Brief (1)
SB 534 would establish a center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops at Kansas State University. Some of the functions and duties of the center would be to emphasize research, education, outreach, and marketing for sustainable agriculture and alternative food, fiber, and medicinal crops; expand small farm research; develop and distribute a guide of all state services for small farms and value added agriculture; and focus research on value added process and new crops that offer low-volume, high margin niche opportunities. A representative of the center of excellence on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops at Kansas State University would annually submit a report to the chairpersons of the Senate and House Agriculture committees concerning the center's research, funding, and progress of programs.
Subject to appropriations, the bill would provide for a coordinator and for associated operational expenses.
Background
This bill was introduced at the request of Senator Biggs who explained that it was similar to a bill recommended by the 1999 Special Committee on Agriculture. Numerous conferees appeared in support of the bill. No conferees appeared in opposition to the bill.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture deleted language in the bill which would have required the University to redirect funds in the existing budget for Extension System and Agriculture Research Program to fund the center of excellence. The Committee added language to provide that, subject to appropriation, there would be a coordinator for the center as well as money for associated operational expenses.
The fiscal note on the original bill indicates that since it required the University to redirect funds, no additional moneys would be required. The University did indicate that they would need to redirect approximately $348,125 to fund various needs under the new center of excellence.
While no new fiscal note has been developed, testimony from officials with Kansas State University indicated to the House Agriculture Committee that the cost for the coordinator and associated expenses would amount to $60,000 annually.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html