House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes the elimination of the Organic Commodity Advisory Council and revises the existing state organic certification program in Montana. The bill amends Sections 80-11-601 and 80-11-602 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Key changes include the removal of the requirement for a plan to be submitted by the governor to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the establishment of an advisory council. Instead, the Department of Agriculture will administer the organic certification program and has been granted rulemaking authority to implement the program in accordance with U.S. organic regulations and trade laws. The bill also emphasizes the importance of seeking input from the Montana Organic Association and other stakeholders regarding the certification program and related matters.

Additionally, the bill establishes an account within the state special revenue fund to support the organic certification program. This account will include proceeds from gifts, grants, donations, assessments, and penalties related to the program. The funds will be used for the development and administration of the state organic certification program, ensuring that it operates independently from other departmental accounts. The bill aims for immediate effect upon passage, streamlining the certification process while ensuring compliance with federal standards.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 80-11-601
HB0269_1(1): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(2): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(3): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(4): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(5): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(6): 80-11-601
HB0269_1(7): 80-11-601
HB0269_1: 80-11-601
HB0269_2(1): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(10): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(11): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(12): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(13): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(14): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(2): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(3): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(4): 80-11-601, 80-11-602
HB0269_2(5): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(6): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(7): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(8): 80-11-601
HB0269_2(9): 80-11-601
HB0269_2: 80-11-601, 80-11-602