Bill > HB269

This bill eliminates the Organic Commodity Advisory Council and revises the state organic certification program in Montana. The legislation modifies existing law by removing the requirement for a petition-driven process to establish the organic certification program and instead establishes it directly as a program administered by the Department of Agriculture. The department is now authorized to adopt rules for implementing the program consistent with federal and international organic regulations and trade laws. Instead of maintaining a specific advisory council, the department is now required to seek input from the Montana Organic Association, producers, handlers, processors, and community members on a regular basis regarding certification program needs, research, markets, and other organic-related matters. The bill also clarifies that the state organic certification program cannot prohibit or interfere with other certification programs (public, private, foreign, or domestic) from certifying and collecting fees from organic producers and handlers in Montana. Additionally, the bill maintains an existing special revenue account for funding the organic certification program, which can receive gifts, grants, donations, assessments, and penalties related to the program.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2858