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US (United States) Code. Title 7. Chapter 101: Agricultural promotion

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-CITE-

7 USC CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

-HEAD-

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

-MISC1-

SUBCHAPTER I - COMMODITY PROMOTION AND EVALUATION

Sec.

7401. Commodity promotion and evaluation.

(a) ''Commodity promotion law'' defined.

(b) Findings.

effectiveness.

(d) Administrative costs.

(e) Exemption of certified organic products from

assessments.

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

7411. Findings and purpose.

(a) Findings.

(b) Purpose.

7412. Definitions.

7413. Issuance of orders.

(a) Issuance authorized.

(b) Procedure for issuance.

(d) Amendments.

7414. Required terms in orders.

(a) In general.

(b) Board.

(d) Prohibited activities.

(e) Activities and budgets.

(f) Contracts and agreements.

(g) Records of board.

(h) Periodic evaluation.

(i) Books and records of persons covered by order.

7415. Permissive terms in orders.

(a) Exemptions.

(b) Different payment and reporting schedules.

(d) Reserve funds.

(e) Credits.

(f) Assessment of imports.

(g) Other authority.

7416. Assessments.

(a) Assessments authorized.

(b) Collection.

(d) Assessment rates.

(e) Late-payment and interest charges.

(f) Investment of assessments.

(g) Refund of assessments from escrow account.

7417. Referenda.

(a) Initial referendum.

(b) Required referenda.

(d) Other referenda.

(e) Approval of order.

(f) Costs of referenda.

(g) Manner of conducting referenda.

7418. Petition and review of orders.

(a) Petition.

(b) Review.

7419. Enforcement.

(a) Jurisdiction.

(b) Referral to Attorney General.

(d) Review by court of appeals.

(e) Failure to obey cease-and-desist orders.

(f) Failure to pay penalties.

(g) Additional remedies.

7420. Investigations and power to subpoena.

(a) Investigations.

(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations.

(d) Contempt.

(e) Process.

7421. Suspension or termination.

(a) Mandatory suspension or termination.

(b) Implementation of suspension or termination.

7422. Amendments to orders.

7423. Effect on other laws.

7424. Regulations.

7425. Authorization of appropriations.

(a) In general.

(b) Limitation on expenditures for administrative

expenses.

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

7441. Findings and declaration of policy.

(a) Findings.

(b) Policy.

7442. Definitions.

7443. Issuance and amendment of orders.

(a) In general.

(b) Procedure.

7444. Required terms in orders.

(a) In general.

(b) Establishment and membership of National Canola

and Rapeseed Board.

(d) Programs and budgets.

(e) Contracts and agreements.

(f) Books and records of Board.

(g) Prohibition.

(h) Books and records.

(i) Use of assessments.

(j) Other terms and conditions.

7445. Assessments.

(a) In general.

(b) Limitation on assessments.

(d) Assessment rate.

(e) Late payment charge.

(f) Refund of assessments from escrow account.

7446. Referenda.

(a) Initial referendum.

(b) Additional referenda.

7447. Petition and review.

(a) Petition.

(b) Review.

7448. Enforcement.

(a) Jurisdiction.

(b) Referral to Attorney General.

(d) Review by district court.

(e) Failure to obey cease-and-desist orders.

(f) Failure to pay penalties.

(g) Additional remedies.

7449. Investigations and power to subpoena.

(a) Investigations.

(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations.

(d) Contempt.

(e) Process.

(f) Hearing site.

7450. Suspension or termination.

7451. Regulations.

7452. Authorization of appropriations.

(a) In general.

(b) Administrative expenses.

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

7461. Findings and purposes.

(a) Findings.

(b) Purposes.

7462. Definitions.

7463. Issuance of orders.

(a) Issuance.

(b) Procedure.

7464. National Kiwifruit Board.

(a) Membership.

(b) Adjustment of membership.

(d) Alternates.

(e) Terms.

(f) Disqualification.

(g) Compensation.

(h) General powers and duties.

7465. Required terms in order.

(a) Budgets and plans.

(b) Assessments.

(d) False claims.

(e) Prohibition on use of funds.

(f) Books, records, and reports.

(g) Confidentiality.

(h) Withholding of information.

7466. Permissive terms in order.

(a) Permissive terms.

(b) Alternative payment and reporting schedules.

(d) Reserve funds.

(e) Promotion activities outside United States.

7467. Petition and review.

(a) Petition.

(b) Review.

7468. Enforcement.

(a) Jurisdiction.

(b) Referral to Attorney General.

(d) Review by United States district court.

(e) Failure to obey cease-and-desist orders.

(f) Failure to pay penalties.

7469. Investigations and power to subpoena.

(a) In general.

(b) Power to subpoena.

(d) Contempt.

(e) Process.

(f) Hearing site.

7470. Referenda.

(a) Initial referendum.

(b) Subsequent referenda.

(d) Vote.

(e) Confidentiality.

7471. Suspension or termination.

(a) In general.

(b) Limitation.

7472. Regulations.

7473. Authorization of appropriations.

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

7481. Findings and declaration of policy.

(a) Findings.

(b) Policy.

(d) Statutory construction.

7482. Definitions.

7483. Issuance of orders.

(a) In general.

(b) Procedure.

7484. Required terms in orders.

(a) In general.

(b) Establishment and membership of Popcorn Board.

(d) Plans and budgets.

(e) Contracts and agreements.

(f) Assessments.

(g) Prohibition on use of funds.

(h) Books and records of Board.

(i) Books and records of processors.

(j) Other terms and conditions.

7485. Referenda.

(a) Initial referendum.

(b) Additional referenda.

(d) Method of conducting referendum.

(e) Confidentiality of ballots and other information.

7486. Petition and review.

(a) Petition.

(b) Review.

7487. Enforcement.

(a) In general.

(b) Jurisdiction.

7488. Investigations and power to subpoena.

(a) Investigations.

(b) Oaths, affirmations, and subpoenas.

7489. Relation to other programs.

7490. Regulations.

7491. Authorization of appropriations.

-CITE-

7 USC SUBCHAPTER I - COMMODITY PROMOTION AND EVALUATION 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER I - COMMODITY PROMOTION AND EVALUATION

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER I - COMMODITY PROMOTION AND EVALUATION

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7401 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER I - COMMODITY PROMOTION AND EVALUATION

-HEAD-

Sec. 7401. Commodity promotion and evaluation

-STATUTE-

(a) ''Commodity promotion law'' defined

In this section, the term ''commodity promotion law'' means a

Federal law that provides for the establishment and operation of a

promotion program regarding an agricultural commodity that includes

a combination of promotion, research, industry information, or

consumer information activities, is funded by mandatory assessments

on producers or processors, and is designed to maintain or expand

markets and uses for the commodity (as determined by the

Secretary). The term includes -

(1) the marketing promotion provisions under section 608c(6)(I)

of this title;

(2) Public Law 89-502 (7 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.);

(3) title III of Public Law 91-670 (7 U.S.C. 2611 et seq.);

(4) Public Law 93-428 (7 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.);

(5) Public Law 94-294 (7 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.);

(6) subtitle B of title I of Public Law 98-180 (7 U.S.C. 4501

et seq.);

(7) Public Law 98-590 (7 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.);

(8) subtitle B of title XVI of Public Law 99-198 (7 U.S.C. 4801

et seq.);

(9) subtitle C of title XVI of Public Law 99-198 (7 U.S.C. 4901

et seq.);

(10) subtitle B of title XIX of Public Law 101-624 (7 U.S.C.

6101 et seq.);

(11) subtitle E of title XIX of Public Law 101-624 (7 U.S.C.

6301 et seq.);

(12) subtitle H of title XIX of Public Law 101-624 (7 U.S.C.

6401 et seq.);

(13) Public Law 103-190 (7 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.);

(14) Public Law 103-407 (7 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.);

(15) subchapter II of this chapter;

(16) subchapter III of this chapter;

(17) subchapter IV of this chapter;

(18) subchapter V of this chapter; or

(19) any other provision of law enacted after April 4, 1996,

that provides for the establishment and operation of a promotion

program described in the first sentence.

(b) Findings

Congress finds the following:

(1) It is in the national public interest and vital to the

welfare of the agricultural economy of the United States to

maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets and

uses for agricultural commodities through industry-funded,

Government-supervised, generic commodity promotion programs

established under commodity promotion laws.

(2) These generic commodity promotion programs, funded by the

agricultural producers or processors who most directly reap the

benefits of the programs and supervised by the Secretary of

Agriculture, provide a unique opportunity for producers and

processors to inform consumers about their products.

(3) The central congressional purpose underlying each commodity

promotion law has always been to maintain and expand markets for

the agricultural commodity covered by the law, rather than to

maintain or expand the share of those markets held by any

individual producer or processor.

(4) The commodity promotion laws were neither designed nor

intended to prohibit or restrict, and the promotion programs

established and funded pursuant to these laws do not prohibit or

restrict, individual advertising or promotion of the covered

commodities by any producer, processor, or group of producers or

processors.

(5) It has never been the intent of Congress for the generic

commodity promotion programs established and funded by the

commodity promotion laws to replace the individual advertising

and promotion efforts of producers or processors.

(6) An individual producer's or processor's own advertising

initiatives are typically designed to increase the share of the

market held by that producer or processor rather than to increase

or expand the overall size of the market.

(7) In contrast, a generic commodity promotion program is

intended and designed to maintain or increase the overall demand

for the agricultural commodity covered by the program and

increase the size of the market for that commodity, often by

utilizing promotion methods and techniques that individual

producers and processors typically are unable, or have no

incentive, to employ.

(8) The commodity promotion laws establish promotion programs

that operate as ''self-help'' mechanisms for producers and

processors to fund generic promotions for covered commodities

which, under the required supervision and oversight of the

Secretary of Agriculture -

(A) further specific national governmental goals, as

established by Congress; and

(B) produce nonideological and commercial communication the

purpose of which is to further the governmental policy and

objective of maintaining and expanding the markets for the

covered commodities.

(9) While some commodity promotion laws grant a producer or

processor the option of crediting individual advertising

conducted by the producer or processor for all or a portion of

the producer's or processor's marketing promotion assessments,

all promotion programs established under the commodity promotion

laws, both those programs that permit credit for individual

advertising and those programs that do not contain such

provisions, are very narrowly tailored to fulfill the

congressional purposes of the commodity promotion laws without

impairing or infringing the legal or constitutional rights of any

individual producer or processor.

(10) These generic commodity promotion programs are of

particular benefit to small producers who often lack the

resources or market power to advertise on their own and who are

otherwise often unable to benefit from the economies of scale

available in promotion and advertising.

(11) Periodic independent evaluation of the effectiveness of

these generic commodity promotion programs will assist Congress

and the Secretary of Agriculture in ensuring that the objectives

of the programs are met.

Except as otherwise provided by law, each commodity board

established under the supervision and oversight of the Secretary of

Agriculture pursuant to a commodity promotion law shall, not less

often than every 5 years, authorize and fund, from funds otherwise

available to the board, an independent evaluation of the

effectiveness of the generic commodity promotion programs and other

programs conducted by the board pursuant to a commodity promotion

law. The board shall submit to the Secretary, and make available

to the public, the results of each periodic independent evaluation

conducted under this subsection.

(d) Administrative costs

The Secretary shall annually provide to the Committee on

Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate information on

administrative expenses on programs established under commodity

promotion laws.

(e) Exemption of certified organic products from assessments

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any provision of a commodity promotion law, a

person that produces and markets solely 100 percent organic

products, and that does not produce any conventional or

nonorganic products, shall be exempt from the payment of an

assessment under a commodity promotion law with respect to any

agricultural commodity that is produced on a certified organic

farm (as defined in section 6502 of this title).

(2) Regulations

Not later than 1 year after May 13, 2002, the Secretary shall

promulgate regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for

an exemption under paragraph (1).

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 501, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1029;

Pub. L. 107-171, title X, Sec. 10607, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 514.)

-REFTEXT-

REFERENCES IN TEXT

Public Law 89-502, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L.

89-502, July 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 279, as amended, known as the

Cotton Research and Promotion Act, which is classified generally to

chapter 53 (Sec. 2101 et seq.) of this title. For complete

classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set

out under section 2101 of this title and Tables.

Public Law 91-670, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L.

91-670, Jan. 11, 1971, 84 Stat. 2040, as amended. Title III of

Pub. L. 91-670, known as the Potato Research and Promotion Act, is

classified generally to chapter 58 (Sec. 2611 et seq.) of this

title. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see

Short Title note set out under section 2611 of this title and

Tables.

