MO HB667

Restructures the Department of Agriculture into an Office of Agriculture with a Secretary of Agriculture (instead of Director) serving a four-year term beginning the second Monday in January.

Transfers all powers, duties, and functions currently held by the Department of Agriculture to the new Office of Agriculture, including supervision of agricultural programs, veterinary services, motor fuel inspection, and the state milk board.

Establishes the Secretary of Agriculture as the state official responsible for foreign market development, animal export inspection, and administration of agricultural funds including the Agriculture Protection Fund and AgriMissouri Fund.

Requires the Secretary to take an oath of office, give a $5,000 bond, and maintain authority to appoint supervisors and employees within appropriated funds, with same administrative responsibilities as the current department director.

Contingent effective date: Bill only becomes effective upon passage of a constitutional amendment designating a state office of agriculture and a secretary of agriculture.