This section creates the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board and sets rules for appointing members, organizing the board, and hiring staff.
§3552. Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board; creation and organization A. The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board is created with its domicile at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The board shall be composed of twelve producer members to be appointed by the governor to serve terms concurrent with the governor. Each appointment by the governor shall be submitted to the Senate for confirmation. Eight members of the board shall be practical producers of soybeans in the state of Louisiana and four members shall be practical producers of wheat, corn, or grain sorghum. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., shall submit the names of eight practical soybean producers to the governor, and he shall appoint five persons from the nominees to serve on the board. The Louisiana Soybean Association shall submit the names of five practical soybean producers to the governor, and he shall appoint three members from the nominees to serve on the board. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., shall submit the names of three persons who produce wheat, corn, or grain sorghum to the governor and he shall appoint two persons from these nominees to serve on the board. The Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association shall submit the names of three persons who produce wheat, corn, or grain sorghum to the governor and he shall appoint two persons from these nominees to serve on the board. Every fourth year the aforenamed organizations shall submit the names of nominees to the governor and succeeding boards shall be appointed by the governor in the same manner, giving equal representation to each organization in the appointment of the eight members who are practical soybean producers. B. The members of the board shall meet and organize immediately after their appointment, and shall elect a chairman, vice chairman and a secretary-treasurer from the membership of the board, whose duties shall be those customarily exercised by such officers or specifically designated by the board. The board may establish rules and regulations for its own government, and the administration of the affairs of the board. The board may disqualify any appointed member for cause, including excessive absences from board meetings. If any board member is so disqualified, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the chairman from a list of two names submitted by the nominating authority for the remainder of the term. C. The commissioner of agriculture shall serve as an ex officio member of the board. D. The board shall employ a director and assistant director who shall be appointed by the board, subject to the approval of the commissioner. The director and assistant director shall be in the unclassified service. Added by Acts 1968, Ex.Sess., No. 45, §1. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 44, §1, eff. June 9, 1980; Acts 1985, No. 390, §1, eff. July 10, 1985; Acts 1986, No. 447, §1, eff. July 1, 1986; Acts 1989, No. 59, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8G, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2011, No. 207, §11.