Public Law 93-428, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is Pub. L.

93-428, Oct. 1, 1974, 88 Stat. 1171, as amended, known as the Egg

Research and Consumer Information Act, which is classified

generally to chapter 60 (Sec. 2701 et seq.) of this title. For

complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title

note set out under section 2701 of this title and Tables.

Public Law 94-294, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), is Pub. L.

94-294, May 28, 1976, 90 Stat. 529, as amended, known as the Beef

Research and Information Act, which is classified generally to

chapter 62 (Sec. 2901 et seq.) of this title. For complete

classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set

out under section 2901 of this title and Tables.

Public Law 98-180, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is Pub. L.

98-180, Nov. 29, 1983, 97 Stat. 1128, as amended. Title I of Pub.

L. 98-180 is known as the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of

1983. Subtitle B of title I is classified generally to subchapter I

(Sec. 4501 et seq.) of chapter 76 of this title. For complete

classification of title I to the Code, see Short Title note set out

under section 4501 of this title and Tables.

Public Law 98-590, referred to in subsec. (a)(7), is Pub. L.

98-590, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3115, as amended, known as the

Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act, which is

classified generally to chapter 77 (Sec. 4601 et seq.) of this

title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title note set out under section 4601 of this title and

Tables.

Public Law 99-198, referred to in subsec. (a)(8), (9), is Pub. L.

99-198, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1354, as amended, known as the Food

Security Act of 1985. Subtitle B of title XVI of Pub. L. 99-198,

known as the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act

of 1985, is classified generally to chapter 79 (Sec. 4801 et seq.)

of this title. Subtitle C of title XVI of Pub. L. 99-198, known as

the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act, is classified generally

to chapter 80 (Sec. 4901 et seq.) of this title. For complete

classification of subtitles B and C to the Code, see Short Title

notes set out under sections 4801 and 4901, respectively, of this

title and Tables.

Public Law 101-624, referred to in subsec. (a)(10), (11), (12),

is Pub. L. 101-624, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3359, as amended,

known as the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of

1990. Subtitle B of title XIX of Pub. L. 101-624, known as the

Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1990,

is classified generally to chapter 90 (Sec. 6101 et seq.) of this

title. Subtitle E of title XIX of Pub. L. 101-624, known as the

Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act, is

classified generally to chapter 92 (Sec. 6301 et seq.) of this

title. Subtitle H of title XIX of Pub. L. 101-624, known as the

Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990, is classified generally to

chapter 93 (Sec. 6401 et seq.) of this title. For complete

classification of subtitles B, E, and H to the Code, see Short

Title notes set out under sections 6101, 6301, and 6401,

respectively, of this title and Tables.

Public Law 103-190, referred to in subsec. (a)(13), is Pub. L.

103-190, Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2266, known as the Fresh Cut

Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Act of 1993,

which is classified generally to chapter 97 (Sec. 6801 et seq.) of

this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,

see Short Title note set out under section 6801 of this title and

Tables.

Public Law 103-407, referred to in subsec. (a)(14), is Pub. L.

103-407, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4210, known as the Sheep

Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1994, which is

classified generally to chapter 99 (Sec. 7101 et seq.) of this

title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title note set out under section 7101 of this title and

Tables.

-MISC2-

AMENDMENTS

2002 - Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 107-171, Sec. 10607(b), added

par. (19).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107-171, Sec. 10607(a), added subsec. (e).

SHORT TITLE

Section 511 of title V of Pub. L. 104-127 provided that: ''This

subtitle (subtitle B (Sec. 511-526) of title V of Pub. L. 104-127,

enacting subchapter II of this chapter) may be cited as the

'Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996'.''

Section 531 of title V of Pub. L. 104-127 provided that: ''This

subtitle (subtitle C (Sec. 531-543) of title V of Pub. L. 104-127,

enacting subchapter III of this chapter) may be cited as the

'Canola and Rapeseed Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information

Act'.''

Section 551 of title V of Pub. L. 104-127 provided that: ''This

subtitle (subtitle D (Sec. 551-564) of title V of Pub. L. 104-127,

enacting subchapter IV of this chapter) may be cited as the

'National Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information

Act'.''

Section 571 of title V of Pub. L. 104-127 provided that: ''This

subtitle (subtitle E (Sec. 571-582) of title V of Pub. L. 104-127,

enacting subchapter V of this chapter) may be cited as the 'Popcorn

Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act'.''

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7414 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION,

RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACTIVITIES

REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-SECREF-

SUBCHAPTER REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This subchapter is referred to in sections 7401, 7804 of this

title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7411 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7411. Findings and purpose

-STATUTE-

(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 subchapter is to authorize the establishment,

through the exercise by the Secretary of Agriculture of the

authority provided in this subchapter, 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;

(4) assist producers in meeting their conservation objectives.

Nothing in this subchapter provides for the control of production

or otherwise limits the right of any person to produce, handle, or

import an agricultural commodity.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 512, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1032.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7412 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7412. Definitions

-STATUTE-

In this subchapter (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;

(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 7413 of this title.

(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 7413 of this title 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;

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 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 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.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 513, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1033.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7413 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7413. Issuance of orders

-STATUTE-

(a) Issuance authorized

(1) In general

To effectuate the purpose of this subchapter, 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

of the agricultural commodity are subject to assessment under

section 7415(f) of this title.

(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 subchapter, the

Secretary shall publish the proposed order in the Federal

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 subchapter, 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 subchapter.

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 subchapter, the Secretary shall

issue the final order. Except in the case of an order for which an

initial referendum is conducted under section 7417(a) of this

title, 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 7422 of this title.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 514, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1035.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7412 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7414 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7414. Required terms in orders

-STATUTE-

(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 subchapter.

(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 7415(f) of

this title, 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.

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.

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 a board 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.

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) of this section, 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 7416 of this title 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) of this section, 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 7416 of this title, 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 7416 of this title,

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 7416 of this title, 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;

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

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 7401(c) of this title, 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

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 subchapter, 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 subchapter, all

information obtained under paragraph (1) or as part of a

referendum under section 7417 of this title 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.

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.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 515, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1036.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7415 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7415 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7415. Permissive terms in orders

-STATUTE-

(a) Exemptions

An order issued under this subchapter 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 subchapter 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.

An order issued under this subchapter 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 7414(e) of this title

shall apply with respect to activities authorized under this

subsection.

(d) Reserve funds

An order issued under this subchapter may contain authority to

reserve funds from assessments collected under section 7416 of this

title 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 7414(e) of this title by the Secretary for any 2 fiscal

years.

(e) Credits

(1) Generic activities

An order issued under this subchapter 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 subchapter.

(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 subchapter may contain authority for

the board established under the order to assess under section 7416

of this title 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 subchapter may contain authority to

take any other action that -

(1) is not inconsistent with the purpose of this subchapter,

any term or condition specified in section 7414 of this title, or

any rule issued to carry out this subchapter; and

(2) is necessary to administer the order.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 516, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1041.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7413, 7414, 7416 of this

title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7416 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7416. Assessments

-STATUTE-

(a) Assessments authorized

While an order issued under this subchapter 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 7415(f) of this title.

(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.

Not more than 1 assessment may be levied on a first handler or

importer under subsection (a) of this section 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) of this section. 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 7417 of this

title.

(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) of this section.

(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 7417(b)(1) of this

title 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) of this section 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 7417(b)(1) of this title -

(A) the escrow account shall be closed; and

(B) the funds shall be available to the board for

disbursement as authorized in the order.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 517, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1042.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7414, 7415, 7417 of this

title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7417 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7417. Referenda

-STATUTE-

(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 7416

of this title 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) of this section. 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 7416 of this title 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) of this section.

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) of this section;

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) of this section.

(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.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 518, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1043.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7413, 7414, 7416, 7421,

7422 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7418 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7418. Petition and review of orders

-STATUTE-

(a) Petition

(1) In general

A person subject to an order issued under this subchapter 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) of this section.

(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) of this

section 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) of this section.

(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.

The pendency of a petition filed under subsection (a) of this

section or an action commenced under subsection (b) of this section

shall not operate as a stay of any action authorized by section

7419 of this title to be taken to enforce this subchapter,

including any rule, order, or penalty in effect under this

subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 519, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1044.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7419 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7419. Enforcement

-STATUTE-

(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 subchapter.

(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 subchapter if the Secretary believes

that the administration and enforcement of this subchapter 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.

(1) Civil penalties

A person who willfully violates an order or regulation issued

by the Secretary under this subchapter 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 there 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) of this section.

(d) Review by court of appeals

(1) In general

A person against whom an order is issued under subsection (c)

of this section 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.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 520, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1045.)

-REFTEXT-

REFERENCES IN TEXT

This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the

original ''this Act'' and was translated as reading ''this

subtitle'', meaning subtitle B (Sec. 511-526) of title V of Pub. L.

104-127, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1032, to reflect the probable

intent of Congress.

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7418 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7420 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7420. Investigations and power to subpoena

-STATUTE-

(a) Investigations

The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary

considers necessary -

(1) for the effective administration of this subchapter; or

(2) to determine whether any person subject to this subchapter

has engaged, or is about to engage, in any action that

constitutes or will constitute a violation of this subchapter or

any order or regulation issued under this subchapter.

(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations

For the purpose of any investigation under subsection (a) of this

section, 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.

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.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 521, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1047.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7421 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7421. Suspension or termination

-STATUTE-

(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 subchapter, 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 7417 of this title.

(b) Implementation of suspension or termination

If, as a result of a referendum conducted under section 7417 of

this title, 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.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 522, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1047.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7422 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7422. Amendments to orders

-STATUTE-

The provisions of this subchapter applicable to an order shall be

applicable to any amendment to an order, except that section 7417

of this title shall not apply to an amendment.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 523, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1047.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7413 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7423 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7423. Effect on other laws

-STATUTE-

This subchapter shall not affect or preempt any other Federal or

State law authorizing promotion or research relating to an

agricultural commodity.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 524, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1047.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7424 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7424. Regulations

-STATUTE-

The Secretary may issue such regulations as may be necessary to

carry out this subchapter and the power vested in the Secretary

under this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 525, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1048.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7425 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND

INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

-HEAD-

Sec. 7425. Authorization of appropriations

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be

necessary to carry out this subchapter.

(b) Limitation on expenditures for administrative expenses

Funds appropriated to carry out this subchapter may not be

expended for the payment of expenses incurred by a board to

administer an order.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 526, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1048.)

-CITE-

7 USC SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-SECREF-

SUBCHAPTER REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This subchapter is referred to in section 7401 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7441 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7441. Findings and declaration of policy

-STATUTE-

(a) Findings

Congress finds that -

(1) canola and rapeseed products are an important and

nutritious part of the human diet;

(2) the production of canola and rapeseed products plays a

significant role in the economy of the United States in that -

(A) canola and rapeseed products are produced by thousands of

canola and rapeseed producers and processed by numerous

processing entities; and

(B) canola and rapeseed products produced in the United

States are consumed by people throughout the United States and

foreign countries;

(3) canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products should

be readily available and marketed efficiently to ensure that

consumers have an adequate supply of canola and rapeseed products

at a reasonable price;

(4) the maintenance and expansion of existing markets and

development of new markets for canola, rapeseed, and canola and

rapeseed products are vital to the welfare of canola and rapeseed

producers and processors and those persons concerned with

marketing canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products, as

well as to the general economy of the United States, and are

necessary to ensure the ready availability and efficient

marketing of canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products;

(5) there exist established State and national organizations

conducting canola and rapeseed research, promotion, and consumer

education programs that are valuable to the efforts of promoting

the consumption of canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed

products;

(6) the cooperative development, financing, and implementation

of a coordinated national program of canola and rapeseed

research, promotion, consumer information, and industry

information is necessary to maintain and expand existing markets

and develop new markets for canola, rapeseed, and canola and

rapeseed products; and

(7) canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products move in

interstate and foreign commerce, and canola, rapeseed, and canola

and rapeseed products that do not move in interstate or foreign

commerce directly burden or affect interstate commerce in canola,

rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products.

(b) Policy

It is the policy of this subchapter to establish an orderly

procedure for developing, financing through assessments on

domestically produced canola and rapeseed, and implementing a

program of research, promotion, consumer information, and industry

information designed to strengthen the position in the marketplace

of the canola and rapeseed industry, to maintain and expand

existing domestic and foreign markets and uses for canola,

rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products, and to develop new

markets and uses for canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed

products.

