A. The council may expend the funds available to it to:

            (1) Contract for scientific research with any accredited university, college, or similar institution and enter into other contracts or agreements which will aid in carrying out the purposes of the program, including cattle and beef promotion, consumer market development, research advertising and, including contracts for the purpose of acquisition of facilities or equipment necessary to carry out purposes of the program.

            (2) Disseminate reliable information benefiting the consumer and the cattle and beef industry on such subjects as, but not limited to, purchase, identification, care, storage, handling, cookery, preparation, serving, and the nutritive value of beef and beef products.

            (3) Provide information to such government bodies as request it on subjects of concern to the cattle and beef industry and act jointly or in cooperation with the state or federal government and agencies thereof in the development or administration of programs deemed by the council to be consistent with the objectives of the program.

            (4) Cooperate with any local, state, regional, or nationwide organization or agency engaged in work or activities consistent with the objectives of the program.

            (5) Pay funds to other organizations for work or services performed which are consistent with the objectives of the program.

            B. All funds available to the council shall be expended only to effectuate the purposes of this Part and shall not be used for political purposes in any manner. A report of all expenditures shall be published annually.

            Added by Acts 1978, No. 320, §1. HCR 187, 1987 R.S.; HCR 201, 1988 R.S.; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8K, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2015, No. 428, §1.