§19-7-10. Appropriations specifically made available for designated exhibitions.

For the purpose of encouraging agriculture, forestry and industries related thereto and the development and progress of the state, and when appropriations are specifically set out in the budget bill by the Legislature for any state, county or local exhibition or community development, when the exhibition or community development is held in the interest of the public and substantially supported financially by an association or corporation not operated for profit, the commissioner of agriculture may expend any moneys for those purposes and nothing contained in this article may be construed or interpreted to prevent the commissioner from paying awards to exhibitors and expenses in connection with the operation of the exhibition.

The commissioner of agriculture may pay premiums, awards and provide monetary assistance to the exhibitors at county, community and state fairs, festivals or events of any agricultural or horticultural products when appropriations are specifically made available for specific events or organizations.