Nothing in this subchapter provides for the control of production

or otherwise limits the right of individual producers to produce

canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 532, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1048.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7442 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7442. Definitions

-STATUTE-

In this subchapter (unless the context otherwise requires):

(1) Board

The term ''Board'' means the National Canola and Rapeseed Board

established under section 7444(b) of this title.

(2) Canola; rapeseed

The terms ''canola'' and ''rapeseed'' mean any brassica plant

grown in the United States for the production of an oilseed, the

oil of which is used for a food or nonfood use.

(3) Canola or rapeseed product

The term ''canola or rapeseed product'' means a product

produced, in whole or in part, from canola or rapeseed.

(4) Commerce

The term ''commerce'' includes interstate, foreign, and

intrastate commerce.

(5) Conflict of interest

The term ''conflict of interest'' means a situation in which a

member of the Board has a direct or indirect financial interest

in a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, joint

venture, or other business entity dealing directly or indirectly

with the Board.

(6) Consumer information

The term ''consumer information'' means information that will

assist consumers and other persons in making evaluations and

decisions regarding the purchase, preparation, and use of canola,

rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products.

(7) Department

The term ''Department'' means the Department of Agriculture.

(8) First purchaser

The term ''first purchaser'' means -

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person who buys

or otherwise acquires canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed

products produced by a producer; or

(B) the Commodity Credit Corporation, in a case in which

canola or rapeseed is forfeited to the Commodity Credit

Corporation as collateral for a loan issued under a price

support loan program administered by the Commodity Credit

Corporation.

(9) Industry information

The term ''industry information'' means information or a

program that will lead to the development of new markets, new

marketing strategies, or increased efficiency for the canola and

rapeseed industry, or an activity to enhance the image of the

canola or rapeseed industry.

(10) Industry member

The term ''industry member'' means a member of the canola and

rapeseed industry who represents -

(A) manufacturers of canola or rapeseed products; or

(B) persons who commercially buy or sell canola or rapeseed.

(11) Marketing

The term ''marketing'' means the sale or other disposition of

canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products in a channel of

commerce.

(12) Order

The term ''order'' means an order issued under section 7443 of

this title.

(13) Person

The term ''person'' means an individual, partnership,

corporation, association, cooperative, or any other legal entity.

(14) Producer

The term ''producer'' means a person engaged in the growing of

canola or rapeseed in the United States who owns, or who shares

the ownership and risk of loss of, the canola or rapeseed.

(15) Promotion

The term ''promotion'' means an action, including paid

advertising, technical assistance, or a trade servicing activity,

to enhance the image or desirability of canola, rapeseed, or

canola or rapeseed products in domestic and foreign markets, or

an activity designed to communicate to consumers, processors,

wholesalers, retailers, government officials, or other persons

information relating to the positive attributes of canola,

rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products or the benefits of use

or distribution of canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed

products.

(16) Research

The term ''research'' means any type of test, study, or

analysis to advance the image, desirability, marketability,

production, product development, quality, or functional or

nutritional value of canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed

products, including research activity designed to identify and

analyze barriers to export sales of canola or rapeseed produced

in the United States.

(17) Secretary

The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(18) State

The term ''State'' means any of the 50 States, the District of

Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(19) United States

The term ''United States'' means collectively the 50 States,

the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 533, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1049.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7443 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7443. Issuance and amendment of orders

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall

issue 1 or more orders under this subchapter applicable to

producers and first purchasers of canola, rapeseed, or canola or

rapeseed products. The order shall be national in scope. Not more

than 1 order shall be in effect under this subchapter at any 1

time.

(b) Procedure

(1) Proposal or request for issuance

The Secretary may propose the issuance of an order under this

subchapter, or an association of canola and rapeseed producers or

any other person that would be affected by an order issued

pursuant to this subchapter may request the issuance of, and

submit a proposal for, an order.

(2) Notice and comment concerning proposed order

Not later than 60 days after the receipt of a request and

proposal for an order pursuant to paragraph (1), or whenever the

Secretary determines to propose an order, the Secretary shall

publish a proposed order and give due notice and opportunity for

public comment on the proposed order.

(3) Issuance of order

After notice and opportunity for public comment are given as

provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall issue an order,

taking into consideration the comments received and including in

the order provisions necessary to ensure that the order is in

conformity with the requirements of this subchapter. The order

shall be issued and become effective not later than 180 days

following publication of the proposed order.

The Secretary may amend an order issued under this section.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 534, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1050.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7442, 7445, 7446 of this

title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7444 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7444. Required terms in orders

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

An order issued under this subchapter shall contain the terms and

conditions specified in this section.

(b) Establishment and membership of National Canola and Rapeseed

Board

(1) In general

The order shall provide for the establishment of, and

appointment of members to, a National Canola and Rapeseed Board

to administer the order.

(2) Service to entire industry

The Board shall carry out programs and projects that will

provide maximum benefit to the canola and rapeseed industry in

all parts of the United States and only promote canola, rapeseed,

or canola or rapeseed products.

(3) Board membership

The Board shall consist of 15 members, including -

(A) 11 members who are producers, including -

(i) 1 member from each of the 6 geographic regions

comprised of States where canola or rapeseed is produced, as

determined by the Secretary; and

(ii) 5 members from the geographic regions referred to in

clause (i), allocated according to the production in each

region; and

(B) 4 members who are industry members, including at least -

(i) 1 member who represents manufacturers of canola or

rapeseed end products; and

(ii) 1 member who represents persons who commercially buy

or sell canola or rapeseed.

(4) Limitation on State residence

There shall be no more than 4 producer members of the Board

from any 1 State.

(5) Modifying Board membership

In accordance with regulations approved by the Secretary, at

least once each 3 years and not more than once each 2 years, the

Board shall review the geographic distribution of canola and

rapeseed production throughout the United States and, if

warranted, recommend to the Secretary that the Secretary -

(A) reapportion regions in order to reflect the geographic

distribution of canola and rapeseed production; and

(B) reapportion the seats on the Board to reflect the

production in each region.

(6) Certification of organizations

(A) In general

For the purposes of section 7445 of this title, the

eligibility of any State organization to represent producers

shall be certified by the Secretary.

(B) Criteria

The Secretary shall certify any State organization that the

Secretary determines has a history of stability and permanency

and meets at least 1 of the following criteria:

(i) Majority representation

The total paid membership of the organization -

(I) is comprised of at least a majority of canola or

rapeseed producers; or

(II) represents at least a majority of the canola or

rapeseed producers in the State.

(ii) Substantial number of producers represented

The organization represents a substantial number of

producers that produce a substantial quantity of canola or

rapeseed in the State.

(iii) Purpose

The organization is a general farm or agricultural

organization that has as a stated objective the promotion and

development of the United States canola or rapeseed industry

and the economic welfare of United States canola or rapeseed

producers.

The Secretary shall make a certification under this paragraph

on the basis of a factual report submitted by the State

organization.

(7) Terms of office

(A) In general

A member of the Board shall serve for a term of 3 years,

except that the members appointed to the initial Board shall

serve, proportionately, for terms of 1, 2, and 3 years, as

determined by the Secretary.

(B) Limitation on terms

No individual may serve more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms

as a member.

Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), each member shall continue

to serve until a successor is appointed by the Secretary.

(8) Compensation

A member of the Board shall serve without compensation, but

shall be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses

incurred in the performance of duties for and approved by the

Board.

The order shall define the powers and duties of the Board, which

shall include the power and duty -

(1) to administer the order in accordance with the terms and

conditions of the order;

(2) to issue regulations to effectuate the terms and conditions

of the order;

(3) to meet, organize, and select from among members of the

Board a chairperson, other officers, and committees and

subcommittees, as the Board determines appropriate;

(4) to establish working committees of persons other than Board

members;

(5) to employ such persons, other than Board members, as the

Board considers necessary, and to determine the compensation and

define the duties of the persons;

(6) to prepare and submit for the approval of the Secretary,

when appropriate or necessary, a recommended rate of assessment

under section 7445 of this title, and a fiscal period budget of

the anticipated expenses in the administration of the order,

including the probable costs of all programs and projects;

(7) to develop programs and projects, subject to subsection (d)

of this section;

(8) to enter into contracts or agreements, subject to

subsection (e) of this section, to develop and carry out programs

or projects of research, promotion, industry information, and

consumer information;

(9) to carry out research, promotion, industry information, and

consumer information projects, and to pay the costs of the

projects with assessments collected under section 7445 of this

title;

(10) to keep minutes, books, and records that reflect the

actions and transactions of the Board, and promptly report

minutes of each Board meeting to the Secretary;

(11) to appoint and convene, from time to time, working

committees comprised of producers, industry members, and the

public to assist in the development of research, promotion,

industry information, and consumer information programs for

canola, rapeseed, and canola and rapeseed products;

(12) to invest, pending disbursement under a program or

project, funds collected through assessments authorized under

section 7445 of this title, or funds earned from investments,

only in -

(A) obligations of the United States or an agency of the

United States;

(B) general obligations of a State or a political subdivision

of a State;

a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System; or

(D) obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest

by the United States;

(13) to receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary

complaints of violations of the order;

(14) to furnish the Secretary with such information as the

Secretary may request;

(15) to recommend to the Secretary amendments to the order;

(16) to develop and recommend to the Secretary for approval

such regulations as may be necessary for the development and

execution of programs or projects, or as may otherwise be

necessary, to carry out the order; and

(17) to provide the Secretary with advance notice of meetings.

(d) Programs and budgets

(1) Submission to Secretary

The order shall provide that the Board shall submit to the

Secretary for approval any program or project of research,

promotion, consumer information, or industry information. No

program or project shall be implemented prior to approval by the

Secretary.

(2) Budgets

The order shall require the Board, prior to the beginning of

each fiscal year, or as may be necessary after the beginning of a

fiscal year, to submit to the Secretary for approval budgets of

anticipated expenses and disbursements in the implementation of

the order, including projected costs of research, promotion,

consumer information, and industry information programs and

projects.

(3) Incurring expenses

The Board may incur such expenses for programs or projects of

research, promotion, consumer information, or industry

information, and other expenses for the administration,

maintenance, and functioning of the Board as may be authorized by

the Secretary, including any implementation, administrative, and

referendum costs incurred by the Department.

(4) Paying expenses

The funds to cover the expenses referred to in paragraph (3)

shall be paid by the Board from assessments collected under

section 7445 of this title or funds borrowed pursuant to

paragraph (5).

(5) Authority to borrow

To meet the expenses referred to in paragraph (3), the Board

shall have the authority to borrow funds, as approved by the

Secretary, for capital outlays and startup costs.

(e) Contracts and agreements

(1) In general

To ensure efficient use of funds, the order shall provide that

the Board may enter into a contract or agreement for the

implementation and carrying out of a program or project of

canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products research,

promotion, consumer information, or industry information,

including a contract with a producer organization, and for the

payment of the costs with funds received by the Board under the

order.

(2) Requirements

A contract or agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide that

(A) the contracting party shall develop and submit to the

Board a program or project together with a budget that shall

show the estimated costs to be incurred for the program or

project;

(B) the program or project shall become effective on the

approval of the Secretary; and

transactions, account for funds received and expended, make

periodic reports to the Board of activities conducted, and make

such other reports as the Board or the Secretary may require.

(3) Producer organizations

The order shall provide that the Board may contract with a

producer organization for any services required in addition to

the services described in paragraph (1). The contract shall

include provisions comparable to the provisions required by

paragraph (2).

(f) Books and records of Board

(1) In general

The order shall require the Board to -

(A) maintain such books and records (which shall be available

to the Secretary for inspection and audit) as the Secretary may

prescribe;

(B) prepare and submit to the Secretary, from time to time,

such reports as the Secretary may prescribe; and

entrusted to the Board.

(2) Audits

The Board shall cause the books and records of the Board to be

audited by an independent auditor at the end of each fiscal year,

and a report of the audit to be submitted to the Secretary.

(g) Prohibition

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the Board shall not engage in any

action to, nor shall any funds received by the Board under this

subchapter be used to -

(A) influence legislation or governmental action;

(B) engage in an action that would be a conflict of interest;

(D) engage in promotion that would disparage other

commodities.

