(a) The commissioner shall appoint a deputy commissioner. In order to serve as deputy commissioner, a person must have practical knowledge of agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, and related industries and of the proper method of marketing the products of those industries.
(b) The deputy commissioner shall take the oath of office required of the commissioner.
(c) The deputy commissioner shall perform duties assigned by the commissioner. In addition, the deputy commissioner shall perform the duties assigned by law to the commissioner during a necessary and unavoidable absence of the commissioner or during the commissioner's inability to act.
(d) The deputy commissioner serves at the will of the commissioner.
(e) The state shall pay the expenses incurred by the deputy commissioner while traveling on the business of the office under the direction of the commissioner.