MN HF697

Establishes the Minnesota Food Council as a 20-member body composed of state commissioners (agriculture, health, natural resources), three University of Minnesota representatives, ten stakeholder representatives appointed by the governor, and legislative committee chairs and ranking minority members with jurisdiction over agriculture finance.

Designates the council as a vehicle for networking, communication, research, and policy recommendations to improve Minnesota's food system, with particular focus on developing and expanding secure, local, and sustainable food production systems that promote economic viability, ecological soundness, and social responsibility.

Requires the council to submit annual reports to the governor and legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance.

Authorizes the council to employ an executive director, assistant director, and administrative assistant to carry out its duties.

Council member terms, compensation, vacancy procedures, and member removal are governed by Minnesota Statutes section 15.0575.