69-1-61 - Council created; composition; objectives; meetings.
§ 69-1-61. Council created; composition; objectives; meetings.
There is hereby created a Council of State Agencies on Agriculture for the primary purpose of coordinating all information, programs, activities and services in the broad field of agriculture and forestry which are authorized by state law and supported by public appropriations therefor. The council shall consist of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, State Chemist, Secretary of the Commission on Natural Resources, directors of Mississippi State University's Extension Service and Agricultural Experiment Stations, Secretary of the Marketing Council of the Department of Economic Development, the State Forester, Dean of Mississippi State University College of Agriculture, Dean of Mississippi State University School of Forestry, and Commissioner of Higher Education. The chairman shall be elected annually from the membership of the council. The commission shall meet not less than one (1) time each quarter and the members' actual and necessary expenses incurred, if any, shall be paid from their respective agency or department funds. The council will endeavor to combine and coordinate their individual and collective talents and experiences and of their respective agencies in order to promulgate plans for more orderly growth and development of all state agricultural and forestry enterprises to diminish unnecessary overlapping or duplication of programs among the ten (10) departments represented on the council. The Legislature hereby declares that there has been found to be a need for this council as an advisory group for and on behalf of the state government, and that it is charged with a broad responsibility in improving efficiency, effectiveness and success in both the production and marketing of agricultural and forestry products and thereby enhance the economic growth of this state and its citizens. The chairman is charged with the duty and responsibility of maintaining and disseminating all necessary and requisite minutes, proceedings, records and recommendations, as in the judgment of the committee are required under this section, and make a report to the Governor and the Legislature not later than December 1 of each year.
Sources: Codes, 1942, § 8946-171; Laws, 1971, ch. 463, § 1; Laws, 1988, ch. 518, § 89, eff from and after July 1, 1988.