Chapter 472-1 MARKETING ORDER FOR PECANS
Rule 472-1-.01 Product Affected
Pecans.
Rule 472-1-.02 Area of Production Affected
The entire State of Georgia.
Rule 472-1-.03 Scope of Operation
| (1) | Research--(Production and Market Development). |
| (2) | Promotion. |
| (3) | Education. |
Rule 472-1-.04 Extent of Operation
The extent of operation under the statutory authority shall be as determined by the Commission within the limitations of the statutory authority. The Commission shall have the right to determine the activities of the Commission and the expenditure of funds under any one or all of the areas permitted under statutory authority.
Rule 472-1-.05 Term of Operation
The term of operation under this Order shall be for a three year period beginning September 1, 1995 and ending August 31, 1998, unless extended as provided by law.
Rule 472-1-.06 Method of Approval
| (1) | The approval of this order shall be by referendum of the affected producers as authorized and provided by O.C.G.A. 2-8-23 paragraphs (3) and (5). |
| (2) | The approval shall be determined by the Commission at the close of such referendum period or provided by O.C.G.A. 2-8-23 paragraphs (3) and (5). |
| (3) | The approval or disapproval of affected producers shall be upon an individual producer basis. |
Rule 472-1-.07 Time for Approval
In the event the Commission, after a public hearing, determines that a referendum shall be held, a thirty (30) day period shall be set during which time ballots shall be received. The Commission has the authority to declare this order approved upon the results of tabulation revealing the requisite numbers of favorable ballots from producers who produce the requisite percentage.
Rule 472-1-.08 Affected Producers
This Order shall apply to all producers of pecans for sale within and without this state who have 30 acres or more of pecan trees planted in a grove-like manner.
Rule 472-1-.09 Method of Finance
| (1) | Projects, undertakings and expense incurred under this Order shall be financed by an assessment and levy of not more than one (1¢) cent per pound on in-shell pecans produced in this state for sale. The assessment and levy shall be against the affected producers of pecans. Upon approval of this requisite number of affected producers and effective as of August 1, 2014, a levy assessment of one (1¢) cent per pound on in-shell pecans is hereby made. Such levy shall continue of force and effect until this Order is suspended or superseded as provided by law and during the time this order remains of force and effect. |
| (2) | To the end that the Commission shall have such funds to defray expenses pending the collection of such funds under the levy and assessment herein provided, the Commission shall be authorized to borrow money and hypothecate anticipated collections as authorized by O.C.G.A. 2-8-27(d). |
Rule 472-1-.10 Method of Collection
| (1) | The levy and assessment provided by this Order shall be collected from affected producers. As aid in such collection, buyers, handlers, distributors, sales agents, and processors shall deduct amount of such levy and assessment from each payment made to the affected producer and they all remit the same to the Commissioner of Agriculture for the account of the producer. The first handler will collect and remit the one cent (1¢) per pound assessment on all pecans purchased from affected producers. |
| (2) | The Commissioner is authorized in the collection of funds to adopt and utilize a reporting and auditing method of collecting the levy and assessment provided herein. |
Rule 472-1-.11 Administration and Enforcement
The Commissioner of Agriculture shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Order, particularly as to the collection of levies and assessments.
Rule 472-1-.12 Expenditure of Funds
The Commission is hereby authorized to expend funds of the Commission as it deems necessary to defray the costs and expenses incurred under this Order. The Commission is further authorized to expend funds to defray the actual costs and expenses of the Commission, including employees, special committees, advisory boards and individuals to aid, advise and assist the Commission in the performance of its duties.
Rule 472-1-.13 Contracts
The Commission may enter into contracts as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its duties under the provisions of this Order, for the performance of duties and services, as the Commission shall deem necessary and proper.
Rule 472-1-.14 Records
It shall be the duty and responsibility of each affected person to keep adequate records that show the true amount of pecans produced, sold, or purchased by him. and to make such records available for inspection and audit by the Commissioner.