HLS 12RS-557 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 153
BY REPRESENTATIVE ANDERS
AGRICULTURE: Provides for an organic certification cost-share rebate program
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 3:19, relative to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry; to provide for an2
organic certification cost-share rebate program; to provide for the duties of the3
commissioner of agriculture; to provide for cooperative agreements; and to provide4
for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 3:19 is hereby enacted to read as follows: 7
ยง19. Louisiana Organic Certification Cost-Share Rebate Program; legislative8
findings; authority9
A. The commissioner has the duty and authority to promote, protect, and10
advance Louisiana agriculture. The legislature finds that there is potential for growth11
of organic agricultural production in Louisiana. The legislature further finds that12
there exists a need to support and encourage organic production in the state.13
B. The commissioner is authorized to establish a state cost-share rebate14
program within the department. The purpose of the program is to provide for the15
reimbursement of a portion of organic certification costs incurred by organic16
producers and handlers who are certified by private organic certifiers which are17
accredited by the USDA National Organic Program. Such program shall be in18
addition to the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program administered by19
the United States Department of Agriculture.20 HLS 12RS-557 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 153
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
C. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with organic1
producers and handlers and promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the2
Administrative Procedure Act, to carry out the provisions of this Section.3
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Anders HB No. 153
Abstract: Provides for an organic certification cost-share certification program.
Proposed law establishes the La. Organic Certification Cost-Share Rebate Program to
support and encourage organic production in the state.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to establish a cost-share rebate program within
the department to reimburse a portion of organic certification costs incurred by producers,
in addition to the national program administered by USDA.
Proposed law allows cooperative agreements between the commissioner and organic
producers. Provides for the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out
the provisions of proposed law.
(Adds R.S. 3:19)