(a)

1. (1) A Scientific Review Committee may be appointed by the State Plant Board to evaluate applications received under this part.

2. (2) The committee shall consist of:

   1. (A) Producers not employed by, or serving on the board of, any other entity represented on the committee;
   2. (B) Scientists from Arkansas educational entities such as colleges and universities or the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service;
   3. (C) A representative or representatives of rice mills operating in Arkansas;
   4. (D) A representative or representatives from the regulated companies;
   5. (E) A representative or representatives of merchandisers located in Arkansas;
   6. (F) The director of the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center; and
   7. (G) The Director of the Arkansas State Plant Board shall be a permanent ex officio standing member of the committee.

(b) The committee shall review and make recommendations to the board concerning, but not limited to:

1. (1) Identifying rice that has characteristics of commercial impact;
2. (2) Reviewing rice identified as having characteristics of commercial impact upon receipt of a petition from the purveyor of the rice;
3. (3) Recommending rules establishing terms and conditions for planting, producing, harvesting, selling, transporting, processing, storing, or otherwise handling rice identified pursuant to subdivision (c)(1) of this section; and
4. (4) Reviewing the efficacy of terms, condition, and identity preservation programs imposed on the planting, producing, harvesting, transporting, drying, storing, or other handling of rice identified under subdivision (c)(1) of this section using the most current industry standards and generally accepted scientific principles.

(c) The criterion for evaluation for suitability for production shall encompass, but not necessarily be limited to:

1. (1) The characteristic of economic impact;
2. (2) Potential impact of the characteristic on the value of other crops;
3. (3) Potential for accidental introduction of the characteristic into other crops;
4. (4) Quantity of production requested;
5. (5) Benefit expected to be brought to society from the characteristic;
6. (6) Ability of the owner of the characteristic to comply with this part;
7. (7) Ability of the owner of the characteristic to bear financial obligations for fees, fines, and regulatory costs if contaminations are discovered; and
8. (8) Other concerns arising in the committee deliberations.