Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 795 - Oklahoma Wheat Commission
Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 795, specifically addresses the Oklahoma Wheat Commission. This title lays out the rules and regulations governing the operations and activities of the Commission.
Here's a breakdown of what Title 795 typically covers and the role of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission:
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 795 - Oklahoma Wheat Commission:
Chapter 1 - Administrative Operations: This chapter details the general provisions, organization, and procedures of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission. This includes aspects like the composition of the Commission (five members actively engaged in growing wheat, appointed by the Governor, plus ex-officio non-voting members like the President of the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture and the Director of the State Extension Service), their responsibilities, and how they operate.
Chapter 10 - Funding Terms: This crucial chapter outlines how the Oklahoma Wheat Commission is funded, primarily through a "checkoff" program.
What the Oklahoma Wheat Commission Does:
Established in 1965 by the Oklahoma Wheat Resources Act, the Oklahoma Wheat Commission (OWC) is a producer-controlled entity dedicated to promoting the greater use of wheat in both domestic and international markets. Its core functions revolve around:
Research: A significant portion of producer funds (20%) is allocated to the Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation. The OWC supports numerous wheat research projects, often in collaboration with Oklahoma State University (OSU), focusing on areas like:
Wheat breeding and genetics
End-use quality (e.g., for bread, tortillas, noodles)
Production techniques
Non-food uses of wheat
Nutrition education for consumers
Market Development: The OWC works to ensure the competitiveness of Oklahoma wheat in global markets. This involves:
Investing in organizations like U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) to promote global exports of U.S. wheat through market analysis, trade servicing, and technical assistance.
Building strategic alliances with key customers worldwide.
Promoting Oklahoma wheat directly in domestic and international markets.
Public Education: The OWC educates the public about wheat production and the industry through programs like the Junior Wheat Show, the Best of Wheat bread baking contest, and by supporting the Wheat Foods Council.
How the Oklahoma Wheat Commission is Funded:
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is funded entirely by wheat producers through a "checkoff" system. This means that a small fee (currently 15 mills per bushel, or $0.015 per bushel) is collected from Oklahoma wheat farmers when they sell their wheat. This producer contribution is then used to support the Commission's activities in research, market development, and public education. No money is appropriated by the state legislature for the Commission's activities.
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission plays a vital role in supporting the state's significant wheat industry by investing in its future through various strategic initiatives.
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