§2618 Permissive Terms and Conditions of Plans

Summary

Allows potato plans to include several optional rules and programs. These can let the board exempt potatoes used for nonfood uses if there are safeguards. They can set different payment and reporting schedules for handlers. They can create advertising and sales-promotion programs to raise general demand, which must follow the limits in section 2617(f). They can fund research and development to improve marketing and use of potatoes. They can build a reserve from assessments, but the reserve cannot be larger than the amount budgeted for two years of operation. With the Secretary’s approval, funds can be used to grow sales in foreign markets. Plans can also allow assessments on imported table, frozen, or processed potatoes for people to eat, and on seed potatoes. Plans may include other needed terms that do not conflict with the chapter. Any producer or importer who paid an assessment but does not want to support the program may ask for a refund. The request must be made in person, on the board’s approved form, and within the time the board sets and the Secretary approves (but that time must be at least 90 days). The person must show proof they paid. The board must pay the refund within 60 days after the request.