(2) Action permitted

Paragraph (1) does not preclude -

(A) the development and recommendation of amendments to the

order;

(B) the communication to appropriate government officials of

information relating to the conduct, implementation, or results

of promotion, research, consumer information, or industry

information activities under the order; or

directly to a foreign government or political subdivision of a

foreign government.

(h) Books and records

(1) In general

The order shall require that each producer, first purchaser, or

industry member shall -

(A) maintain and submit to the Board any reports considered

necessary by the Secretary to ensure compliance with this

subchapter; and

(B) make available during normal business hours, for

inspection by employees of the Board or Secretary, such books

and records as are necessary to carry out this subchapter,

including such records as are necessary to verify any required

reports.

(2) Confidentiality

(A) In general

Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, all

information obtained from books, records, or reports required

to be maintained under paragraph (1) shall be kept

confidential, and shall not be disclosed to the public by any

person.

(B) Disclosure

Information referred to in subparagraph (A) may be disclosed

to the public if -

(i) the Secretary considers the information relevant;

(ii) the information is revealed in a suit 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; and

(iii) the information relates to this subchapter.

A knowing disclosure of confidential information in violation

of subparagraph (A) by an officer or employee of the Board or

Department, except as required by other law or allowed under

subparagraph (B) or (D), shall be considered a violation of

this subchapter.

(D) General statements

Nothing in this paragraph prohibits -

(i) the issuance of general statements based on the reports

of a number of persons subject to an order or statistical

data collected from the reports, 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 a person violating the order, together with a

statement of the particular provisions of the order violated

by the person.

(3) Availability of information for law enforcement

Information obtained under this subchapter may be made

available to another agency of the Federal Government for a civil

or criminal law enforcement activity if the activity is

authorized by law and if the head of the agency has made a

written request to the Secretary specifying the particular

information desired and the law enforcement activity for which

the information is sought.

(4) Penalty

Any person knowingly violating this subsection, on conviction,

shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to

imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both, and if an officer

or employee of the Board or the Department, shall be removed from

office or terminated from employment, as applicable.

(5) Withholding of information

Nothing in this subchapter authorizes the withholding of

information from Congress.

(i) Use of assessments

The order shall provide that the assessments collected under

section 7445 of this title shall be used for payment of the

expenses in implementing and administering this subchapter, with

provision for a reasonable reserve, and to cover administrative

costs incurred by the Secretary in implementing and administering

this subchapter.

(j) Other terms and conditions

The order shall contain such other terms and conditions, not

inconsistent with this subchapter, as are determined necessary by

the Secretary to effectuate this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 535, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1051.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7442, 7445 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7445 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7445. Assessments

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

(1) First purchasers

During the effective period of an order issued pursuant to this

subchapter, assessments shall be -

(A) levied on all canola or rapeseed produced in the United

States and marketed; and

(B) deducted from the payment made to a producer for all

canola or rapeseed sold to a first purchaser.

(2) Direct processing

The order shall provide that any person processing canola or

rapeseed of that person's own production and marketing the canola

or rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products, shall remit to the

Board or a State organization certified to represent producers

under section 7444(b)(6) of this title, in the manner prescribed

by the order, an assessment established at a rate equivalent to

the rate provided for under subsection (d) of this section.

(b) Limitation on assessments

No more than 1 assessment may be assessed under subsection (a) of

this section on any canola or rapeseed produced (as remitted by a

first purchaser).

(1) In general

Assessments required under subsection (a) of this section shall

be remitted to the Board by a first purchaser. The Board shall

use State organizations certified to represent producers under

section 7444(b)(6) of this title to collect the assessments. If

an appropriate certified State organization does not exist to

collect an assessment, the assessment shall be collected by the

Board. There shall be only 1 certified State organization in each

State.

(2) Times to remit assessment

Each first purchaser shall remit the assessment to the Board as

provided for in the order.

(d) Assessment rate

(1) Initial rate

The initial assessment rate shall be 4 cents per hundredweight

of canola or rapeseed produced and marketed.

(2) Increase

The assessment rate may be increased on recommendation by the

Board to a rate not exceeding 10 cents per hundredweight of

canola or rapeseed produced and marketed in a State, unless -

(A) after the initial referendum is held under section

7446(a) of this title, the Board recommends an increase above

10 cents per hundredweight; and

(B) the increase is approved in a referendum under section

7446(b) of this title.

(3) Credit

A producer who demonstrates to the Board that the producer is

participating in a program of a State organization certified to

represent producers under section 7444(b)(6) of this title shall

receive credit, in determining the assessment due from the

producer, for contributions to the program of up to 2 cents per

hundredweight of canola or rapeseed marketed.

(e) Late payment charge

(1) In general

There shall be a late payment charge imposed on any person who

fails to remit, on or before the date provided for in the order,

to the Board the total amount for which the person is liable.

(2) Amount of charge

The amount of the late payment charge imposed under paragraph

(1) shall be prescribed by the Board with the approval of the

Secretary.

(f) Refund of assessments from escrow account

(1) Establishment of escrow account

During the period beginning on the date on which an order is

first issued under section 7443(b)(3) of this title and ending on

the date on which a referendum is conducted under section 7446(a)

of this title, the Board shall -

(A) establish and maintain an escrow account to be used for

assessment refunds; and

(B) place funds in the account in accordance with paragraph

(2).

(2) Placement of funds in account

The Board shall place in the account, from assessments

collected during the period referred to in paragraph (1), an

amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the total

amount of assessments collected during the period by 10 percent.

(3) Right to receive refund

The Board shall refund to a producer the assessments paid by or

on behalf of the producer if -

(A) the producer is required to pay the assessment;

(B) the producer does not support the program established

under this subchapter; and

the referendum under section 7446(a) of this title.

(4) Form of demand

The demand shall be made in accordance with such regulations,

in such form, and within such time period as prescribed by the

Board.

(5) Making of refund

The refund shall be made on submission of proof satisfactory to

the Board that the producer paid the assessment for which the

refund is demanded.

(6) Proration

If -

(A) the amount in the escrow account required by paragraph

(1) is not sufficient to refund the total amount of assessments

demanded by eligible producers; and

(B) the order is not approved pursuant to the referendum

conducted under section 7446(a) of this title;

the Board shall prorate the amount of the refunds among all

eligible producers who demand a refund.

(7) Program approved

If the plan is approved pursuant to the referendum conducted

under section 7446(a) of this title, all funds in the escrow

account shall be returned to the Board for use by the Board in

accordance with this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 536, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1056.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7444 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7446 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7446. Referenda

-STATUTE-

(a) Initial referendum

(1) Requirement

During the period ending 30 months after the date on which an

order is first issued under section 7443(b)(3) of this title, the

Secretary shall conduct a referendum among producers who, during

a representative period as determined by the Secretary, have been

engaged in the production of canola or rapeseed for the purpose

of ascertaining whether the order then in effect shall be

continued.

(2) Advance notice

The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, provide broad

public notice in advance of any referendum. The notice shall be

provided, without advertising expenses, by means of newspapers,

county newsletters, the electronic media, and press releases,

through the use of notices posted in State and county Cooperative

State Research, Education, and Extension Service offices and

county Consolidated Farm Service Agency offices, and by other

appropriate means specified in the order. The notice shall

contain information on when the referendum will be held,

registration and voting requirements, rules regarding absentee

voting, and other pertinent information.

(3) Approval of order

The order shall be continued only if the Secretary determines

that the order has been approved by not less than a majority of

the producers voting in the referendum.

(4) Disapproval of order

If continuation of the order is not approved by a majority of

the producers voting in the referendum, the Secretary shall

terminate collection of assessments under the order within 180

days after the referendum and shall terminate the order in an

orderly manner as soon as practicable.

(b) Additional referenda

(1) In general

(A) Requirement

After the initial referendum on an order, the Secretary shall

conduct additional referenda, as described in subparagraph (C),

if requested by a representative group of producers, as

described in subparagraph (B).

(B) Representative group of producers

An additional referendum on an order shall be conducted if

requested by 10 percent or more of the producers who, during a

representative period as determined by the Secretary, have been

engaged in the production of canola or rapeseed.

Each additional referendum shall be conducted among all

producers who, during a representative period as determined by

the Secretary, have been engaged in the production of canola or

rapeseed to determine whether the producers favor the

termination or suspension of the order.

(2) Disapproval of order

If the Secretary determines, in a referendum conducted under

paragraph (1), that suspension or termination of the order is

favored by a majority of the producers voting in the referendum,

the Secretary shall suspend or terminate, as appropriate,

collection of assessments under the order within 180 days after

the determination, and shall suspend or terminate the order, as

appropriate, in an orderly manner as soon as practicable after

the determination.

(3) Opportunity to request additional referenda

(A) In general

Beginning on the date that is 5 years after the conduct of a

referendum under this subchapter, and every 5 years thereafter,

the Secretary shall provide canola and rapeseed producers an

opportunity to request an additional referendum.

(B) Method of making request

(i) In-person requests

To carry out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall

establish a procedure under which a producer may make a

request for a reconfirmation referendum in person at a county

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

office or a county Consolidated Farm Service Agency office

during a period established by the Secretary, or as provided

in clause (ii).

(ii) Mail-in requests

In lieu of making a request in person, a producer may make

a request by mail. To facilitate the submission of requests

by mail, the Secretary may make mail-in request forms

available to producers.

The Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register,

and the Board shall provide written notification to producers,

not later than 60 days prior to the end of the period

established under subparagraph (B)(i) for an in-person request,

of the opportunity of producers to request an additional

referendum. The notification shall explain the right of

producers to an additional referendum, the procedure for a

referendum, the purpose of a referendum, and the date and

method by which producers may act to request an additional

referendum under this paragraph. The Secretary shall take such

other action as the Secretary determines is necessary to ensure

that producers are made aware of the opportunity to request an

additional referendum.

(D) Action by Secretary

As soon as practicable following the submission of a request

for an additional referendum, the Secretary shall determine

whether a sufficient number of producers have requested the

referendum, and take such steps as are necessary to conduct the

referendum, as required under paragraph (1).

(E) Time limit

An additional referendum requested under the procedures

provided in this paragraph shall be conducted not later than 1

year after the Secretary determines that a representative group

of producers, as described in paragraph (1)(B), have requested

the conduct of the referendum.

(1) Reimbursement of Secretary

The Secretary shall be reimbursed from assessments collected by

the Board for any expenses incurred by the Secretary in

connection with the conduct of an activity required under this

section.

(2) Date

Each referendum shall be conducted for a reasonable period of

time not to exceed 3 days, established by the Secretary, under a

procedure under which producers intending to vote in the

referendum shall certify that the producers were engaged in the

production of canola, rapeseed, or canola or rapeseed products

during the representative period and, at the same time, shall be

provided an opportunity to vote in the referendum.

(3) Place

Referenda under this section shall be conducted at locations

determined by the Secretary. On request, absentee mail ballots

shall be furnished by the Secretary in a manner prescribed by the

Secretary.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 537, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1058.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7445 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7447 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7447. Petition and review

-STATUTE-

(a) Petition

(1) In general

A person subject to an order issued under this subchapter may

file with the Secretary a petition -

(A) stating that the order, a provision of the order, or an

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) Hearings

The petitioner shall be given the opportunity for a hearing on

a petition filed under paragraph (1), in accordance with

regulations issued by the Secretary.

(3) Ruling

After a hearing under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall issue

a ruling on the petition that is the subject of the hearing,

which shall be final if the ruling is in accordance with

applicable law.

(4) Limitation on petition

Any petition filed under this subchapter challenging an order,

or any obligation imposed in connection with an order, shall be

filed not later than 2 years after the effective date of the

order or imposition of the obligation.

(b) Review

(1) Commencement of action

The district court of the United States for any district in

which the person who is a petitioner under subsection (a) of this

section resides or carries on business shall have jurisdiction to

review a ruling on the petition, if a complaint is filed by the

person not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of a

ruling by the Secretary under subsection (a)(3) of this section.

(2) Process

Service of process in a proceeding under paragraph (1) shall be

conducted in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil

Procedure.

(3) Remands

If the court determines, under paragraph (1), that a ruling

issued under subsection (a)(3) of this section is not in

accordance with applicable law, the court shall remand the matter

to the Secretary with directions either -

(A) to make such ruling as the court shall determine to be in

accordance with law; or

(B) to take such further proceedings as, in the opinion of

the court, the law requires.

(4) Enforcement

The pendency of proceedings instituted under subsection (a) of

this section shall not impede, hinder, or delay the Attorney

General or the Secretary from taking any action under section

7448 of this title.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 538, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1060.)

