§7445 Assessments

Summary

Makes a small fee required on every canola or rapeseed grown and sold in the United States. The fee is taken out of the payment to the producer by the first buyer. People who process and sell their own crop must also pay the same fee. Only one fee can be charged on each batch. First buyers must send the fees to the national Board. The Board will use one certified State group in each State to collect the fees, or collect them itself if no State group exists. The first fee is 4 cents for every 100 pounds. The Board can ask to raise the fee up to 10 cents per 100 pounds, and it can go higher only if approved in a later vote. A producer who joins a certified State program can get up to a 2-cent credit per 100 pounds. Late payments get a penalty set by the Board with the Secretary’s OK. While the program is being set up, the Board must put 10 percent of fees into an escrow account for refunds. A producer who paid but does not support the program can ask for a refund before the vote, following the Board’s rules and showing proof of payment. If the plan is approved, the escrow money goes back to the Board to use for the program.