1. (a) The name of the program authorized by and created by this Act is the Illinois Swine Market Development Program.

2. (b) The program shall include, as applicable, the following:

   1. (1) a definition of terms;
   2. (2) the purpose of the program;
   3. (3) the assessment rate or rates provided for by the program;
   4. (4) equitable procedures for collection of the assessment provided for the program;
   5. (5) procedures and criteria for determining adoption of a program;
   6. (6) the election procedure and qualifications of the directors of the Council, terms of office, expense reimbursement, and other necessary provisions pertaining thereto;
   7. (7) the operating procedures of the program;
   8. (8) the qualifications for and registration of swine producers to participate in referenda for the adoption, amendment, or continuation of a marketing program and the election of Council directors;
   9. (9) the procedure for requesting refunds and, if provided for in the marketing program, reasonable reimbursement of collection agencies' expenses;
   10. (10) procedures for the discontinuance of a program;
   11. (11) the determination of what swine are subject to assessment and the exemption of swine producers or swine from assessment when those exemptions are applicable as defined in the marketing program; and
   12. (12) the adoption of other provisions to facilitate the purposes of the marketing program.

3. (c) The purposes of the program may include:

   1. (1) promoting the sale and use of pork and pork products; supporting promotion, research, and education programs, and other consumer marketing activities at a funding level determined by the Council; and otherwise supporting consumer market development and promotion efforts on a State, national, and international scale;
   2. (2) developing new uses and markets for pork and pork products;
   3. (3) developing and improving methods of distributing pork and pork products to the consumer;
   4. (4) developing methods for improving the quality of pork and pork products for consumer benefit;
   5. (5) informing and educating the public of the nutritive and economic value of pork and pork products;
   6. (6) informing and educating pork producers on disease control and eradication, environmental stewardship and mandates, and other areas of importance to the swine industry;
   7. (7) functioning as a liaison within the pork industry and other food industries of the State and elsewhere in matters that would increase efficiencies that ultimately benefit both consumers and industry; and
   8. (8) developing and expanding markets for swine.

(Source: P.A. 92-158, eff. 7-25-01.)