Purposes and powers of the board

1. The purposes of the board shall be to: a. Provide for market development. b. Provide for research and education programs directed toward better and more efficient production, marketing, and utilization of corn and corn products. c. Provide methods and means, including, but not limited to, public relations and other promotion techniques for the maintenance of present markets. d. Assist in development of new or larger markets, both domestic and foreign, for corn and corn products. e. Work for prevention, modification, or elimination of trade barriers which obstruct the free flow of corn and corn products to market. f. Promote the production and marketing of ethanol. g. Administer the financial assistance program as provided in section 185C.11A. h. Support education and training programs, or demonstration projects, which improve the production and marketing of corn or corn products or which improve environmental stewardship practices when producing corn. i. Grant academic scholarships to full-time graduate and postgraduate students engaged in the study of areas or subjects relating to improving or increasing the production, marketing, or utilization of corn or corn products. 2. The board may carry out these purposes directly or contract with recognized and qualified persons.