Sec 3-3303. Arizona agricultural protection commission; report

A. The Arizona agricultural protection commission is established within, and as an advisory body to, the department consisting of:

1. The following members appointed by the governor:

(a) Two members who operate family farms or ranches in this state and who are active in regional or local agricultural organizations.

(b) One member who is from a university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona board of regents and who has experience in range ecology.

(c) Two members who represent regional or statewide conservation organizations in this state that have been in operation for at least ten years.

2. The following members appointed by the president of the senate:

(a) Two members who operate family farms or ranches in this state.

(b) One member who represents a regional or statewide land trust that has been in operation for at least five years.

(c) One member who is a member of a county board of supervisors.

(d) One member who is a member of a natural resource conservation district board of directors.

3. The following members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives:

(a) Two members who are licensed real estate professionals and who are active in marketing agricultural properties.

(b) One member who is active in and represents a statewide agricultural organization in this state that has been in existence for at least ten years.

(c) One member who is active in managing water resources.

(d) One member who is a member of the state bar of Arizona and who is experienced in the practice of private real estate law.

4. The director of the department as an ex officio member.

B. To serve on the commission, a person must be a resident of this state and have demonstrated an interest in the conservation of natural or agricultural resources. The initial members shall assign themselves by lot to terms of one, two and three years in office. Thereafter, all subsequent members serve three year terms of office, except that a member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and assumes office. On request, appointive members are eligible to receive compensation pursuant to section 38-611 and are eligible for reimbursement of expenses pursuant to title 38, chapter 4, article 2. Compensation and reimbursement costs are payable from the Arizona agricultural protection fund.

C. The commission shall:

1. Recommend to the director the adoption of rules necessary to perform its duties.

2. Advise the department with respect to grants awarded and contracts entered into pursuant to this chapter.

3. Solicit and accept donations to the Arizona agricultural protection fund, including donations for the sole purpose of administering the Arizona agricultural protection program under this article.

4. Elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson from its members each year.

5. Prepare an annual report of its activities and submit a copy of the report to the director, the secretary of state and any member of the public who requests a copy.

6. Advise the director and submit recommendations relating to the monitoring of agricultural easements established pursuant to this chapter.

D. The commission may:

1. Accept, use and dispose of appropriations, gifts and grants of monies, other property and services from any source for the purposes authorized by this chapter.

2. Perform any other acts consistent with and necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.