Department Functions and Powers
:
The department has
been assigned the following functions, powers, and duties by the Utah
Legislature:
- To promote the
interests and products of agriculture and related industries.
- To promote methods
for increasing production and facilitating distribution of the state's
agricultural products.
- To investigate
the causes of livestock disease and means for disease prevention,
control, and cure.
- To promote the
marketing of Utah agricultural products.
- To administer
and enforce laws assigned to the department by the Legislature.
- To establish
standards and grades for agricultural products.
- To establish
standards for businesses which process, produce, distribute, store,
or sell agricultural products.
- To gather and
analyze climatological data.
- To create administrative
rules for effective administration of agricultural laws of the state.
- To make investigations
and conduct hearings on agricultural matters.
- To inspect areas
that may harbor harmful insects, plant diseases, noxious weeds, or
other agricultural pests.
- To establish
and enforce quarantines and orders for the control and eradication
of agricultural pests.
- To inspect apiaries
for disease.
- To take charge
of and award premiums at any agricultural exhibit within the state.
- To assist the
Utah Conservation Commission in its duties.