- Perfected -

SS/SCS/SB 925 - This act creates the Missouri Agricultural Advocates Office within the Department of Agriculture to advocate for farmers and the agriculture industry.

The Office will be governed by a twelve member advisory council appointed by the Director of the Department from names submitted by eighteen different trade associations. Members serve two year terms. The Council may employ an executive director and a staff of no more than five, one of which must be a licensed attorney.

The Council and staff shall review and contest state and federal legislation, regulations, and ordinances affecting agriculture. It will act as a liaison between government and the public and it may engage in legal action on behalf of the industry.

ERIN MOTLEY