COMMODITY PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 1996 1
(7 U.S.C. 7411-7425)
Sec. 511. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the "Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996". (7 U.S.C. 7401 note.)
Sec. 512. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings..─Congress finds the following:
(1) The production of agricultural commodities plays a significant role in the economy of the United States. Thousands of producers in the United States are involved in the production of agricultural commodities, and such commodities are consumed by millions of people throughout the United States and foreign countries.
(2) Agricultural commodities must be of high quality, readily available, handled properly, and marketed efficiently to ensure that consumers have an adequate supply.
(3) The maintenance and expansion of existing markets and the development of new markets for agricultural commodities through generic commodity promotion, research, and information programs
are vital to the welfare of persons engaged in the production, marketing, and consumption of such commodities, as well as to the general economy of the United States.
(4) Generic promotion, research, and information activities for agricultural commodities play a unique role in advancing the demand for such commodities, since such activities increase the total market for a product to the benefit of consumers and all producers. These generic activities complement branded advertising initiatives, which are aimed at increasing the market share of individual competitors, and are of particular benefit to small producers who lack the resources or market power to advertise on their own. These generic activities do not impede the branded advertising efforts of individual firms, but instead increase general market demand for an agricultural commodity using methods that individual companies do not have the incentive to employ.
(5) Generic promotion, research, and information activities for agricultural commodities, paid by the producers and others in the industry who reap the benefits of such activities, provide a unique opportunity for producers to inform consumers about a particular agricultural commodity.
(6) It is important to ensure that generic promotion, research, and information activities for agricultural commodities be carried out in an effective and coordinated manner designed to strengthen the position of the commodities in the marketplace and to maintain and expand their markets and uses. Independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the generic promotion activities of these programs will assist the Secretary of Agriculture and Congress in ensuring that these objectives are met.
(7) The cooperative development, financing, and implementation of a coordinated national program of research, promotion, and information regarding agricultural commodities are necessary to maintain and expand existing markets and to develop new markets for these commodities.
(8) Agricultural commodities move in interstate and foreign commerce, and agricultural commodities and their products that do not move in such channels of commerce directly burden or affect interstate commerce in agricultural commodities and their products.
(9) Commodity promotion programs have the ability to provide significant conservation benefits to producers and the public.
(b) Purpose.─The purpose of this subtitle is to authorize the establishment, through the exercise by the Secretary of Agriculture of the authority provided in this subtitle, of an orderly program for developing, financing, and carrying out an effective, continuous, and coordinated program of generic promotion, research, and information regarding agricultural commodities designed to─
(1) strengthen the position of agricultural commodity industries in the marketplace;
(2) maintain and expand existing domestic and foreign markets and uses for agricultural commodities;
(3) develop new markets and uses for agricultural commodities; or
(4) assist producers in meeting their conservation objectives.
(c) Rule of Construction.─Nothing in this subtitle provides for the control of production or otherwise limits the right of any person to produce, handle, or import an agricultural commodity. (7 U.S.C. 7411)
Sec. 513. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle (unless the context otherwise requires):
(1) Agricultural commodity.‑The term ``agricultural commodity'' means─
(A) agricultural, horticultural, viticultural, and dairy products;
(B) livestock and the products of livestock;
(C) the products of poultry and bee raising;
(D) the products of forestry;
(E) other commodities raised or produced on farms, as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
(F) products processed or manufactured from products specified in the preceding subparagraphs, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(2) Board.─The term ``board'' means a board established under an order issued under section 514.
(3) Conflict of interest.─The term ``conflict of interest'' means a situation in which a member or employee of a board has a direct or indirect financial interest in a person that performs a service for, or enters into a contract with, a board for anything of economic value.
(4) Department.─The term ``Department'' means the Department of Agriculture.
(5) First handler.─The term ``first handler'' means the first person who buys or takes possession of an agricultural commodity from a producer for marketing. If a producer markets the agricultural commodity directly to consumers, the producer shall be considered to be the first handler with respect to the agricultural commodity produced by the producer.
(6) Importer.─The term ``importer'' means any person who imports an agricultural commodity from outside the United States for sale in the United States as a principal or as an agent, broker, or consignee of any person.
