Bills in ND Legislature would move power to Ag Department

Proposals to move the Agricultural Products Utilization Committee and authority over grain buyers to the North Dakota Agriculture Department remain alive in the North Dakota Legislature.The Legislature already rejected proposals that would have moved the state Milk Marketing Board and the North Dakota Trade Office to the Ag Department. Those agencies will stay with the state auditor’s office and the Department of Commerce, respectively.North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said he’s pleased the Milk Marketing Board will stay where it is, as more of a stand-alone entity. However, said he’s disappointed that the Trade Office will not become part of his agency and is hopeful that bills putting the Agricultural Products Utilization Committee and grain inspection under his purview will pass.