Louisiana Organic Certification Cost-Share Rebate Program; legislative findings; authority

A. The commissioner has the duty and authority to promote, protect, and advance Louisiana agriculture. The legislature finds that there is potential for growth of organic agricultural production in Louisiana. The legislature further finds that there exists a need to support and encourage organic production in the state. B. The commissioner is authorized to establish a state cost-share rebate program within the department. The purpose of the program is to provide for the reimbursement of a portion of organic certification costs incurred by organic producers and handlers who are certified by private organic certifiers which are accredited by the USDA National Organic Program. Such program shall be in addition to the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. C. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with organic producers and handlers and promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, to carry out the provisions of this Section.