(7) Information.─The term ``information'' means information and programs that are designed to increase─
(A) efficiency in processing; and
(B) the development of new markets, marketing strategies, increased marketing efficiency, and activities to enhance the image of agricultural commodities on a national or international basis.
(8) Market.─The term ``market'' means to sell or to otherwise dispose of an agricultural commodity in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce.
(9) Order.─The term ``order'' means an order issued by the Secretary under section 514 that provides for a program of generic promotion, research, and information regarding agricultural commodities designed to─
(A) strengthen the position of agricultural commodity industries in the marketplace;
(B) maintain and expand existing domestic and foreign markets and uses for agricultural commodities;
(C) develop new markets and uses for agricultural commodities; or
(D) assist producers in meeting their conservation objectives.
(10) Person.─The term ``person'' means any individual, group of individuals, partnership, corporation, association, cooperative, or any other legal entity.
(11) Producer.─The term ``producer'' means any person who is engaged in the production and sale of an agricultural commodity in the United States and who owns, or shares the ownership and risk of loss of, the agricultural commodity.
(12) Promotion.─The term ``promotion'' means any action taken by a board under an order, including paid advertising, to present a favorable image of an agricultural commodity to the public to improve the competitive position of the agricultural commodity in the marketplace and to stimulate sales of the agricultural commodity.
(13) Research.─The term ``research'' means any type of test, study, or analysis designed to advance the image, desirability, use, marketability, production, product development, or quality of an agricultural commodity.
(14) Secretary.─The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(15) State.─The term ``State'' means any of the States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States.
(16) Suspend.─The term ``suspend'' means to issue a rule under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to temporarily prevent the operation of an order during a particular period of time specified in the rule.
(17) Terminate.─The term ``terminate'' means to issue a rule under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to cancel permanently the operation of an order beginning on a date certain specified in the rule.
(18) United States.─The term ``United States'' means collectively the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories and possessions of the United States. (7 U.S.C. 7412.)
Sec. 514. ISSUANCE OF ORDERS.
(a) Issuance Authorized.─
(1) In general.─To effectuate the purpose of this subtitle, the Secretary may issue, and amend from time to time, orders applicable to─
(A) the producers of an agricultural commodity;
(B) the first handlers of the agricultural commodity and other persons in the marketing chain as appropriate; and
(C) the importers of the agricultural commodity, if imports of the agricultural commodity are subject to assessment under section 516(f).
(2) National scope.─Each order issued under this section shall be national in scope.
(b) Procedure for Issuance.─
(1) Development or receipt of proposed order.‑A proposed order with respect to an agricultural commodity may be─
(A) prepared by the Secretary at any time; or
(B) submitted to the Secretary by─
(i) an association of producers of the agricultural commodity; or
(ii) any other person that may be affected by the issuance of an order with respect to the agricultural commodity.
(2) Consideration of proposed order.─If the Secretary determines that a proposed order is consistent with and will effectuate the purpose of this subtitle, the Secretary shall publish the proposed order in the Federal Register and give due notice and opportunity for public comment on the proposed order.
(3) Existence of other orders.─In deciding whether a proposal for an order is consistent with and will effectuate the purpose of this subtitle, the Secretary may consider the existence of other Federal promotion, research, and information programs or orders issued or developed pursuant to any other law.
(4) Preparation of final order.─After notice and opportunity for public comment under paragraph (2) regarding a proposed order, the Secretary shall take into consideration the comments received in preparing a final order. The Secretary shall ensure that the final order is in conformity with the terms, conditions, and requirements of this subtitle.
(c) Issuance and Effective Date.─If the Secretary determines that the final order developed with respect to an agricultural commodity is consistent with and will effectuate the purpose of this subtitle, the Secretary shall issue the final order. Except in the case of an order for which an initial referendum is conducted under section 518(a), the final order shall be issued and become effective not later than 270 days after the date of publication of the proposed order that was the basis for the final order.
(d) Amendments.─From time to time the Secretary may amend any order, consistent with the requirements of section 523. (7 U.S.C. 7413.)
Sec. 515. REQUIRED TERMS IN ORDERS.
(a) In General.─Each order shall contain the terms and conditions specified in this section.
