Minnesota's organic agriculture sector.
(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach, education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture sector. The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:
(1) three organic farmers;
(2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;
(3) one representative of organic certification agencies;
(4) two organic processors;
(5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;
(6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;
(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;
(8) two public members;
(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;
(10) one retailer of organic products; and
(11) one organic consumer representative.
The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension and the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, shall appoint members to serve three-year 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, 2024.
(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 accredited certification agencies operating within the state.
1985 c 237 s 5; 1990 c 547 s 3; 1995 c 233 art 2 s 56; 1999 c 231 s 56; 2003 c 107 s 19; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 1 s 61; 2009 c 94 art 1 s 79; 2012 c 244 art 1 s 33; 2013 c 114 art 2 s 43; 2016 c 184 s 6; 2019 c 38 s 16
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture
Section 31.02 — Prohibited Acts.
Section 31.021 — Determination Of Misleading.
Section 31.032 — Penalties And Guaranty.
Section 31.04 — Inspection Authority.
Section 31.07 — Price Not Collectible.
Section 31.08 — Additional Powers And Authority; Food In Transit.
Section 31.09 — Commissioner To Render Certain Food Unsalable.
Section 31.095 — Denaturing And Labeling.
Section 31.10 — Standards, Definitions; Promulgation.
Section 31.101 — Rules; Hearings; Uniformity With Federal Law.
Section 31.102 — Definitions, Standards Of Identity; Temporary Permits.
Section 31.103 — Fair Packaging And Labeling Provisions.
Section 31.104 — Food Labeling Exemption Rules.
Section 31.121 — Food Adulteration.
Section 31.122 — Food; Tolerances For Added Poisonous Ingredients.
Section 31.123 — Food Misbranding.
Section 31.124 — False Advertising.
Section 31.13 — Analysis; Evidence.
Section 31.131 — Emergency Permit Control.
Section 31.15 — Disposal Of Receipts.
Section 31.161 — Food; Insanitary Conditions Prohibited.
Section 31.165 — Removal Of Insanitary Conditions.
Section 31.171 — Employment Of Diseased Person.
Section 31.175 — Water, Plumbing, And Sewage.
Section 31.31 — Commercial Canneries, Regulation.
Section 31.311 — Inspection Under Supervision Of Commissioner.
Section 31.32 — Reports; Information Furnished.
Section 31.36 — Rules For Canneries.
Section 31.37 — Notice Of Intention To Operate.
Section 31.38 — Certificate Of Inspection, Commercial Canneries; Labels, Brands.
Section 31.39 — Assessments; Inspection Services; Commercial Canneries Account.
Section 31.392 — Canning In Dwelling Or Basement.
Section 31.495 — Regulation Of Food Salvage Operations.
Section 31.53 — Inspections; Corrective Orders.
Section 31.59 — Humane Slaughter Of Livestock; Definitions.
Section 31.591 — Slaughter Must Be Humane.
Section 31.60 — Meat Industry Division.
Section 31.601 — Protection Of Meat.
Section 31.602 — Sale Of Unwholesome Poultry Or Game.
Section 31.621 — Sale Of Horse Meat For Human Consumption.
Section 31.631 — Horse Meat Intended For Other Than Human Consumption.
Section 31.632 — Minnesota Approved Meats And Poultry; Use Of Label.
Section 31.633 — Meat Or Poultry Substitutes; Indication On Menu; Penalties.
Section 31.651 — Kosher Products, Unlawful Sale.
Section 31.658 — Halal Products.
Section 31.661 — Marks, Stamps, Tags, Brands, Or Labels.
Section 31.74 — Sale Of Imitation Honey.
Section 31.75 — Artificial Sweetening Products.
Section 31.76 — Confections Containing Alcohol.
Section 31.77 — Sanitation And Products Standards.
Section 31.781 — Declaration Of Policy.
Section 31.783 — Rules, Scope.
Section 31.784 — Expiration Of Quality Assurance Date.
Section 31.785 — Regulations Of Other States And The Federal Government.
Section 31.786 — Local Ordinances Preempted.
Section 31.85 — Construction; Materials.
Section 31.86 — Cleaning Frequency.
Section 31.874 — Disease Control.
Section 31.875 — Local Standards.
Section 31.903 — Evidence Of Intent; Act Of Agent That Of Principal.
Section 31.925 — Uniformity With Federal Law.