-REFTEXT-

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec.

(b)(2), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and

Judicial Procedure.

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7449 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7448 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7448. Enforcement

-STATUTE-

(a) Jurisdiction

The district courts of the United States are vested with

jurisdiction specifically to enforce, and to prevent and restrain

any person from violating, an order or regulation made or issued

under this subchapter.

(b) Referral to Attorney General

A civil action authorized to be commenced 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 subchapter if the Secretary

believes that the administration and enforcement of this subchapter

would be adequately served by providing a suitable written notice

or warning to the person committing the violation or by

administrative action under subsection (c) of this section.

(1) Civil penalties

(A) In general

Any person who willfully violates any provision of an order

or regulation issued by the Secretary under this subchapter, or

who fails or refuses to pay, collect, or remit an assessment or

fee required of the person under an order or regulation, may be

assessed -

(i) a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than

$1,000 for each violation; and

(ii) in the case of a willful failure to pay, collect, or

remit an assessment as required by an order or regulation, an

additional penalty equal to the amount of the assessment.

(B) Separate offense

Each violation under subparagraph (A) shall be a separate

offense.

(2) Cease-and-desist orders

In addition to, or in lieu of, a civil penalty under paragraph

(1), the Secretary may issue an order requiring a person to cease

and desist from continuing a violation.

(3) Notice and hearing

No penalty shall be assessed, or cease-and-desist order issued,

by the Secretary under this subsection unless the person against

whom the penalty is assessed or the cease-and-desist order is

issued is given notice and opportunity for a hearing before the

Secretary with respect to the violation.

(4) Finality

The order of the Secretary assessing a penalty or imposing a

cease-and-desist order under this subsection shall be final and

conclusive unless the affected person files an appeal of the

order in the appropriate district court of the United States in

accordance with subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Review by district court

(1) Commencement of action

Any person who has been determined to be in violation of this

subchapter, or against whom a civil penalty has been assessed or

a cease-and-desist order issued under subsection (c) of this

section, may obtain review of the penalty or cease-and-desist

order by -

(A) filing, within the 30-day period beginning on the date

the penalty is assessed or cease-and-desist order issued, a

notice of appeal in -

(i) the district court of the United States for the

district in which the person resides or carries on business;

(ii) the United States District Court for the District of

Columbia; and

(B) simultaneously sending a copy of the notice by certified

mail to the Secretary.

(2) Record

The Secretary shall file promptly, in the appropriate court

referred to in paragraph (1), a certified copy of the record on

which the Secretary determined that the person committed the

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.

(e) Failure to obey cease-and-desist orders

Any person who fails to obey a cease-and-desist order issued

under this section after the cease-and-desist order has become

final and unappealable, or after the appropriate United States

district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the

Secretary, shall be subject to a civil penalty assessed by the

Secretary, after opportunity for a hearing and for judicial review

under the procedures specified in subsections (c) and (d) of this

section, of not more than $5,000 for each offense. Each day during

which the failure continues shall be considered as a separate

violation of the cease-and-desist order.

(f) Failure to pay penalties

If a person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty under

this section after the assessment has become a final and

unappealable order, or after the appropriate United States district

court has entered final judgment in favor of 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 an action for recovery, the validity and

appropriateness of the final order imposing the civil penalty shall

not be subject to review.

(g) Additional remedies

The remedies provided in this subchapter shall be in addition to,

and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 539, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1061.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7447, 7449 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7449 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7449. Investigations and power to subpoena

-STATUTE-

(a) Investigations

The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary

considers necessary -

(1) for the effective administration of this subchapter; and

(2) to determine whether any person has engaged or is engaging

in an act that constitutes a violation of this subchapter, or an

order, rule, or regulation issued under this subchapter.

(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations

(1) In general

For the purpose of an investigation under subsection (a) of

this section, the Secretary may administer oaths and

affirmations, subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and issue

subpoenas to require the production of any records that are

relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the

production of records may be required from any place in the

United States.

(2) Administrative hearings

For the purpose of an administrative hearing held under section

7447 or 7448 of this title, the presiding officer is authorized

to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena and compel the

attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the

production of any records that are relevant to the inquiry. The

attendance of witnesses and the production of records may be

required from any place in the United States.

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 enforce a subpoena

issued by the Secretary under subsection (b) of this section. The

court may issue an order requiring the person to comply with the

subpoena.

(d) Contempt

A failure to obey an order of the court under this section may be

punished by the court as contempt of the court.

(e) Process

Process may be served on a person in the judicial district in

which the person resides or carries on business or wherever the

person may be found.

(f) Hearing site

The site of a hearing held under section 7447 or 7448 of this

title shall be in the judicial district where the person affected

by the hearing resides or has a principal place of business.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 540, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1062.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7450 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7450. Suspension or termination

-STATUTE-

The Secretary shall, whenever the Secretary finds that an order

or a provision of an order obstructs or does not tend to effectuate

the declared policy of this subchapter, suspend or terminate the

operation of the order or provision. The suspension or termination

of an order shall not be considered an order within the meaning of

this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 541, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1063.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7451 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7451. Regulations

-STATUTE-

The Secretary may issue such regulations as are necessary to

carry out this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 542, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1063.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7452 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER III - CANOLA AND RAPESEED

-HEAD-

Sec. 7452. Authorization of appropriations

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such

sums as are necessary to carry out this subchapter.

(b) Administrative expenses

Funds appropriated under subsection (a) of this section shall not

be available for payment of the expenses or expenditures of the

Board in administering a provision of an order issued under this

subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 543, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1063.)

-CITE-

7 USC SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-SECREF-

SUBCHAPTER REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This subchapter is referred to in section 7401 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7461 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7461. Findings and purposes

-STATUTE-

(a) Findings

Congress finds that -

(1) domestically produced kiwifruit are grown by many

individual producers;

(2) virtually all domestically produced kiwifruit are grown in

the State of California, although there is potential for

production in many other areas of the United States;

(3) kiwifruit move in interstate and foreign commerce, and

kiwifruit that do not move in channels of commerce directly

burden or affect interstate commerce;

(4) in recent years, large quantities of kiwifruit have been

imported into the United States;

(5) the maintenance and expansion of existing domestic and

foreign markets for kiwifruit, and the development of additional

and improved markets for kiwifruit, are vital to the welfare of

kiwifruit producers and other persons concerned with producing,

marketing, and processing kiwifruit;

(6) a coordinated program of research, promotion, and consumer

information regarding kiwifruit is necessary for the maintenance

and development of the markets; and

(7) kiwifruit producers, handlers, and importers are unable to

implement and finance such a program without cooperative action.

(b) Purposes

The purposes of this subchapter are -

(1) to authorize the establishment of an orderly procedure for

the development and financing (through an assessment) of an

effective and coordinated program of research, promotion, and

consumer information regarding kiwifruit;

(2) to use the program to strengthen the position of the

kiwifruit industry in domestic and foreign markets and maintain,

develop, and expand markets for kiwifruit; and

(3) to treat domestically produced kiwifruit and imported

kiwifruit equitably.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 552, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1064.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7463 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7462 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7462. Definitions

-STATUTE-

In this subchapter (unless the context otherwise requires):

(1) Board

The term ''Board'' means the National Kiwifruit Board

established under section 7464 of this title.

(2) Consumer information

The term ''consumer information'' means any action taken to

provide information to, and broaden the understanding of, the

general public regarding the consumption, use, nutritional

attributes, and care of kiwifruit.

(3) Exporter

The term ''exporter'' means any person from outside the United

States who exports kiwifruit into the United States.

(4) Handler

The term ''handler'' means any person, excluding a common

carrier, engaged in the business of buying and selling, packing,

marketing, or distributing kiwifruit as specified in the order.

(5) Importer

The term ''importer'' means any person who imports kiwifruit

into the United States.

(6) Kiwifruit

The term ''kiwifruit'' means all varieties of fresh kiwifruit

grown in or imported into the United States.

(7) Marketing

The term ''marketing'' means the sale or other disposition of

kiwifruit into interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce by

buying, marketing, distribution, or otherwise placing kiwifruit

into commerce.

(8) Order

The term ''order'' means a kiwifruit research, promotion, and

consumer information order issued by the Secretary under section

7463 of this title.

(9) Person

The term ''person'' means any individual, group of individuals,

partnership, corporation, association, cooperative, or other

legal entity.

(10) Processing

The term ''processing'' means canning, fermenting, distilling,

extracting, preserving, grinding, crushing, or in any manner

changing the form of kiwifruit for the purpose of preparing the

kiwifruit for market or marketing the kiwifruit.

(11) Producer

The term ''producer'' means any person who grows kiwifruit in

the United States for sale in commerce.

(12) Promotion

The term ''promotion'' means any action taken under this

subchapter (including paid advertising) to present a favorable

image of kiwifruit to the general public for the purpose of

improving the competitive position of kiwifruit and stimulating

the sale of kiwifruit.

(13) Research

The term ''research'' means any type of research relating to

the use, nutritional value, and marketing of kiwifruit conducted

for the purpose of advancing the image, desirability,

marketability, or quality of kiwifruit.

(14) Secretary

The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(15) United States

The term ''United States'' means the 50 States of the United

States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto

Rico.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 553, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1064.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7463 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7463. Issuance of orders

-STATUTE-

(a) Issuance

To effectuate the purposes of this subchapter specified in

section 7461(b) of this title, the Secretary shall issue an order

applicable to producers, handlers, and importers of kiwifruit. Any

such order shall be national in scope. Not more than 1 order shall

be in effect under this subchapter at any 1 time.

(b) Procedure

(1) Proposal for issuance of order

Any person that will be affected by this subchapter may request

the issuance of, and submit a proposal for, an order under this

subchapter.

(2) Proposed order

Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a request and

proposal for an order, the Secretary shall publish a proposed

order and give due notice and opportunity for public comment on

the proposed order.

(3) Issuance of order

After notice and opportunity for public comment are provided

under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall issue an order, taking

into consideration the comments received and including in the

order provisions necessary to ensure that the order is in

conformity with this subchapter.

The Secretary may amend any order issued under this section. The

provisions of this subchapter applicable to an order shall be

applicable to an amendment to an order, except that an amendment to

an order shall not require a referendum to become effective.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 554, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1065;

Pub. L. 105-185, title VI, Sec. 603(a), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat.

585.)

-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

1998 - Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105-185 inserted '', except that an

amendment to an order shall not require a referendum to become

effective'' before period at end.

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7462, 7464, 7465, 7466,

7470, 7471 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7464 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7464. National Kiwifruit Board

-STATUTE-

(a) Membership

An order issued by the Secretary under section 7463 of this title

shall provide for the establishment of a National Kiwifruit Board

that consists of the following 11 members:

(1) 10 members who are producers, exporters, or importers (or

their representatives), based on a proportional representation of

the level of domestic production and imports of kiwifruit (as

determined by the Secretary).

(2) 1 member appointed from the general public.

(b) Adjustment of membership

Subject to the 11-member limit, the Secretary may adjust

membership on the Board to accommodate changes in production and

import levels of kiwifruit.

(1) Appointment

The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Board from

nominations submitted in accordance with this subsection.

(2) Producers

The members who are producers referred to in subsection (a)(1)

of this section shall be appointed from individuals nominated by

producers.

(3) Importers and exporters

The members who are importers or exporters referred to in

subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be appointed from

individuals nominated by importers or exporters.

(4) Public representative

The public representative shall be appointed from nominations

submitted by other members of the Board.

(5) Failure to nominate

If producers, importers, and exporters fail to nominate

individuals for appointment, the Secretary may appoint members

and alternates on a basis provided for in the order. If the

Board fails to nominate a public representative, the member and

alternate may be appointed by the Secretary without a nomination.

(d) Alternates

The Secretary shall appoint an alternate for each member of the

Board. An alternate shall -

(1) be appointed in the same manner as the member for whom the

individual is an alternate; and

(2) serve on the Board if the member is absent from a meeting

or is disqualified under subsection (f) of this section.

(e) Terms

A member of the Board shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.

No member may serve more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms, except

that of the members first appointed -

(1) 5 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and

(2) 6 members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.

(f) Disqualification

If a member or alternate of the Board who was appointed as a

producer, importer, exporter, or public representative member

ceases to belong to the group for which the member was appointed,

the member or alternate shall be disqualified from serving on the

Board.

(g) Compensation

A member or alternate of the Board shall serve without pay.