(b) Board.─
(1) Establishment.─Each order shall establish a board to carry out a program of generic promotion, research, and information regarding the agricultural commodity covered by the order and intended to effectuate the purpose of this subtitle.
(2) Board membership.─
(A) Number of members.─Each board shall consist of the number of members considered by the Secretary, in consultation with the agricultural commodity industry involved, to be appropriate to administer the order. In addition to members, the Secretary may also provide for alternates on the board.
(B) Appointment.─The Secretary shall appoint the members and any alternates of a board from among producers of the agricultural commodity and first handlers and others in the marketing chain as appropriate. If imports of the agricultural commodity covered by an order are subject to assessment under section 516(f), the Secretary shall also appoint importers as members of the board and as alternates if alternates are included on the board. The Secretary may appoint 1 or more members of the general public to each board.
(C) Nominations.─The Secretary may make appointments from nominations made pursuant to the method set forth in the order.
(D) Geographical representation.─To ensure fair and equitable representation of the agricultural commodity industry covered by an order, the composition of each board shall reflect the geographical distribution of the production of the agricultural commodity involved in the United States and the quantity or value of the agricultural commodity imported into the United States.
(3) Reapportionment of board membership.─In accordance with rules issued by the Secretary, at least once in each 5‑year period, but not more frequently than once in each 3‑year period, each board shall─
(A) review the geographical distribution in the United States of the production of the agricultural commodity covered by the order involved and the quantity or value of the agricultural commodity imported into the United States; and
(B) if warranted, recommend to the Secretary the reapportionment of the board membership to reflect changes in the geographical distribution of the production of the agricultural commodity and the quantity or value of the imported agricultural commodity.
(4) Notice.─
(A) Vacancies.─Each order shall provide for notice of board vacancies to the agricultural commodity industry involved.
(B) Meetings.─Each board shall provide the Secretary with prior notice of meetings of the board to permit the Secretary, or a designated representative of the Secretary,to attend the meetings.
(5) Term of office.─
(A) In general.─The members and any alternates of a board shall each serve for a term of 3 years, except that the members and any alternates initially appointed to a board shall serve for terms of not more than 2, 3, and 4 years, as specified by the order.
(B) Limitation on consecutive terms.─A member or alternate may serve not more than 2 consecutive terms.
(C) Continuation of term.─Notwithstanding subparagraph(B), each member or alternate shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the Secretary.
(D) Vacancies.─A vacancy arising before the expiration of a term of office of an incumbent member or alternate of aboard shall be filled in a manner provided for in the order.
(6) Compensation.─
(A) In general.─Members and any alternates of a board shall serve without compensation.
(B) Travel expenses.─If approved by a board, members or alternates shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses, which may include a per diem allowance or actual subsistence incurred while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the board.
(c) Powers and Duties of a Board.─Each order shall specify the powers and duties of the board established under the order, which shall include the power and duty─
(1) to administer the order in accordance with its terms and conditions and to collect assessments;
(2) to develop and recommend to the Secretary for approval such bylaws as may be necessary for the functioning of the board and such rules as may be necessary to administer the order, including activities authorized to be carried out under the order;
(3) to meet, organize, and select from among the members of the board a chairperson, other officers, and committees and subcommittees, as the board determines to be appropriate;
(4) to employ persons, other than the members, as the board considers necessary to assist the board in carrying out its duties, and to determine the compensation and specify the duties of the persons;
(5) subject to subsection (e), to develop and carry out generic promotion, research, and information activities relating to the agricultural commodity covered by the order;
(6) to prepare and submit for the approval of the Secretary, before the beginning of each fiscal year, rates of assessment under section 517 and an annual budget of the anticipated expenses to be incurred in the administration of the order, including the probable cost of each promotion, research, and information activity proposed to be developed or carried out by the board;
(7) to borrow funds necessary for the startup expenses of the order;
(8) subject to subsection (f), to enter into contracts or agreements to develop and carry out generic promotion, research, and information activities relating to the agricultural commodity covered by the order;
(9) to pay the cost of the activities with assessments collected under section 517, earnings from invested assessments, and other funds;
(10) to keep records that accurately reflect the actions and transactions of the board, to keep and report minutes of each meeting of the board to the Secretary, and to furnish the Secretary with any information or records the Secretary requests;
(11) to receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of the order; and
(12) to recommend to the Secretary such amendments to the order as the board considers appropriate.
