261.275.  Fund created, use of moneys — limitation on appropriation of fund moneys — research of estimated sales tax revenue generated. — 1.  There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Missouri Dairy Industry Revitalization Fund", which shall consist of moneys appropriated to the fund.  The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund.  In accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180, the state treasurer may approve disbursements of the fund.  Upon appropriation by the general assembly, moneys in the fund shall be used solely to enhance and improve Missouri's dairy and dairy processing industries in the manner provided for in sections 261.270 to 261.295.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary, any moneys remaining in the fund at the end of the biennium shall not revert to the credit of the general revenue fund.  The state treasurer shall invest moneys in the fund in the same manner as other funds are invested.  Any interest and moneys earned on such investments shall be credited to the fund.

  2.  Moneys appropriated from the general revenue fund to the Missouri dairy industry revitalization fund shall not exceed forty percent of the estimated sales tax revenue generated in the state from the sale of dairy products during the preceding fiscal year, calculated under subsection 3 of this section, and shall be expended in the following order of priority:

  (1)  First, to the dairy producer margin insurance premium assistance program created under section 261.280;

  (2)  Second, to the Missouri dairy scholars program created under section 261.285; and

  (3)  Third, to the commercial agriculture program created under section 261.290.

  3.  Each fiscal year the University of Missouri shall conduct research, or contract with an independent research company to conduct research, to determine the estimated sales tax revenue generated in the state from the sale of dairy products.  The cost for such calculation shall be paid out of the Missouri dairy industry revitalization fund.  The estimated sales tax revenue generated in the state from the sale of dairy products shall be provided to the department of agriculture by October first of each year.