(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the commissioner shall:

1. (1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;
2. (2) work with the University of Minnesota to demonstrate the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to conditions in this state;
3. (3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of organic agriculture in this state;
4. (4) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could utilize and support organic agriculture practices; and
5. (5) work closely with producers, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade Office, and other appropriate organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension work relating to organic agriculture.

(b) By November 15 of each even-numbered year the commissioner, in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture. The report must include:

1. (1) a description of current state or federal programs directed toward organic agriculture, including significant results and experiences of those programs;
2. (2) a description of specific actions the department of agriculture is taking in the area of organic agriculture, including the proportion of the department's budget spent on organic agriculture;
3. (3) a description of current and future research needs at all levels in the area of organic agriculture;
4. (4) suggestions for changes in existing programs or policies or enactment of new programs or policies that will affect organic agriculture;
5. (5) a description of market trends and potential for organic products;
6. (6) available information, using currently reliable data, on the price received, yield, and profitability of organic farms, and a comparison with data on conventional farms; and
7. (7) available information, using currently reliable data, on the positive and negative impacts of organic production on the environment and human health.

(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach, education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture community. The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:

1. (1) three farmers using organic agriculture methods;
2. (2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;
3. (3) one representative of organic certification agencies;
4. (4) two organic processors;
5. (5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;
6. (6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;
7. (7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;
8. (8) two public members;
9. (9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;
10. (10) one retailer of organic products; and

11. (11) one organic consumer representative.

    The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension; and the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences shall appoint members to serve staggered two-year terms.

    Compensation and removal of members are governed by section 15.059, subdivision 6. The task force must meet at least twice each year and expires on June 30, 2013.