(h) General powers and duties

The Board shall -

(1) administer an order issued by the Secretary under section

7463 of this title, and an amendment to the order, in accordance

with the order and amendment and this subchapter;

(2) prescribe rules and regulations to carry out the order;

(3) meet, organize, and select from among members of the Board

a chairperson, other officers, and committees and subcommittees,

as the Board determines appropriate;

(4) receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary accounts

of violations of the order;

(5) make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to an

amendment that should be made to the order; and

(6) employ or contract with a manager and staff to assist in

administering the order, except that, to reduce administrative

costs and increase efficiency, the Board shall seek, to the

extent practicable, to employ or contract with personnel who are

already associated with organizations involved in promoting

kiwifruit that are chartered by a State, the District of

Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 555, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1066;

Pub. L. 105-185, title VI, Sec. 603(b), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat.

585.)

-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

1998 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 603(b)(1), added pars.

(1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) to (3) which read as

follows:

''(1) 6 members who are producers (or representatives of

producers) and who are not exempt from an assessment under section

7465(b) of this title.

''(2) 4 members who are importers (or representatives of

importers) and who are not exempt from an assessment under section

7465(b) of this title or are exporters (or representatives of

exporters).

''(3) 1 member appointed from the general public.''

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 603(b)(2), struck out par. (1)

designation and heading, struck out ''and to paragraph (2)'' after

''11-member limit'', and struck out heading and text of par. (2).

Text read as follows: ''Producers shall comprise not less than 51

percent of the membership of the Board.''

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 603(b)(3)(A), inserted

''who are producers'' after ''members''.

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 603(b)(3)(B), inserted

''who are importers or exporters'' after ''members'' and

substituted ''(a)(1)'' for ''(a)(2)''.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 603(b)(3)(C), inserted

''and alternate'' before ''may be appointed'' in second sentence.

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7462 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7465 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7465. Required terms in order

-STATUTE-

(a) Budgets and plans

(1) In general

An order issued under section 7463 of this title shall provide

for periodic budgets and plans in accordance with this

subsection.

(2) Budgets

The Board shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a budget

prior to the beginning of the fiscal year of the anticipated

expenses and disbursements of the Board in the administration of

the order, including probable costs of research, promotion, and

consumer information. A budget shall become effective on a

2/3-vote of a quorum of the Board and approval by the Secretary.

(3) Plans

Each budget shall include a plan for research, promotion, and

consumer information regarding kiwifruit. A plan under this

paragraph shall become effective on approval by the Secretary.

The Board may enter into contracts and agreements, on approval by

the Secretary, for -

(A) the development and carrying out of the plan; and

(B) the payment of the cost of the plan, with funds collected

pursuant to this subchapter.

(b) Assessments

(1) In general

The order shall provide for the imposition and collection of

assessments with regard to the production and importation of

kiwifruit in accordance with this subsection.

(2) Rate

The assessment rate shall be the rate that is recommended by a

2/3-vote of a quorum of the Board and approved by the Secretary,

except that the rate shall not exceed $0.10 per 7-pound tray of

kiwifruit or an equivalent rate.

(3) Collection by first handlers

Except as provided in paragraph (5), the first handler of

kiwifruit shall -

(A) be responsible for the collection from the producer, and

payment to the Board, of assessments required under this

subsection; and

(B) maintain a separate record of the kiwifruit of each

producer whose kiwifruit are so handled, including the

kiwifruit owned by the handler.

(4) Importers

The assessment on imported kiwifruit shall be paid by the

importer to the United States Customs Service at the time of

entry into the United States and shall be remitted to the Board.

(5) Exemption from assessment

The following persons or activities are exempt from an

assessment under this subsection:

(A) A producer who produces less than 500 pounds of kiwifruit

per year.

(B) An importer who imports less than 10,000 pounds of

kiwifruit per year.

consumer for a purpose other than resale.

(D) The production or importation of kiwifruit for

processing.

(6) Claim of exemption

To claim an exemption under paragraph (5) for a particular

year, a person shall -

(A) submit an application to the Board stating the basis for

the exemption and certifying that the quantity of kiwifruit

produced, imported, or sold by the person will not exceed any

poundage limitation required for the exemption in the year; or

(B) be on a list of approved processors developed by the

Board.

(1) Authorized uses

The order shall provide that funds paid to the Board as

assessments under subsection (b) of this section may be used by

the Board -

(A) to pay for research, promotion, and consumer information

described in the budget of the Board under subsection (a) of

this section and for other expenses incurred by the Board in

the administration of an order;

(B) to pay such other expenses for the administration,

maintenance, and functioning of the Board (including any

enforcement efforts for the collection of assessments) as may

be authorized by the Secretary, including interest and

penalties for late payments; and

this title.

(2) Required uses

The order shall provide that funds paid to the Board as

assessments under subsection (b) of this section shall be used by

the Board -

(A) to pay the expenses incurred by the Secretary, including

salaries and expenses of Federal Government employees, in

implementing and administering the order; and

(B) to reimburse the Secretary for any expenses incurred by

the Secretary in conducting referenda under this subchapter.

(3) Limitation on use of assessments

Except for the first year of operation of the Board, expenses

for the administration, maintenance, and functioning of the Board

may not exceed 30 percent of the budget for a year.

(d) False claims

The order shall provide that any promotion funded with

assessments collected under subsection (b) of this section may not

make -

(1) any false claims on behalf of kiwifruit; and

(2) any false statements with respect to the attributes or use

of any product that competes with kiwifruit for sale in commerce.

(e) Prohibition on use of funds

The order shall provide that funds collected by the Board under

this subchapter through assessments may not, in any manner, be used

for the purpose of influencing legislation or governmental policy

or action, except for making recommendations to the Secretary as

provided for under this subchapter.

(f) Books, records, and reports

(1) Board

The order shall require the Board -

(A) to maintain books and records with respect to the receipt

and disbursement of funds received by the Board;

(B) to submit to the Secretary from time to time such reports

as the Secretary may require for appropriate accounting; and

a complete audit report by an independent auditor regarding the

activities of the Board during the fiscal year.

(2) Others

To make information and data available to the Board and the

Secretary that is appropriate or necessary for the effectuation,

administration, or enforcement of this subchapter (or any order

or regulation issued under this subchapter), the order shall

require handlers and importers who are responsible for the

collection, payment, or remittance of assessments under

subsection (b) of this section -

(A) to maintain and make available for inspection by the

employees and agents of the Board and the Secretary such books

and records as may be required by the order; and

(B) to file, at the times and in the manner and content

prescribed by the order, reports regarding the collection,

payment, or remittance of the assessments.

(g) Confidentiality

(1) In general

The order shall require that all information obtained pursuant

to subsection (f)(2) of this section be kept confidential by all

officers, employees, and agents of the Department of Agriculture

and of the Board. Only such information as the Secretary

considers relevant shall be disclosed to the public and only in a

suit or administrative hearing, brought at the request of the

Secretary or to which the Secretary or any officer of the United

States is a party, involving the order with respect to which the

information was furnished or acquired.

(2) Limitations

Nothing in this subsection prohibits -

(A) the issuance of general statements based on the reports

of a number of handlers and importers subject to an order, if

the statements do not identify the information furnished by any

person; or

(B) the publication, by direction of the Secretary, of the

name of any person violating an order issued under section

7463(a) of this title, together with a statement of the

particular provisions of the order violated by the person.

(3) Penalty

Any person who willfully violates this subsection, on

conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or

to imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both, and, if the

person is a member, officer, or agent of the Board or an employee

of the Department of Agriculture, shall be removed from office.

(h) Withholding of information

Nothing in this subchapter authorizes the withholding of

information from Congress.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 556, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1067.)

-TRANS-

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of

the United States Customs Service of the Department of the

Treasury, including functions of the Secretary of the Treasury

relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for

treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d),

552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department

of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as

modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7466 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7466 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7466. Permissive terms in order

-STATUTE-

(a) Permissive terms

On the recommendation of the Board and with the approval of the

Secretary, an order issued under section 7463 of this title may

include the terms and conditions specified in this section and such

additional terms and conditions as the Secretary considers

necessary to effectuate the other provisions of the order and are

incidental to, and not inconsistent with, this subchapter.

(b) Alternative payment and reporting schedules

The order may authorize the Board to designate different handler

payment and reporting schedules to recognize differences in

marketing practices and procedures.

The order may authorize the Board to convene working groups drawn

from producers, handlers, importers, exporters, or the general

public and utilize the expertise of the groups to assist in the

development of research and marketing programs for kiwifruit.

(d) Reserve funds

The order may authorize the Board to accumulate reserve funds

from assessments collected pursuant to section 7465(b) of this

title to permit an effective and continuous coordinated program of

research, promotion, and consumer information in years in which

production and assessment income may be reduced, except that any

reserve fund may not exceed the amount budgeted for operation of

this subchapter for 1 year.

(e) Promotion activities outside United States

The order may authorize the Board to use, with the approval of

the Secretary, funds collected under section 7465(b) of this title

and funds from other sources for the development and expansion of

sales in foreign markets of kiwifruit produced in the United

States.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 557, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1070.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7465 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7467 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7467. Petition and review

-STATUTE-

(a) Petition

(1) In general

A person subject to an order may file with the Secretary a

petition -

(A) stating that the order, a provision of the order, or an

obligation imposed in connection with the order is not in

accordance with law; and

(B) requesting a modification of the order or an exemption

from the order.

(2) Hearings

A person submitting a petition under paragraph (1) shall be

given an opportunity for a hearing on the petition, in accordance

with regulations issued by the Secretary.

(3) Ruling

After the hearing, the Secretary shall issue a ruling on the

petition which shall be final if the petition is in accordance

with law.

(4) Limitation on petition

Any petition filed under this subchapter challenging an order,

or any obligation imposed in connection with an order, shall be

filed not later than 2 years after the effective date of the

order or imposition of the obligation.

(b) Review

(1) Commencement of action

The district court of the United States for any district in

which the person who is a petitioner under subsection (a) of this

section resides or carries on business is vested with

jurisdiction to review the 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 a ruling by the Secretary under

subsection (a) of this section.

(2) Process

Service of process in the proceedings shall be conducted in

accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

(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 shall determine to be in

accordance with law; or

(B) to take such further action as, in the opinion of the

court, the law requires.

(4) Enforcement

The pendency of a proceeding instituted pursuant to subsection

(a) of this section shall not impede, hinder, or delay the

Attorney General or the Secretary from obtaining relief pursuant

to section 7468 of this title.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 558, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1070.)

-REFTEXT-

REFERENCES IN TEXT

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec.

(b)(2), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and

Judicial Procedure.

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7469 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7468 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7468. Enforcement

-STATUTE-

(a) Jurisdiction

A district court of the United States shall have jurisdiction

specifically to enforce, and to prevent and restrain any person

from violating, any order or regulation made or issued by the

Secretary under this subchapter.

(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 is not required to refer to the Attorney General

a violation of this subchapter, or any order or regulation issued

under this subchapter, if the Secretary believes that the

administration and enforcement of this subchapter would be

adequately served by administrative action under subsection (c) of

this section or suitable written notice or warning to the person

committing the violation.

(1) Civil penalties

Any person who willfully violates any provision of any order or

regulation issued by the Secretary under this subchapter, or who

fails or refuses to pay, collect, or remit any assessment or fee

duly required of the person under the order or regulation, may be

assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not less than $500

nor more than $5,000 for each such violation. Each violation

shall be a separate offense.

(2) Cease-and-desist orders

In addition to or in lieu of the civil penalty, the Secretary

may issue an order requiring the person to cease and desist from

continuing the violation.

(3) Notice and hearing

No order assessing a civil penalty or cease-and-desist order

may be issued by the Secretary under this subsection unless the

Secretary gives the person against whom the order is issued

notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record before the

Secretary with respect to the violation.

(4) Finality

The order of the Secretary assessing a penalty or imposing a

cease-and-desist order shall be final and conclusive unless the

person against whom the order is issued files an appeal of the

order in the appropriate district court of the United States, in

accordance with subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Review by United States district court

(1) Commencement of action

Any person against whom a violation is found and a civil

penalty assessed or cease-and-desist order issued under

subsection (c) of this section may obtain review of the penalty

or cease-and-desist order in the district court of the United

States for the district in which the person resides or carries on

business, or the United States District Court for the District of

Columbia, by -

(A) filing a notice of appeal in the court not later than 30

days after the date on which the penalty is assessed or

cease-and-desist order issued; and

(B) simultaneously sending a copy of the notice by certified

mail to the Secretary.

