The board shall consult with and advise the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food with respect to the laws, policies, programs, and operations of the department on a continuing basis and for such purposes shall meet with the commissioner not less than semi-annually at the call of the chairperson or 3 board members. Each meeting shall be advertised with a portion designated for public input at which interested persons may appear and be heard regarding matters affecting agriculture, markets, and food and related laws. Any member of the board or public may request that the commissioner be excused for any portion of public input at which time the commissioner shall leave the meeting. Upon expiration of the term of office of the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food, or upon the occurrence of a vacancy in such office, it shall be the duty of the board to submit advisory recommendations to the governor and council concerning such new appointment or the filling of such vacancy.