Section 169-C. Plant industry advisory committee

1.  There  is  hereby
  established within the department a plant  industry  advisory  committee
  which  shall  consist of no more than fifteen members to be appointed by
  the commissioner on the basis of their experience and expertise  in  the
  plant industry. Members shall be appointed for a term of three years and
  may  serve  until their successors are chosen provided, however, that of
  the members first appointed, five shall serve for a term  of  one  year,
  five  shall  serve  for  a term of two years, and five shall serve for a
  term of three years. Members shall serve without salary.  A  chairperson
  shall be appointed by the commissioner.
    2.  The  duties  and  responsibilities  of the plant industry advisory
  committee shall include providing advice, comments  and  recommendations
  to  the  commissioner  in regard to state government plans, policies and
  programs affecting the plant industry and  such  other  matters  as  the
  commissioner may request in relation to this article.
    3.  The  advisory committee shall meet at least once annually at times
  and places set by the commissioner.
    4.  The  commissioner  may  ask  other  individuals  to   attend   the
  committee's meetings or work with it on an occasional or regular basis.