§ 4-2-7. Agricultural Advisory Board created -- Composition -- Responsibility -- Terms of office -- Compensation.

(1) There is created the Agricultural Advisory Board composed of 16 members, with each member representing one of the following:

(a) Utah Farm Bureau Federation;

(b) Utah Farmers Union;

(c) Utah Cattlemen's Association;

(d) Utah Wool Growers' Association;

(e) Utah Dairymen's Association;

(f) Utah Pork Producer's Association;

(g) egg and poultry producers;

(h) Utah Veterinary Medical Association;

(i) Livestock Auction Marketing Association;

(j) Utah Association of Conservation Districts;

(k) the Utah horse industry;

(l) the food processing industry;

(m) the fruit and vegetable industry;

(n) the turkey industry;

(o) manufacturers of food supplements; and

(p) a consumer affairs group.

(2) The Agricultural Advisory Board shall advise the commissioner regarding:

(a) the planning, implementation, and administration of the department's programs; and

(b) the establishment of standards governing the care of livestock and poultry, including consideration of:

(i) food safety;

(ii) local availability and affordability of food; and

(iii) acceptable practices for livestock and farm management.

(3)

(a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(c), members are appointed by the commissioner to four-year terms of office.

(b) The commissioner shall appoint representatives of the organizations cited in Subsections (1)(a) through (h) to the Agricultural Advisory Board from a list of nominees submitted by each organization.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the commissioner shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of board members are staggered so that approximately half of the board is appointed every two years.

(d) Members may be removed at the discretion of the commissioner upon the request of the group they represent.

(e) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.

(4) The board shall elect one member to serve as chair of the Agricultural Advisory Board for a term of one year.

(5)

(a) The board shall meet four times annually, but may meet more often at the discretion of the chair.

(b) Attendance of nine members at a duly called meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of official business.

(6) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:

(a) Section 63A-3-106;

(b) Section 63A-3-107; and

(c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.

Amended by Chapter 461, 2013 General Session