There is hereby created within the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources the office of agricultural and natural resources policy. The office is responsible for researching and developing factual information on issues affecting the State of South Dakota and its agricultural industry and the state's natural resources. The office may develop briefing documents, policy statements, and other informational documents for the secretary of agriculture and natural resources and the Governor on a variety of subjects, including:

1. (1) Federal legislative or regulatory issues;
2. (2) United States Department of Agriculture programs and policies;
3. (3) International trade and trade relations;
4. (4) Wetlands issues;
5. (5) Forestry and timber cutting issues;
6. (6) Endangered species issues;
7. (7) Railroad issues;
8. (8) Landowner rights issues;
9. (9) Animal depredation issues;
10. (10) Weed and pest control issues;
11. (11) Wilderness designation and development areas;
12. (12) Food quality, quantity, and protection issues;
13. (13) Environmental management issues; and
14. (14) Any other issue or problem designated by the secretary or the Governor.

Source: SL 2000, ch 9 , § 1; SL 2021, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 21-3 ), § 44, eff. Apr. 19, 2021.