(d) Prohibited Activities.─A board may not engage in, and shall prohibit the employees and agents of the board from engaging in─
(1) any action that would be a conflict of interest;
(2) using funds collected by the board under the order, any action undertaken for the purpose of influencing any legislation or governmental action or policy other than recommending to the Secretary amendments to the order; and
(3) any advertising, including promotion, research, and information activities authorized to be carried out under the order, that may be false or misleading or disparaging to another agricultural commodity.
(e) Activities and Budgets.─
(1) Activities.─Each order shall require the board established under the order to submit to the Secretary for approval plans and projects for promotion, research, or information relating to the agricultural commodity covered by the order.
(2) Budgets.─
(A) Submission to secretary.─Each order shall require the board established under the order to submit to the Secretary for approval a budget of its anticipated annual expenses and disbursements to be paid to administer the order. The budget shall be submitted before the beginning of a fiscal year and as frequently as may be necessary after the beginning of the fiscal year.
(B) Reimbursement of secretary.─Each order shall require that the Secretary be reimbursed for all expenses incurred by the Secretary in the implementation, administration, and supervision of the order, including all referenda costs incurred in connection with the order.
(3) Incurring expenses.─A board may incur the expenses described in paragraph (2) and other expenses for the administration, maintenance, and functioning of the board as authorized by the Secretary.
(4) Payment of expenses.─Expenses incurred under paragraph (3) shall be paid by a board using assessments collected under section 517, earnings obtained from assessments, and other income of the board. Any funds borrowed by the board shall be expended only for startup costs and capital outlays.
(5) Limitation on spending.─For fiscal years beginning 3 or more years after the date of the establishment of a board, the board may not expend for administration (except for reimbursements to the Secretary required under paragraph (2)(B)), maintenance, and functioning of the board in a fiscal year an amount that exceeds 15 percent of the assessment and other income received by the board for the fiscal year.
(f) Contracts and Agreements.─
(1) In general.─Each order shall provide that, with the approval of the Secretary, the board established under the order may─
(A) enter into contracts and agreements to carry out generic promotion, research, and information activities relating to the agricultural commodity covered by the order, including contracts and agreements with producer associations or other entities as considered appropriate by the Secretary; and
(B) pay the cost of approved generic promotion, research, and information activities using assessments collected under section 517, earnings obtained from assessments, and other income of the board.
(2) Requirements.─Each contract or agreement shall provide that any person who enters into the contract or agreement with the board shall─
(A) develop and submit to the board a proposed activity together with a budget that specifies the cost to be incurred to carry out the activity;
(B) keep accurate records of all of its transactions relating to the contract or agreement;
(C) account for funds received and expended in connection with the contract or agreement;
(D) make periodic reports to the board of activities conducted under the contract or agreement; and
(E) make such other reports as the board or the Secretary considers relevant.
(g) Records of Board.─
(1) In general.─Each order shall require the board established under the order─
(A) to maintain such records as the Secretary may require and to make the records available to the Secretary for inspection and audit;
(B) to collect and submit to the Secretary, at any time the Secretary may specify, any information the Secretary may request; and
(C) to account for the receipt and disbursement of all funds in the possession, or under the control, of the board.
(2) Audits.─Each order shall require the board established under the order to have─
(A) its records audited by an independent auditor at the end of each fiscal year; and
(B) a report of the audit submitted directly to the Secretary.
(h) Periodic Evaluation.─In accordance with section 501(c), each order shall require the board established under the order to provide for the independent evaluation of all generic promotion, research, and information activities undertaken under the order.
(i) Books and Records of Persons Covered by Order.─
(1) In general.─Each order shall require that producers, first handlers and other persons in the marketing chain as appropriate, and importers covered by the order shall─
(A) maintain records sufficient to ensure compliance with the order and regulations;
(B) submit to the board established under the order any information required by the board to carry out its responsibilities under the order; and
(C) make the records described in subparagraph (A) available, during normal business hours, for inspection by employees or agents of the board or the Department, including any records necessary to verify information required under subparagraph (B).
