‘Resolve, To Create the Commission on Statewide Food Sustainability’

‘Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission on Statewide Food Sustainability, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the commission consists of 11 members appointed as follows:

1. One public member with expertise in agricultural production, appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. One public member with expertise in aquacultural production, appointed by the President of the Senate;

3. One public member with expertise in food distribution, appointed by the President of the Senate;

4. One public member with expertise in agricultural production, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

5. One public member with expertise in aquacultural production, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

6. One public member with expertise in food distribution, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

7. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the commissioner’s designee;

8. The Commissioner of Marine Resources or the commissioner’s designee;

9. One public member with expertise in agricultural production, appointed by the Governor;

10. One public member with expertise in aquacultural production, appointed by the Governor; and

11. One public member with expertise in food distribution, appointed by the Governor; and be it further

Sec. 3. Compensation. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, public members of the commission are not entitled to reimbursement for their expenses; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of commission; chair. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. After appointment of all members, the Executive Director shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission, at which the members shall elect a chair from its members. If 30 days or more after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, the Executive Director may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the commission to meet and conduct its business; and be it further

Sec. 5. Staffing. Resolved: That, within existing resources, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry shall provide staffing to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 6. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study issues related to establishing food sustainability policies and reducing food insecurity among citizens of this State. In its study of these issues, the commission shall:

1. Gather information about the current state of food insecurity and food sustainability in this State;

2. Receive reports, testimony and advice from individuals and organizations, both public and private, with expertise in food sustainability, food security and food production;

3. Consider the need for a statewide plan to realize the goal of statewide food sustainability; and

4. Consider the need for a plan to address immediate food and hunger issues in the State; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 4, 2013, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The joint standing committee is authorized to introduce a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature related to the subject matter of the report.’