MO HB543

Renames the "Department of Agriculture" to the "Office of Agriculture" and changes the title "Director of Agriculture" to "Secretary of Agriculture" throughout Missouri statutes

Establishes the Secretary of Agriculture as an elected position with a four-year term beginning at 12:00 noon on the second Monday in January following election

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to take an oath of office and post a $5,000 bond approved by the governor before assuming duties

Transfers all existing powers, duties, and functions of the current Department of Agriculture to the new Office of Agriculture, including supervision of agricultural programs, veterinary services, quarantine authority, and foreign market development

The act only becomes effective upon passage of a constitutional amendment designating a state office of agriculture and a secretary of agriculture