(2) Time requirement.─Any record required to be maintained under paragraph (1) shall be maintained for such time period as the Secretary may prescribe.
(3) Other information.─The Secretary may use, and may authorize the board to use under this subtitle, information regarding persons subject to an order that is collected by the Department under any other law.
(4) Confidentiality of information.─
(A) In general.─Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, all information obtained under paragraph (1) or as part of a referendum under section 518 shall be kept confidential by all officers, employees, and agents of the Department and of the board.
(B) Disclosure.─Information referred to in subparagraph (A) may be disclosed only if─
(i) the Secretary considers the information relevant; and
(ii) the information is revealed in a judicial proceeding or administrative hearing brought at the direction or on the request of the Secretary or to which the Secretary or any officer of the Department is a party.
(C) Other exceptions.─This paragraph shall not prohibit─
(i) the issuance of general statements based on reports or on information relating to a number of persons subject to an order if the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or
(ii) the publication, by direction of the Secretary, of the name of any person violating any order and a statement of the particular provisions of the order violated by the person.
(D) Penalty.─Any person who willfully violates this subsection shall be subject, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both.
(5) Withholding information.─This subsection shall not authorize the withholding of information from Congress. (7 U.S.C. 7414.)
Sec. 516. PERMISSIVE TERMS IN ORDERS.
(a) Exemptions.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain─
(1) authority for the Secretary to exempt from the order any de minimis quantity of an agricultural commodity otherwise covered by the order; and
(2) authority for the board established under the order to require satisfactory safeguards against improper use of the exemption.
(b) Different Payment and Reporting Schedules.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain authority for the board established under the order to designate different payment and reporting schedules to recognize differences in agricultural commodity industry marketing practices and procedures used in different production and importing areas.
(c) Activities.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain authority to develop and carry out research, promotion, and information activities designed to expand, improve, or make more efficient the marketing or use of the agricultural commodity covered by the order in domestic and foreign markets. Section 515(e) shall apply with respect to activities authorized under this subsection.
(d) Reserve Funds.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain authority to reserve funds from assessments collected under section 517 to permit an effective and continuous coordinated program of research, promotion, and information in years when the yield from assessments may be reduced, except that the amount of funds reserved may not exceed the greatest aggregate amount of the anticipated disbursements specified in budgets approved under section 515(e) by the Secretary for any 2 fiscal years.
(e) Credits.─
(1) Generic activities.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain authority to provide credits of assessments for those individuals who contribute to other similar generic research, promotion, and information programs at the State, regional, or local level.
(2) Branded activities.─
(A) In general.─The Secretary may permit a farmer cooperative that engages in branded activities relating to the marketing of the products of members of the cooperative to receive an annual credit for the activities and related expenditures in the form of a deduction of the total cost of the activities and related expenditures from the amount of any assessment that would otherwise be required to be paid by the producer members of the cooperative under an order issued under this subtitle.
(B) Election by cooperative.─A farmer cooperative may elect to voluntarily waive the application of subparagraph (A) to the cooperative.
(f) Assessment of Imports.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain authority for the board established under the order to assess under section 517 an imported agricultural commodity, or products of such an agricultural commodity, at a rate comparable to the rate determined by the appropriate board for the domestic agricultural commodity covered by the order.
(g) Other Authority.─An order issued under this subtitle may contain authority to take any other action that─
(1) is not inconsistent with the purpose of this subtitle, any term or condition specified in section 515, or any rule issued to carry out this subtitle; and
(2) is necessary to administer the order. (7 U.S.C. 7415.)
Sec. 517. ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Assessments Authorized.─While an order issued under this subtitle is in effect with respect to an agricultural commodity, assessments shall be─
(1) paid by first handlers with respect to the agricultural commodity produced and marketed in the United States; and
(2) paid by importers with respect to the agricultural commodity imported into the United States, if the imported agricultural commodity is covered by the order pursuant to section 516(f).
(b) Collection.─Assessments required under an order shall be remitted to the board established under the order at the time and in the manner prescribed by the order.
(c) Limitation on Assessments.─Not more than 1 assessment may be levied on a first handler or importer under subsection (a) with respect to any agricultural commodity.
