MO HB344

Creates a Farm-to-Table Advisory Board composed of representatives from the University of Missouri-extension service, department of agriculture, department of elementary and secondary education, department of economic development, department of corrections, and office of administration, plus one person from small agribusiness.

Board shall hold at least two meetings and provide recommendations for strategies to help schools and state institutions incorporate locally grown agricultural products into cafeteria offerings and increase public awareness of local agriculture.

Board must investigate available resources, identify barriers (legal, logistical, technical, social, or financial), and develop recommendations for maximizing existing resources and eliminating obstacles to farm-to-table purchasing.

Board shall deliver a report with findings and recommendations to the governor, general assembly, and relevant agencies by August 31, 2012, and the board shall expire on that same date.

Adds rice to the list of commodities exempt from producer fee refund provisions under the Commodity Merchandising Council Program, alongside apples.