177.1 Recognition of organization.

The organization now existing in and incorporated under the laws of this state and known as the Iowa crop improvement association, shall be entitled to the benefits of this chapter by filing each year with the department of agriculture and land stewardship verified proofs of its organization and of the names of its president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, and that five hundred persons are bona fide members of the association, together with such other information as the department of agriculture and land stewardship may require.

177.2 Duties and objects of association.

The purposes and objectives of the Iowa crop improvement association shall be:

1. To encourage the use of good agricultural practices in crop production, including best management practices for applying fertilizer and pesticide, and to conserve, maintain, and improve soil productivity.

2. To encourage the production of high quality pure seed of varieties having proved adaptation and performance as determined by experimental trials.

3. To encourage the more widespread use of superior seeds by such means as may be designated by its members or board of directors.

4. To co-operate with the agricultural experiment station of the Iowa State University of science and technology in conducting tests to determine the adaptation and performance of crop hybrids, crop varieties, and new crops of potential value in Iowa.

5. Promote in such other ways as the association may deem advisable the objects as set out in this section.

6. Hold an annual meeting.

7. Submit an annual report of the proceedings, receipts and expenditures to the Iowa state secretary of agriculture.

177.3 Board of directors.

The business of the association shall be transacted by a board of directors which shall consist of:

1. The director of the agricultural experiment station of the Iowa State University of science and technology.

2. The head of farm crops in the Iowa agricultural experiment station.

3. The secretary of agriculture or the secretary's designee.

4. Six persons who shall be elected from its membership.

177.4 Employees.

The directors may employ one or more competent persons who shall devote their entire time, while employed by the association, to carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Such persons shall receive such compensation as the directors may fix and their necessary expenses incurred while engaged in such work.

177.5 Expenses of officers.

The officers of the association shall serve without compensation, but shall receive their necessary expenses while engaged in the business of the association.