(d) Assessment Rates.─The board shall recommend to the Secretary 1 or more rates of assessment to be levied under subsection (a). If approved by the Secretary, the rates shall take effect. An order may provide that an assessment rate may not be increased unless approved by a referendum conducted pursuant to section 518.
(e) Late‑Payment and Interest Charges.─
(1) In general.─Late‑payment and interest charges may be levied on each person subject to an order who fails to remit an assessment in accordance with subsection (b).
(2) Rate.─The rate for the charges shall be specified by the Secretary.
(f) Investment of Assessments.─Pending disbursement of assessments under a budget approved by the Secretary, a board may invest assessments collected under this section in─
(1) obligations of the United States or any agency of the United States;
(2) general obligations of any State or any political subdivision of a State;
(3) interest‑bearing accounts or certificates of deposit of financial institutions that are members of the Federal Reserve System; or
(4) obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States.
(g) Refund of Assessments From Escrow Account.─
(1) Escrow account.─During the period beginning on the effective date of an order and ending on the date the Secretary announces the results of a referendum that is conducted under section 518(b)(1) with respect to the order, the board established under the order shall─
(A) establish and maintain an escrow account of the kind described in subsection (f)(3) to be used to refund assessments; and
(B) deposit funds in the account in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Amount to be deposited.─The board shall deposit in the account an amount equal to 10 percent of the assessments collected during the period referred to in paragraph (1).
(3) Right to receive refund.─Subject to paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), persons subject to an order shall be eligible to demand a refund of assessments collected during the period referred to in paragraph (1) if─
(A) the assessments were remitted on behalf of the person; and
(B) the order is not approved in the referendum.
(4) Form of demand.─The demand for a refund shall be made at such time and in such form as specified by the order.
(5) Payment of refund.─A person entitled to a refund shall be paid promptly after the board receives satisfactory proof that the assessment for which the refund is demanded was paid on behalf of the person who makes the demand.
(6) Proration.─If the funds in the escrow account required by paragraph (1) are insufficient to pay the amount of all refunds that persons subject to an order otherwise would have a right to receive under this subsection, the board shall prorate the amount of the funds among all the persons.
(7) Closing of escrow account.─If the order is approved in a referendum conducted under section 518(b)(1)─
(A) the escrow account shall be closed; and
(B) the funds shall be available to the board for disbursement as authorized in the order. (7 U.S.C. 7416.)
Sec. 518. REFERENDA.
(a) Initial Referendum.─
(1) Optional referendum.─For the purpose of ascertaining whether the persons to be covered by an order favor the order going into effect, the order may provide for the Secretary to conduct an initial referendum among persons to be subject to an assessment under section 517 who, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, engaged in─
(A) the production or handling of the agricultural commodity covered by the order; or
(B) the importation of the agricultural commodity.
(2) Procedure.─The results of the referendum shall be determined in accordance with subsection (e). The Secretary may require that the agricultural commodity industry involved post a bond or other collateral to cover the cost of the referendum.
(b) Required Referenda.─
(1) In general.─For the purpose of ascertaining whether the persons covered by an order favor the continuation, suspension, or termination of the order, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among persons subject to assessments under section 517 who, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have engaged in─
(A) the production or handling of the agricultural commodity covered by the order; or
(B) the importation of the agricultural commodity.
(2) Time for referendum.─The referendum shall be conducted not later than 3 years after assessments first begin under the order.
(3) Exception.─This subsection shall not apply if an initial referendum was conducted under subsection (a).
(c) Subsequent Referenda.─The Secretary shall conduct a subsequent referendum─
(1) not later than 7 years after assessments first begin under the order;
(2) at the request of the board established under the order; or
(3) at the request of 10 percent or more of the number of persons eligible to vote under subsection (b)(1);
to determine if the persons favor the continuation, suspension, or termination of the order.
(d) Other Referenda.─The Secretary may conduct a referendum at any time to determine whether the continuation, suspension, or termination of the order or a provision of the order is favored by persons eligible to vote under subsection (b)(1).
