HF 1267 Summary

• Extends the expiration date of the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2024.

• Task force composition includes 11 member categories: three organic farmers, one wholesaler/distributor, one certification agency representative, two organic processors, one University of Minnesota Extension representative, one UMN faculty member, one nonprofit producer representative, two public members, one USDA representative, one organic retailer, and one organic consumer representative.

• Commissioner must report biennially (in years ending in 0 or 5) to legislative committees on organic agriculture status, including acreage, production data, market performance, and policy recommendations.

• Commissioner authority includes surveying producers for research needs, partnering with University of Minnesota, promoting organic agriculture programs, and coordinating with agencies to avoid duplication of efforts.

• Commissioner may receive state and federal funds to assist producers and processors with certification costs, education, marketing activities, research partnerships, and addressing industry obstacles.