Subdivision 1. Establishment. The Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority is established as a public corporation. The business of the authority must be conducted under the name "Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority."

Subd. 2. Board of directors. The authority is governed by a board of nine directors. The term of a director, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, is four years. The commissioner of agriculture is a member of the board. The governor shall appoint four members of the board. Two of the members appointed by the governor must be currently engaged in the business of operating a dairy. Two of the members appointed by the governor must be representatives of Minnesota-based businesses actively engaged in working with or serving Minnesota's dairy industry. The dean of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, or the dean's designee, is a member of the board. One member of the board must be a representative of a state trade association that represents the interests of milk producers. One member of the board must be a representative of the Minnesota Division of the Midwest Dairy Council. One member of the board must be a member of the agricultural education faculty of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The four members of the initial board of directors who are appointed by the governor must be appointed for terms of four years, and the other four members must be appointed for an initial term of two years. Vacancies for the governor's appointed positions on the board must be filled by appointment of the governor. Vacancies for other positions on the board must be filled by the named represented entities. Board members must not be compensated for their services.

Subd. 3. Bylaws. The board must adopt bylaws necessary for the conduct of the business of the authority, consistent with this chapter.

Subd. 4. Place of business. The board must locate and maintain the authority's place of business within the state.

Subd. 5. Chair. The board must annually elect from among its members a chair and other officers necessary for the performance of its duties.

Subd. 6. Meetings. The board must meet at least four times each year and may hold additional meetings upon giving notice in accordance with the bylaws of the authority. Board meetings are subject to chapter 13D.

Subd. 7. Conflict of interest. A director, employee, or officer of the authority may not participate in or vote on a decision of the board relating to an organization in which the director has either a direct or indirect financial interest.

Subd. 8. Economic interest statements. Directors and officers of the authority are public officials for the purpose of section 10A.09, and must file statements of economic interest with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

History: 2012 c 244 art 1 s 34