(e) Approval of Order.─An order may provide for its approval in a referendum─
(1) by a majority of those persons voting;
(2) by persons voting for approval who represent a majority of the volume of the agricultural commodity; or
(3) by a majority of those persons voting for approval who also represent a majority of the volume of the agricultural commodity.
(f) Costs of Referenda.─The board established under an order with respect to which a referendum is conducted under this section shall reimburse the Secretary for any expenses incurred by the Secretary to conduct the referendum.
(g) Manner of Conducting Referenda.─
(1) In general.─A referendum conducted under this section shall be conducted in the manner determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
(2) Advance registration.─If the Secretary determines that an advance registration of eligible voters in a referendum is necessary before the voting period in order to facilitate the conduct of the referendum, the Secretary may institute the advance registration procedures by mail, or in person through the use of national and local offices of the Department.
(3) Voting.─Eligible voters may vote by mail ballot in the referendum or in person if so prescribed by the Secretary.
(4) Notice.─Not later than 30 days before a referendum is conducted under this section with respect to an order, the Secretary shall notify the agricultural commodity industry involved, in such manner as determined by the Secretary, of the period during which voting in the referendum will occur. The notice shall explain any registration and voting procedures established under this subsection. U.S.C. 47417.)
Sec. 519. PETITION AND REVIEW OF ORDERS.
(a) Petition.─
(1) In general.─A person subject to an order issued under this subtitle may file with the Secretary a petition─
(A) stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order, is not established in accordance with law; and
(B) requesting a modification of the order or an exemption from the order.
(2) Hearing.─The Secretary shall give the petitioner an opportunity for a hearing on the petition, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary.
(3) Ruling.─After the hearing, the Secretary shall make a ruling on the petition. The ruling shall be final, subject to review as set forth in subsection (b).
(4) Limitation on petition.─Any petition filed under this subsection challenging an order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order, shall be filed within 2 years after the effective date of the order, provision, or obligation subject to challenge in the petition.
(b) Review.─
(1) Commencement of action.─The district court of the United States for any district in which a person who is a petitioner under subsection (a) resides or carries on business shall have jurisdiction to review the final ruling on the petition of the person, if a complaint for that purpose is filed not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of the final ruling by the Secretary under subsection (a)(3).
(2) Process.─Service of process in a proceeding may be made on the Secretary by delivering a copy of the complaint to the Secretary.
(3) Remands.─If the court determines that the ruling is not in accordance with law, the court shall remand the matter to the Secretary with directions─
(A) to make such ruling as the court determines to be in accordance with law; or
(B) to take such further action as, in the opinion of the court, the law requires.
(c) Effect on Enforcement Proceedings.─The pendency of a petition filed under subsection (a) or an action commenced under subsection (b) shall not operate as a stay of any action authorized by section 520 to be taken to enforce this subtitle, including any rule, order, or penalty in effect under this subtitle. (7 U.S.C. 7418.)
Sec. 520. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Jurisdiction.─The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction specifically to enforce, and to prevent and restrain a person from violating, an order or regulation issued under this subtitle.
(b) Referral to Attorney General.─A civil action authorized to be brought under this section shall be referred to the Attorney General for appropriate action, except that the Secretary shall not be required to refer to the Attorney General a violation of this subtitle if the Secretary believes that the administration and enforcement of this subtitle would be adequately served by providing a suitable written notice or warning to the person who committed the violation or by an administrative action under this section.
(c) Civil Penalties and Orders.─
(1) Civil penalties.─A person who willfully violates an order or regulation issued by the Secretary under this Act may be assessed by the Secretary a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000 for each violation.
(2) Separate offense.─Each violation and each day during which here is a failure to comply with an order or regulation issued by the Secretary shall be considered to be a separate offense.
(3) Cease‑and‑desist orders.─In addition to, or in lieu of, a civil penalty, the Secretary may issue an order requiring a person to cease and desist from violating the order or regulation.
(4) Notice and hearing.─No order assessing a penalty or cease‑and‑desist order may be issued by the Secretary under this subsection unless the Secretary provides notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record with respect to the violation.
(5) Finality.─An order assessing a penalty or a cease‑and‑desist order issued under this subsection by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive unless the person against whom the order is issued files an appeal from the order with the United States court of appeals, as provided in subsection (d).
