COMPOSITION

(a) The board is composed of the following 13 members appointed by the commissioner: (1) four members who produce organic agricultural products; (2) two members who are retail sellers of organic agricultural products; (3) one member who distributes organic agricultural products; (4) one member who processes organic agricultural products; (5) one member who represents a Texas trade association that represents the organic agricultural industry; (6) one member who represents the Texas Cooperative Extension; (7) one technical advisor member who is employed by an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, or government agency as a researcher or instructor: (A) in the field of organic agriculture products or sustainable agriculture; or (B) who has technical expertise in soil biology, agronomy, entomology, horticulture, or organic farming systems; (8) one member who represents the public; and (9) one representative from the department. (b) The board shall elect a presiding officer from among its members. (c) Members of the board serve staggered terms of four years, with either six or seven members' terms, as applicable, expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year. Members may be reappointed at the end of a term. (d) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the board. (e) Service on the board by a state officer or employee is an additional duty of the member's office or employment. Members of the board are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement of expenses.