Repeals three
provisions currently administered by the Department of Agriculture; modifies
the method to manage fees assessed to Arizona grain producers and changes the
livestock inspection requirements.
Provisions
·Repeals Date and Pecan standardization programs.These programs were established in the late
1930’s to address standards of quality, labeling and inspection.
·Repeals statues relating to hay agents, brokers and
dealers.This provision requires annual
licensing for hay brokers and dealers from the Department of Agriculture and
requires hay brokers and dealers to supply bonds to the Department to guarantee
their payments to growers.
·Establishes the Arizona Grain Research Fund to receive
the fees currently assessed against Arizona grain producers.The fees are used by the Grain Research and
Promotion Council, made up of nine grain producers appointed by the governor,
to develop and expand grain markets and to participate in grain research.A fee of up to five cents per hundred weight
of grain through common channels is currently assessed to fund the Council’s
activities.
·Allows the Department to utilize discretion in the
timing of mandated livestock inspections.Current law states that livestock must be inspected immediately before
they are moved and again when they arrive at their place of destination.