(a) The Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets is hereby elevated to an agency. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Markets is hereby elevated to a Secretary who shall be a member of the Governor's cabinet.

(b) The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets shall prepare and submit to the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture and Government Operations by January 15, 2004 for their review a report on the Agency's progress in developing a plan for the reorganization of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. Notice of the submission of the report shall be provided to all members of the General Assembly. The plan shall articulate the goals, objectives, functions, and structure proposed for the Agency. The Secretary may propose an appropriate Agency name. (Added 2003, No. 42, § 1, eff. May 27, 2003.)