(2) Record

The Secretary shall promptly file in the court a certified copy

of the record on which the Secretary found that the person

committed the violation.

(3) Standard of review

A finding of the Secretary shall be set aside only if the

finding is found to be unsupported by substantial evidence.

(e) Failure to obey cease-and-desist orders

Any person who fails to obey a cease-and-desist order issued by

the Secretary after the cease-and-desist order has become final and

unappealable, or after the appropriate United States district court

has entered a final judgment in favor of the Secretary, shall be

subject to a civil penalty assessed by the Secretary, after

opportunity for a hearing and for judicial review under the

procedures specified in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, of

not more than $500 for each offense. Each day during which the

failure continues shall be considered a separate violation of the

cease-and-desist order.

(f) Failure to pay penalties

If a person fails to pay an assessment of a civil penalty after

the assessment has become a final and unappealable order issued by

the Secretary, or after the appropriate United States district

court has entered final judgment in favor of 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 an action for recovery, the validity and

appropriateness of the final order imposing the civil penalty shall

not be subject to review.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 559, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1071.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7467, 7469 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7469 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7469. Investigations and power to subpoena

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary

considers necessary -

(1) for the effective carrying out of the responsibilities of

the Secretary under this subchapter; or

(2) to determine whether a person subject to this subchapter

has engaged or is engaging in any act that constitutes a

violation of this subchapter, or any order, rule, or regulation

issued under this subchapter.

(b) Power to subpoena

(1) Investigations

For the purpose of an investigation made under subsection (a)

of this section, the Secretary may administer oaths and

affirmations and may issue subpoenas to require the production of

any records that are relevant to the inquiry. The production of

any such records may be required from any place in the United

States.

(2) Administrative hearings

For the purpose of an administrative hearing held under section

7467 or 7468 of this title, the presiding officer is authorized

to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel

the attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the

production of any records that are relevant to the inquiry. The

attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records

may be required from any place in the United States.

In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena 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, to enforce a subpoena issued by the Secretary under

subsection (b) of this section. The court may issue an order

requiring the person to comply with the subpoena.

(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 such case may be served in the judicial district

in which the person resides or carries on business or wherever the

person may be found.

(f) Hearing site

The site of any hearing held under section 7467 or 7468 of this

title shall be in the judicial district where the person affected

by the hearing resides or has a principal place of business.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 560, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1072.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7470 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7470. Referenda

-STATUTE-

(a) Initial referendum

(1) Referendum required

During the 60-day period immediately preceding the proposed

effective date of an order issued under section 7463 of this

title, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among kiwifruit

producers and importers who will be subject to assessments under

the order, to ascertain whether producers and importers approve

the implementation of the order.

(2) Approval of order

The order shall become effective, as provided in section 7463

of this title, if the Secretary determines that -

(A) the order has been approved by a majority of the

producers and importers voting in the referendum; and

(B) the producers and importers favoring approval produce and

import more than 50 percent of the total volume of kiwifruit

produced and imported by persons voting in the referendum.

(b) Subsequent referenda

The Secretary may periodically conduct a referendum to determine

if kiwifruit producers and importers favor the continuation,

termination, or suspension of any order issued under section 7463

of this title that is in effect at the time of the referendum.

The Secretary shall hold a referendum under subsection (b) of

this section -

(1) at the end of the 6-year period beginning on the effective

date of the order and at the end of each subsequent 6-year

period;

(2) at the request of the Board; or

(3) if not less than 30 percent of the kiwifruit producers and

importers subject to assessments under the order submit a

petition requesting the referendum.

(d) Vote

On completion of a referendum under subsection (b) of this

section, the Secretary shall suspend or terminate the order that

was subject to the referendum at the end of the marketing year if -

(1) the suspension or termination of the order is favored by

not less than a majority of the producers and importers voting in

the referendum; and

(2) the producers and importers produce and import more than 50

percent of the total volume of kiwifruit produced and imported by

persons voting in the referendum.

(e) Confidentiality

The ballots and other information or reports that reveal, or tend

to reveal, the vote of any person under this subchapter and the

voting list shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be

disclosed.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 561, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1073.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7471 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7471. Suspension or termination

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

If the Secretary finds that an order issued under section 7463 of

this title, or a provision of the order, obstructs or does not tend

to effectuate the purposes of this subchapter, the Secretary shall

suspend or terminate the operation of the order or provision.

(b) Limitation

The suspension or termination of any order, or any provision of

an order, shall not be considered an order under this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 562, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1074.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7472 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7472. Regulations

-STATUTE-

The Secretary may issue such regulations as are necessary to

carry out this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 563, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1074.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7473 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER IV - KIWIFRUIT

-HEAD-

Sec. 7473. Authorization of appropriations

-STATUTE-

There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such

sums as are necessary to carry out this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 564, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1074.)

-CITE-

7 USC SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-SECREF-

SUBCHAPTER REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This subchapter is referred to in section 7401 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7481 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7481. Findings and declaration of policy

-STATUTE-

(a) Findings

Congress finds that -

(1) popcorn is an important food that is a valuable part of the

human diet;

(2) the production and processing of popcorn plays a

significant role in the economy of the United States in that

popcorn is processed by several popcorn processors, distributed

through wholesale and retail outlets, and consumed by millions of

people throughout the United States and foreign countries;

(3) popcorn must be of high quality, readily available, handled

properly, and marketed efficiently to ensure that the benefits of

popcorn are available to the people of the United States;

(4) the maintenance and expansion of existing markets and uses

and the development of new markets and uses for popcorn are vital

to the welfare of processors and persons concerned with

marketing, using, and producing popcorn for the market, as well

as to the agricultural economy of the United States;

(5) the cooperative development, financing, and implementation

of a coordinated program of popcorn promotion, research, consumer

information, and industry information is necessary to maintain

and expand markets for popcorn; and

(6) popcorn moves in interstate and foreign commerce, and

popcorn that does not move in those channels of commerce directly

burdens or affects interstate commerce in popcorn.

(b) Policy

It is the policy of Congress that it is in the public interest to

authorize the establishment, through the exercise of the powers

provided in this subchapter, of an orderly procedure for

developing, financing (through adequate assessments on unpopped

popcorn processed domestically), and carrying out an effective,

continuous, and coordinated program of promotion, research,

consumer information, and industry information designed to -

(1) strengthen the position of the popcorn industry in the

marketplace; and

(2) maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses

for popcorn.

The purposes of this subchapter are to -

(1) maintain and expand the markets for all popcorn products in

a manner that -

(A) is not designed to maintain or expand any individual

share of a producer or processor of the market;

(B) does not compete with or replace individual advertising

or promotion efforts designed to promote individual brand name

or trade name popcorn products; and

speech promoting government objectives; and

(2) establish a nationally coordinated program for popcorn

promotion, research, consumer information, and industry

information.

(d) Statutory construction

This subchapter treats processors equitably. Nothing in this

subchapter -

(1) provides for the imposition of a trade barrier to the entry

into the United States of imported popcorn for the domestic

market; or

(2) provides for the control of production or otherwise limits

the right of any individual processor to produce popcorn.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 572, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1074.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7483 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7482 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7482. Definitions

-STATUTE-

In this subchapter (unless the context otherwise requires):

(1) Board

The term ''Board'' means the Popcorn Board established under

section 7484(b) of this title.

(2) Commerce

The term ''commerce'' means interstate, foreign, or intrastate

commerce.

(3) Consumer information

The term ''consumer information'' means information and

programs that will assist consumers and other persons in making

evaluations and decisions regarding the purchase, preparation,

and use of popcorn.

(4) Department

The term ''Department'' means the Department of Agriculture.

(5) Industry information

The term ''industry information'' means information or a

program that will lead to the development of -

(A) new markets, new marketing strategies, or increased

efficiency for the popcorn industry; or

(B) activities to enhance the image of the popcorn industry.

(6) Marketing

The term ''marketing'' means the sale or other disposition of

unpopped popcorn for human consumption in a channel of commerce,

but does not include a sale or disposition to or between

processors.

(7) Order

The term ''order'' means an order issued under section 7483 of

this title.

(8) Person

The term ''person'' means an individual, group of individuals,

partnership, corporation, association, or cooperative, or any

other legal entity.

(9) Popcorn

The term ''popcorn'' means unpopped popcorn (Zea Mays L) that

is -

(A) commercially grown;

(B) processed in the United States by shelling, cleaning, or

drying; and

(10) Process

The term ''process'' means to shell, clean, dry, and prepare

popcorn for the market, but does not include packaging popcorn

for the market without also engaging in another activity

described in this paragraph.

(11) Processor

The term ''processor'' means a person engaged in the

preparation of unpopped popcorn for the market who owns or shares

the ownership and risk of loss of the popcorn and who processes

and distributes over 4,000,000 pounds of popcorn in the market

per year.

(12) Promotion

The term ''promotion'' means an action, including paid

advertising, to enhance the image or desirability of popcorn.

(13) Research

The term ''research'' means any type of study to advance the

image, desirability, marketability, production, product

development, quality, or nutritional value of popcorn.

(14) Secretary

The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(15) State

The term ''State'' means each of the 50 States and the District

of Columbia.

(16) United States

The term ''United States'' means all of the States.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 573, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1075.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7483 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7483. Issuance of orders

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

To effectuate the policy described in section 7481(b) of this

title, the Secretary, subject to subsection (b) of this section,

shall issue 1 or more orders applicable to processors. An order

shall be applicable to all popcorn production and marketing areas

in the United States. Not more than 1 order shall be in effect

under this subchapter at any 1 time.

(b) Procedure

(1) Proposal or request for issuance

The Secretary may propose the issuance of an order, or an

association of processors or any other person that would be

affected by an order may request the issuance of, and submit a

proposal for, an order.

(2) Notice and comment concerning proposed order

Not later than 60 days after the receipt of a request and

proposal for an order under paragraph (1), or at such time as the

Secretary determines to propose an order, the Secretary shall

publish a proposed order and give due notice and opportunity for

public comment on the proposed order.

(3) Issuance of order

After notice and opportunity for public comment under paragraph

(2), the Secretary shall issue an order, taking into

consideration the comments received and including in the order

such provisions as are necessary to ensure that the order

conforms to this subchapter. The order shall be issued and

become effective not later than 150 days after the date of

publication of the proposed order.

The Secretary, as appropriate, may amend an order. The

provisions of this subchapter applicable to an order shall be

applicable to any amendment to an order, except that an amendment

to an order may not require a referendum to become effective.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 574, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1076.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7482, 7485 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7484 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7484. Required terms in orders

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

An order shall contain the terms and conditions specified in this

section.

(b) Establishment and membership of Popcorn Board

(1) In general

The order shall provide for the establishment of, and

appointment of members to, a Popcorn Board that shall consist of

not fewer than 4 members and not more than 9 members.

(2) Nominations

The members of the Board shall be processors appointed by the

Secretary from nominations submitted by processors in a manner

authorized by the Secretary, subject to paragraph (3). Not more

than 1 member may be appointed to the Board from nominations

submitted by any 1 processor.

(3) Geographical diversity

In making appointments, the Secretary shall take into account,

to the extent practicable, the geographical distribution of

popcorn production throughout the United States.

(4) Terms

The term of appointment of each member of the Board shall be 3

years, except that the members appointed to the initial Board

shall serve, proportionately, for terms of 2, 3, and 4 years, as

determined by the Secretary.

(5) Compensation and expenses

A member of the Board shall serve without compensation, but

shall be reimbursed for the expenses of the member incurred in

the performance of duties for the Board.

The order shall define the powers and duties of the Board, which

shall include the power and duty -

(1) to administer the order in accordance with the terms and

provisions of the order;

(2) to issue regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions

of the order;

(3) to appoint members of the Board to serve on an executive

committee;

(4) to propose, receive, evaluate, and approve budgets, plans,

and projects of promotion, research, consumer information, and

industry information, and to contract with appropriate persons to

implement the plans or projects;

(5) to accept and receive voluntary contributions, gifts, and

market promotion or similar funds;

(6) to invest, pending disbursement under a plan or project,

funds collected through assessments authorized under subsection

(f) of this section, only in -

(A) obligations of the United States or an agency of the

United States;

(B) general obligations of a State or a political subdivision

of a State;

a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System; or

(D) obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest

by the United States;

(7) to receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary

complaints of violations of the order; and

(8) to recommend to the Secretary amendments to the order.

