(a)Establishment.--There is established the Agricultural Business Development Center Advisory Committee to advise the secretary with respect to the secretary's responsibilities under this chapter.
(b)Membership.--The advisory committee shall consist of the following members:
(1)The secretary, who shall serve as chairperson.
(2)The secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development or a designee.
(3)The dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University or a designee.
(4)One representative selected annually from each of the following organizations:
(i)The Pennsylvania Bankers Association.
(ii)A farm credit association servicing clients in this Commonwealth.
(iii)The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.
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(a) Establishment.--There is established the Agricultural Business Development Center Advisory Committee to advise the secretary with respect to the secretary's responsibilities under this chapter.
(b) Membership.--The advisory committee shall consist of the following members:
(1) The secretary, who shall serve as chairperson.
(2) The secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development or a designee.
(3) The dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University or a designee.
(4) One representative selected annually from each of the following organizations:
(i) The Pennsylvania Bankers Association.
(ii) A farm credit association servicing clients in this Commonwealth.
(iii) The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.
(5) The following individuals appointed by the secretary:
(i) A licensed veterinarian whose practice includes food animals.
(ii) A person certified to create nutrient management plans.
(iii) A certified public accountant.
(iv) A financial planner.
(v) An attorney.
(vi) A farmer who has experience with a farm transition or diversification of the agricultural production of a farm.
(c) Terms.--
(1) The term of office for each advisory committee member under subsection (b)(5) shall be three years, except that the initial terms shall be staggered as follows:
(i) Two members shall each serve a term of one year.
(ii) Two members shall each serve a term of two years.
(iii) Two members shall each serve a term of three years.
(2) Advisory committee members may be appointed to successive terms at the discretion of the secretary, except that no member may serve more than two three-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.
(d) Duties.--The advisory committee shall meet as often as necessary to advise the secretary on satisfying the purpose of this chapter and establishing and awarding grants under this chapter.
(e) Expenses.--Advisory committee members shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to expenses which are reasonable and necessary in the performance of their duties.