(1) The small farm direct marketing assistance program is created.
(2) The director shall employ a small farm direct marketing assistant.
(3) The small farm direct marketing assistance program shall assist small farms in their direct marketing efforts. In carrying out this duty the program shall:
(a) Assist small farms in complying with federal, state, and local rules and regulations as they apply to direct marketing of agricultural products;
(b) Assist in developing infrastructure to increase direct marketing opportunities for small farms;
(c) Provide information on direct marketing opportunities for small farms;
(d) Promote localized food production systems;
(e) Increase access to information for farmers wishing to sell farm products directly to consumers;
(f) Identify and help reduce market barriers facing small farms in direct marketing;
(g) Assist in developing and submitting proposals to grant programs to assist small farm direct marketing efforts; and
(h) Perform other functions that will assist small farms in directly marketing their products.