(d) Plans and budgets

(1) In general

The order shall provide that the Board shall submit to the

Secretary for approval any plan or project of promotion,

research, consumer information, or industry information.

(2) Budgets

The order shall require the Board to submit to the Secretary

for approval budgets on a fiscal year basis of the anticipated

expenses and disbursements of the Board in the implementation of

the order, including projected costs of plans and projects of

promotion, research, consumer information, and industry

information.

(e) Contracts and agreements

(1) In general

The order shall provide that the Board may enter into contracts

or agreements for the implementation and carrying out of plans or

projects of promotion, research, consumer information, or

industry information, including contracts with a processor

organization, and for the payment of the cost of the plans or

projects with funds collected by the Board under the order.

(2) Requirements

A contract or agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide that

(A) the contracting party shall develop and submit to the

Board a plan or project, together with a budget that shows the

estimated costs to be incurred for the plan or project;

(B) the plan or project shall become effective on the

approval of the Secretary; and

transaction of the party, account for funds received and

expended, make periodic reports to the Board of activities

conducted, and make such other reports as the Board or the

Secretary may require.

(3) Processor organizations

The order shall provide that the Board may contract with

processor organizations for any services required in addition to

the services described in paragraph (1). The contract shall

include provisions comparable to the provisions required by

paragraph (2).

(f) Assessments

(1) Processors

The order shall provide that each processor marketing popcorn

in the United States or for export shall, in the manner

prescribed in the order, pay assessments and remit the

assessments to the Board.

(2) Direct marketers

A processor that markets popcorn produced by the processor

directly to consumers shall pay and remit the assessments on the

popcorn directly to the Board in the manner prescribed in the

order.

(3) Rate

(A) In general

The rate of assessment prescribed in the order shall be a

rate established by the Board but not more than $.08 per

hundredweight of popcorn.

(B) Adjustment of rate

The order shall provide that the Board, with the approval of

the Secretary, may raise or lower the rate of assessment

annually up to a maximum of $.08 per hundredweight of popcorn.

(4) Use of assessments

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C) and subsection (c)(5) of

this section, the order shall provide that the assessments

collected shall be used by the Board -

(i) to pay expenses incurred in implementing and

administering the order, with provision for a reasonable

reserve; and

(ii) to cover such administrative costs as are incurred by

the Secretary, except that the administrative costs incurred

by the Secretary (other than any legal expenses incurred to

defend and enforce the order) that may be reimbursed by the

Board may not exceed 15 percent of the projected annual

revenues of the Board.

(B) Expenditures based on source of assessments

In implementing plans and projects of promotion, research,

consumer information, and industry information, the Board shall

expend funds on -

(i) plans and projects for popcorn marketed in the United

States or Canada in proportion to the amount of assessments

collected on domestically marketed popcorn; and

(ii) plans and projects for exported popcorn in proportion

to the amount of assessments collected on exported popcorn.

If the administrative costs incurred by the Secretary that

are reimbursed by the Board exceed 10 percent of the projected

annual revenues of the Board, the Secretary shall notify as

soon as practicable the Committee on Agriculture of the House

of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,

and Forestry of the Senate.

(g) Prohibition on use of funds

The order shall prohibit any funds collected by the Board under

the order from being used to influence government action or policy,

other than the use of funds by the Board for the development and

recommendation to the Secretary of amendments to the order.

(h) Books and records of Board

The order shall require the Board to -

(1) maintain such books and records (which shall be available

to the Secretary for inspection and audit) as the Secretary may

prescribe;

(2) prepare and submit to the Secretary, from time to time,

such reports as the Secretary may prescribe; and

(3) account for the receipt and disbursement of all funds

entrusted to the Board.

(i) Books and records of processors

(1) Maintenance and reporting of information

The order shall require that each processor of popcorn for the

market shall -

(A) maintain, and make available for inspection, such books

and records as are required by the order; and

(B) file reports at such time, in such manner, and having

such content as is prescribed in the order.

(2) Use of information

The Secretary shall authorize the use of information regarding

processors that may be accumulated under a law or regulation

other than this subchapter or a regulation issued under this

subchapter. The information shall be made available to the

Secretary as appropriate for the administration or enforcement of

this subchapter, the order, or any regulation issued under this

subchapter.

(3) Confidentiality

(A) In general

Subject to subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), all information

obtained by the Secretary under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be

kept confidential by all officers, employees, and agents of the

Board and the Department.

(B) Disclosure by Secretary

Information referred to in subparagraph (A) may be disclosed

if -

(i) the Secretary considers the information relevant;

(ii) the information is revealed in a suit or

administrative hearing brought at the request of the

Secretary, or to which the Secretary or any officer of the

United States is a party; and

(iii) the information relates to the order.

(i) In general

No information obtained under the authority of this

subchapter may be made available to another agency or officer

of the Federal Government for any purpose other than the

implementation of this subchapter and any investigatory or

enforcement activity necessary for the implementation of this

subchapter.

(ii) Penalty

A person who knowingly violates this subparagraph shall, on

conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or

to imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both, and if an

officer, employee, or agent of the Board or the Department,

shall be removed from office or terminated from employment,

as applicable.

(D) General statements

Nothing in this paragraph prohibits -

(i) the issuance of general statements based on the reports

of a number of persons subject to an order or statistical

data collected from the reports, if the statements do not

identify the information provided by any person; or

(ii) the publication, by direction of the Secretary, of the

name of a person violating the order, together with a

statement of the particular provisions of the order violated

by the person.

(j) Other terms and conditions

The order shall contain such other terms and conditions,

consistent with this subchapter, as are necessary to effectuate

this subchapter, including regulations relating to the assessment

of late payment charges.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 575, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1077.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in sections 7482, 7485 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7485 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7485. Referenda

-STATUTE-

(a) Initial referendum

(1) In general

Within the 60-day period immediately preceding the effective

date of an order, as provided in section 7483(b)(3) of this

title, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among processors

who, during a representative period as determined by the

Secretary, have been engaged in processing, for the purpose of

ascertaining whether the order shall go into effect.

(2) Approval of order

The order shall become effective, as provided in section

7483(b) of this title, only if the Secretary determines that the

order has been approved by not less than a majority of the

processors voting in the referendum and if the majority processed

more than 50 percent of the popcorn certified as having been

processed, during the representative period, by the processors

voting.

(b) Additional referenda

(1) In general

Not earlier than 3 years after the effective date of an order

approved under subsection (a) of this section, on the request of

the Board or a representative group of processors, as described

in paragraph (2), the Secretary may conduct additional referenda

to determine whether processors favor the suspension or

termination of the order.

(2) Representative group of processors

An additional referendum on an order shall be conducted if the

referendum is requested by 30 percent or more of the number of

processors who, during a representative period as determined by

the Secretary, have been engaged in processing.

(3) Disapproval of order

If the Secretary determines, in a referendum conducted under

paragraph (1), that suspension or termination of the order is

favored by at least 2/3 of the processors voting in the

referendum, the Secretary shall -

(A) suspend or terminate, as appropriate, collection of

assessments under the order not later than 180 days after the

date of determination; and

(B) suspend or terminate the order, as appropriate, in an

orderly manner as soon as practicable after the date of

determination.

The Secretary shall be reimbursed from assessments collected by

the Board for any expenses incurred by the Secretary in connection

with the conduct of any referendum under this section.

(d) Method of conducting referendum

Subject to this section, a referendum conducted under this

section shall be conducted in such manner as is determined by the

Secretary.

(e) Confidentiality of ballots and other information

(1) In general

The ballots and other information or reports that reveal or

tend to reveal the vote of any processor, or any business

operation of a processor, shall be considered to be strictly

confidential and shall not be disclosed.

(2) Penalty for violations

An officer or employee of the Department who knowingly violates

paragraph (1) shall be subject to the penalties described in

section 7484(i)(3)(C)(ii) of this title.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 576, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1081.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7486 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7486. Petition and review

-STATUTE-

(a) Petition

(1) In general

A person subject to an order may file with the Secretary a

petition -

(A) stating that the order, a provision of the order, or an

obligation imposed in connection with the order is not

established in accordance with law; and

(B) requesting a modification of the order or obligation or

an exemption from the order or obligation.

(2) Statute of limitations

A petition under paragraph (1) concerning an obligation may be

filed not later than 2 years after the date of imposition of the

obligation.

(3) Hearings

The petitioner shall be given the opportunity for a hearing on

a petition filed under paragraph (1), in accordance with

regulations issued by the Secretary.

(4) Ruling

After a hearing under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall issue

a ruling on the petition that is the subject of the hearing,

which shall be final if the ruling is in accordance with

applicable law.

(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) of this

section resides or carries on business shall have jurisdiction to

review a ruling on the petition, if the person files a complaint

not later than 20 days after the date of issuance of the ruling

under subsection (a)(4) of this section.

(2) Process

Service of process in a proceeding under paragraph (1) may be

made on the Secretary by delivering a copy of the complaint to

the Secretary.

(3) Remands

If the court determines, under paragraph (1), that a ruling

issued under subsection (a)(4) of this section is not in

accordance with applicable law, the court shall remand the matter

to the Secretary with directions -

(A) to make such ruling as the court shall determine to be in

accordance with law; or

(B) to take such further proceedings as, in the opinion of

the court, the law requires.

The pendency of proceedings instituted under subsection (a) of

this section may not impede, hinder, or delay the Secretary or the

Attorney General from taking action under section 7487 of this

title.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 577, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1082.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7487 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7487. Enforcement

-STATUTE-

(a) In general

The Secretary may issue an enforcement order to restrain or

prevent any person from violating an order or regulation issued

under this subchapter and may assess a civil penalty of not more

than $1,000 for each violation of the enforcement order, after an

opportunity for an administrative hearing, if the Secretary

determines that the administration and enforcement of the order and

this subchapter would be adequately served by such a procedure.

(b) Jurisdiction

The district courts of the United States are vested with

jurisdiction specifically to enforce, and to prevent and restrain

any person from violating, an order or regulation issued under this

subchapter.

A civil action authorized to be brought under this section shall

be referred to the Attorney General for appropriate action.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 578, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1082.)

-SECREF-

SECTION REFERRED TO IN OTHER SECTIONS

This section is referred to in section 7486 of this title.

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7488 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7488. Investigations and power to subpoena

-STATUTE-

(a) Investigations

The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary

considers necessary -

(1) for the effective administration of this subchapter; and

(2) to determine whether any person subject to this subchapter

has engaged, or is about to engage, in an act that constitutes or

will constitute a violation of this subchapter or of an order or

regulation issued under this subchapter.

(b) Oaths, affirmations, and subpoenas

For the purpose of an investigation under subsection (a) of this

section, the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations,

subpoena witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses, take

evidence, and require the production of any records that are

relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the

production of records may be required from any place in the United

States.

(1) Request

In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena

issued to, any person, the Secretary may request 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 requiring the attendance and

testimony of the person and the production of records.

(2) Enforcement order of the court

The court may issue an enforcement order requiring the person

to appear before the Secretary to produce records or to give

testimony concerning the matter under investigation.

(3) Contempt

A failure to obey an enforcement order of the court under

paragraph (2) may be punished by the court as a contempt of the

court.

(4) Process

Process in a case under this subsection may be served in the

judicial district in which the person resides or carries on

business or wherever the person may be found.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 579, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1083.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7489 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7489. Relation to other programs

-STATUTE-

Nothing in this subchapter preempts or supersedes any other

program relating to popcorn promotion organized and operated under

the laws of the United States or any State.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 580, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1083.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7490 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7490. Regulations

-STATUTE-

The Secretary may issue such regulations as are necessary to

carry out this subchapter.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 581, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1083.)

-CITE-

7 USC Sec. 7491 01/06/03

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION

SUBCHAPTER V - POPCORN

-HEAD-

Sec. 7491. Authorization of appropriations

-STATUTE-

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are

necessary to carry out this subchapter. Amounts made available

under this section or otherwise made available to the Department,

and amounts made available under any other marketing or promotion

order, may not be used to pay any administrative expense of the

Board.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 104-127, title V, Sec. 582, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1083.)

-CITE-

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Enviado por:	El remitente no desea revelar su nombre
Idioma:	inglés
País:	Estados Unidos

Palabras clave:

Codificación normativa de EEUU (Estados Unidos)Legislación federal estadounidense # Agriculture

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