North Dakota Administrative Code Title 21 - Edible Bean Council

Overview of Title 21: Edible Bean Council

Title 21 of the North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) governs the operations of the North Dakota Edible Bean Council. This Council is an industry-driven organization focused on promoting the production, processing, marketing, and consumption of edible beans within the state. It works to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the state's edible bean industry, which is a key agricultural sector in North Dakota. Title 21 outlines the responsibilities, powers, and duties of the Edible Bean Council, as well as the regulations governing the collection of fees, the use of funds, and the Council’s efforts to support the industry.

Purpose of Title 21

The primary goal of Title 21 is to create a structured framework for the Edible Bean Council, which enables it to carry out its mission of advancing the edible bean industry in North Dakota. This includes promoting the cultivation of edible beans, improving market access, conducting research, and providing support to producers. The Council’s efforts are aimed at strengthening the industry’s competitiveness both in domestic and international markets.

Key Provisions and Articles in Title 21

1. Article 21-01 – General Provisions

This article provides the general framework for the Edible Bean Council’s formation and operational guidelines:

Council Establishment and Purpose:
The North Dakota Edible Bean Council is established to serve the interests of the edible bean producers in North Dakota. Its mission is to improve the profitability of the industry by promoting the growth, processing, and marketing of edible beans. The Council also works on enhancing the quality of beans produced in the state and ensuring that the industry remains competitive.

Council Membership and Composition:
The Edible Bean Council is typically composed of members from the edible bean farming community, as well as industry stakeholders, such as processors and marketers. The members are usually elected by edible bean producers, and they serve to represent the interests of farmers and the industry as a whole.

Powers and Functions of the Council:
The Edible Bean Council has the authority to:

Promote research related to edible beans, including crop development, pest management, and agricultural practices.

Implement marketing and promotional programs to increase demand for edible beans.

Develop educational materials and resources for producers to improve their farming practices.

Manage the collection of fees from producers to fund research, marketing, and promotional efforts.

2. Article 21-02 – Collection and Use of Fees

This article outlines the fee collection system and how funds are managed and utilized by the Edible Bean Council:

Assessment on Producers:
The Edible Bean Council is authorized to collect a fee (assessment) from edible bean producers. This fee is typically a small percentage of the market value of the beans produced. The fee is collected from producers as part of the efforts to fund the Council’s activities.

Fee Purpose and Allocation:
The funds collected through these assessments are used to:

Support research initiatives that benefit edible bean production, such as improving yields and quality.

Fund marketing campaigns to increase consumer demand for edible beans, both domestically and internationally.

Support educational programs for farmers, aimed at improving production techniques and sustainability.

Administer the operational costs of the Council, including staff, outreach programs, and industry representation.

Fee Collection Process:
The Council establishes processes for collecting these fees, including timelines for payments, procedures for enforcement, and penalties for non-compliance. Producers are typically notified of their obligations, and the fee is assessed at the point of sale or production.

3. Article 21-03 – Research and Development

This article focuses on the research and development efforts supported by the Edible Bean Council:

Research Priorities:
The Council funds and supports research related to the production of edible beans. This research may include:

Developing new and improved bean varieties that are more resistant to diseases or pests.

Conducting studies on soil health, irrigation techniques, and other farming practices that enhance bean yields.

Researching marketing strategies to increase consumer demand and export opportunities for North Dakota-grown beans.

Collaboration with Universities and Research Institutions:
The Edible Bean Council often collaborates with universities, agricultural research institutions, and other organizations to carry out scientific research. These partnerships ensure that research efforts are informed by the latest agricultural technologies and best practices.

Outcome of Research:
Research funded by the Council is aimed at improving the efficiency and profitability of edible bean farming. It may lead to the development of more resilient bean varieties, better farming practices, or new markets for edible beans.

4. Article 21-04 – Marketing and Promotion

This article outlines the marketing and promotional activities that the Edible Bean Council is responsible for:

Marketing Campaigns:
The Council engages in promotional campaigns to raise awareness of edible beans among consumers, both in the U.S. and abroad. This includes advertising, public relations, and trade shows to build recognition of North Dakota-grown edible beans.

Export Promotion:
One of the key roles of the Council is to help expand export opportunities for edible beans. The Council may work with international trade organizations and foreign governments to create market access for North Dakota beans.

Consumer Education:
The Edible Bean Council may create educational materials, host events, or partner with retailers to encourage the consumption of edible beans. This may include recipes, cooking tips, and nutritional information to highlight the versatility and health benefits of beans.

Partnerships with Industry Groups:
The Council often works with other agricultural and trade organizations to amplify its marketing and promotional efforts. These partnerships help to pool resources and target broader audiences, both within the U.S. and in international markets.

5. Article 21-05 – Reporting and Accountability

This article outlines the accountability measures for the Edible Bean Council, including reporting and auditing:

Annual Reports:
The Edible Bean Council is required to provide an annual report detailing its activities, including how funds were spent, the outcomes of its research and marketing programs, and any other relevant information. This report is typically made available to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Financial Audits:
To ensure that funds are being used appropriately, the Edible Bean Council undergoes regular audits. These audits assess the financial health of the organization and ensure that fees collected from producers are being used effectively to support the industry.

Compliance and Oversight:
The Council is subject to oversight by the state’s agricultural authorities and must comply with state regulations regarding the collection of fees, the management of funds, and the implementation of its programs.

Purpose and Goals of Title 21

The primary objectives of Title 21 are:

Promote the Edible Bean Industry:
To increase the profitability and sustainability of North Dakota’s edible bean industry through research, marketing, and education.

Support Research and Innovation:
To fund research that improves the quality, yield, and marketability of edible beans, including developing new farming techniques and varieties that benefit producers.

Foster Market Expansion:
To enhance the demand for edible beans through strategic marketing campaigns and by exploring new domestic and international markets.

Provide Financial Support for Producers:
Through the collection of fees, the Council ensures that funding is available for the development and promotion of the edible bean industry, benefiting producers and the broader agricultural economy.

Ensure Accountability and Transparency:
To provide regular reporting and auditing of its activities to ensure that funds are being used appropriately and effectively to advance the industry.

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