It is hereby declared to be the public policy of the State of Oklahoma to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of its people by protecting and stabilizing the wheat industry and the economy of the areas producing wheat. In connection therewith and in furtherance thereof, the Oklahoma Wheat Utilization, Research and Market Development Commission shall have the power to:

1. Establish an office in Oklahoma City in the Capitol or a capitol office building;

2. Formulate the general policies and programs of the State of Oklahoma respecting the discovery, promotion, and development of markets and industries for the utilization of wheat, such policies and programs to be closely coordinated with the State Board of Agriculture;

3. Adopt and devise a program of education and publicity;

4. Cooperate with local, state, national or other organizations, whether public or private, or voluntary or created by state or national law, engaged in work or activities involving the expenditure of monies promoting the use of chemicals beneficial to farming operations, contacting regulatory agencies affecting grain grading, facilitating the marketing of grain and publishing information on marketing and production problems of wheat farming. The Commission may enter into contracts and agreements with such organizations or agencies or carrying on a joint campaign of research, promotion and education. Provided, however, no Commission funds shall be used, directly or indirectly, or as a result of contract or agreement with other persons, or organizations, in supporting or opposing political candidates or political officeholders, and direct lobbying, either state or national, except that the Commission may recommend amendments to the Oklahoma Wheat Resources Act. Provided, that nothing herein shall restrict the powers of the Commission as set forth in this section;

5.  Promulgate such rules as are necessary to promptly and effectively administer the provisions of the Oklahoma Wheat Resources Act;

6. Conduct any other program for the utilization, research and market development of wheat grown in the State of Oklahoma as deemed necessary by the Commission;

7. Call and conduct such meetings and elections as may be necessary in carrying out the provisions of the Oklahoma Wheat Resources Act;

8. Hire or retain legal counsel to represent wheat producers in matters pertaining to transportation problems and other matters which could result in potential substantial loss to wheat producers; and

9.  Expend Commission funds for the purchase of awards and plaques used in promotional projects, baking contests and recognition of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the wheat industry.

Historical Data

Laws 1965, HB 508, c. 59, § 9, emerg. eff. April 7, 1965; Amended by Laws 1981, HB 1372, c. 298, § 5, emerg. eff. June 29, 1981; Amended by Laws 1985, HB 1664, c. 178, § 2, emerg. eff. July 1, 1985; Amended by Laws 2001, HB 1378, c. 146, § 26, emerg. eff. April 30, 2001 (superseded document available); Renumbered from 2 O.S. § 1029 by Laws 2001, HB 1378, c. 146, § 250, emerg. eff. April 30, 2001.