76-4,103. Center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops; establishment; duties; coordinator; annual report to legislature. (a) There is hereby established at Kansas state university the center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops.

(b) Functions and duties of the center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Emphasizing research, education, outreach and marketing for sustainable agriculture and alternative food, fiber and medicinal crops.

(2) Assisting farmers increase the farmers share of the food system dollar.

(3) Collecting and analyzing basic information on the Kansas food system and opportunities for production and direct marketing.

(4) Focusing research on value added processes and new crops that offer low-volume, high margin niche opportunities.

(5) Assisting small farmers to access lower input costs through a delivery system with expanded access to sustainable agricultural practices.

(6) Marketing assistance to promote products produced and processed in Kansas.

(7) Expanding small farm research to include:

(A) Organic products;

(B) less capital intensive investments;

(C) energy saving technology; and

(D) agricultural practices that reduce soil erosion and restore soil health.

(8) Developing and distributing a guide of all state services for small farms and value added agriculture.

(c) Subject to appropriations, officials at Kansas state university shall appoint a coordinator for the center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops and fund operating expenses of such coordinator.

(d) A representative of Kansas state university center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops shall annually submit a report to the chairpersons of the senate agriculture committee and the house of representatives agriculture committee concerning the center's research, funding and progress of programs.

History: L. 2000, ch. 58, § 1; July 1.