(d) Review by Court of Appeals.─
(1) In general.─A person against whom an order is issued under subsection (c) may obtain review of the order by─
(A) filing, not later than 30 days after the person receives notice of the order, a notice of appeal in─
(i) the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the person resides or carries on business; or
(ii) the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; and
(B) simultaneously sending a copy of the notice of appeal by certified mail to the Secretary.
(2) Record.─The Secretary shall file with the court a certified copy of the record on which the Secretary has determined that the person has committed a violation.
(3) Standard of review.─A finding of the Secretary under this section shall be set aside only if the finding is found to be unsupported by substantial evidence on the record.
(e) Failure to Obey Cease‑and‑Desist Orders.─A person who fails to obey a valid cease‑and‑desist order issued by the Secretary under this section, after an opportunity for a hearing, shall be subject to a civil penalty assessed by the Secretary of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000 for each offense. Each day during which the failure continues shall be considered to be a separate violation of the cease‑and‑desist order.
(f) Failure to Pay Penalties.─If a person fails to pay a civil penalty imposed under this section by the Secretary, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General for recovery of the amount assessed in the district court of the United States for any district in which the person resides or carries on business. In the action, the validity and appropriateness of the order imposing the civil penalty shall not be subject to review.
(g) Additional Remedies.─The remedies provided in this section shall be in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available. (7 U.S.C. 7419.)
Sec. 521. INVESTIGATIONS AND POWER TO SUBPOENA.
(a) Investigations.─The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary considers necessary─
(1) for the effective administration of this subtitle; or
(2) to determine whether any person subject to this subtitle has engaged, or is about to engage, in any action that constitutes or will constitute a violation of this subtitle or any order or regulation issued under this subtitle.
(b) Subpoenas, Oaths, and Affirmations.─For the purpose of any investigation under subsection (a), the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records or documents that are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the production of records or documents may be required from any place in the United States.
(c) Aid of courts.─In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to, any person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which the investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where the person resides or carries on business, in order to require the attendance and testimony of the person or the production of records or documents. The court may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the Secretary to produce records or documents or to give testimony regarding the matter under investigation.
(d) Contempt.─Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of the court.
(e) PROCESS.─Process in any case under this section may be served in the judicial district in which the person resides or carries on business or wherever the person may be found. (7 U.S.C. 7420.)
Sec. 522. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION.
(a) Mandatory Suspension or Termination.─The Secretary shall suspend or terminate an order or a provision of an order if the Secretary finds that an order or a provision of an order obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purpose of this subtitle, or if the Secretary determines that the order or a provision of an order is not favored by persons voting in a referendum conducted under section 518.
(b) Implementation of suspension or termination.─If, as a result of a referendum conducted under section 518, the Secretary determines that an order is not approved, the Secretary shall─
(1) not later than 180 days after making the determination, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, collection of assessments under the order; and
(2) as soon as practicable, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, activities under the order in an orderly manner. (7 U.S.C. 7422.)
Sec. 523. AMENDMENTS TO ORDERS.
The provisions of this subtitle applicable to an order shall be applicable to any amendment to an order, except that section 518 shall not apply to an amendment. (7 U.S.C.7422.)
Sec. 524. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.
This subtitle shall not affect or preempt any other Federal or State law authorizing promotion or research relating to an agricultural commodity. (7 U.S.C. 7423.)
Sec. 525. REGULATIONS.
The Secretary may issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle and the power vested in the Secretary under this subtitle. (7 U.S.C. 7424.)
Sec. 526. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.─There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle.
(b) Limitation on Expenditures for Administrative Expenses.‑Funds appropriated to carry out this subtitle may not be expended for the payment of expenses incurred by a board to administer an order. (7 U.S.C. 7425.)
1 ? Title V, Subtitle B, Issuance of Orders for Promotion, Research, and Information Activities Regarding Agricultural Commodities, of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-127, 110 Stat. 1032, Apr. 4, 1996. Provisions generally referred to as the ``Generic Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act''.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | COMMODITY PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 1996 |
| Author | mirby |
| Last Modified By | Marilyn Pish |
| File Modified | 2010-08-09 |
| File Created | 2010-08-09 |