Title 7AgricultureRelease 119-73

§499b–1 Products produced in distinct geographic areas

Title 7 › Chapter CHAPTER 20A— - PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES › § 499b–1

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Applies to perishable agricultural commodities (see 7 U.S.C. 499a(4)) that meet three conditions: they are under a federal marketing order, are known as coming from a specific place, and had that identity promoted with producer-paid funds. Breaking this rule counts as a violation of paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 2 of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (7 U.S.C. 499b(4) and (5)). A person who files a complaint must repay the Secretary of Agriculture for enforcement costs. The Secretary must not raise PACA fees to pay those costs and must create rules to carry this out.

Full Legal Text

Title 7, §499b–1

Agriculture — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In the case of a perishable agricultural commodity (as defined under the Perishable Agricultural Commodity Act (7 U.S.C. 499a(4))— 11 See References in Text note below.
(1)subject to a Federal marketing order under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
(2)traditionally identified as being produced in a distinct geographic area, State, or region; and
(3)the unique identity, based on such distinct geographic area, of which has been promoted with funds collected through producer contributions pursuant to such marketing order,
(b)A violation of this section shall be considered a violation of paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 2 of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (7 U.S.C. 499b(4) and (5)).
(c)A person bringing a complaint under this section shall reimburse the Secretary of Agriculture for any and all costs associated with the enforcement of this section.
(d)The Secretary of Agriculture shall not increase any fees charged under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act [7 U.S.C. 499a et seq.] to offset costs associated with the operation of this section.
(e)The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Perishable Agricultural Commodity Act, and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (d), probably mean the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, act
June 10, 1930, ch. 436, 46 Stat. 531, which is classified generally to this chapter (§ 499a et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 499a(a) of this title and Tables. 7 U.S.C. 499a(4), referred to in subsec. (a), was redesignated 7 U.S.C. 499a(b)(4) by Pub. L. 102–237, title X, § 1011(1)(A), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1898. The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act
June 3, 1937, ch. 296, 50 Stat. 246, which is classified principally to chapter 26A (§ 671 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 674 of this title and Tables. The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 reenacted and amended the Agricultural Adjustment Act, title I of act
May 12, 1933, ch. 25, 48 Stat. 31, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 26 (§ 601 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 601 of this title and Tables. Codification Section was enacted as part of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, and not as part of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 which comprises this chapter.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

7 U.S.C. § 499b–1

Title 7Agriculture

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73