Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 647 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON PROCESSED VEGETABLE COMMISSION

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 647 pertains to the Department of Agriculture, Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission. This chapter outlines the regulations governing the operations of the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission, including its structure, responsibilities, and the rules for assessments on processed vegetable crops.

Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered in OAR Chapter 647:

Definitions: This section defines key terms used throughout the chapter, such as "person," "commission," "producer," and "processed vegetables." The specified processed vegetable crops include beans (green, wax, romano), sweet corn, and table beets, when sold through commercial channels for canning, freezing, drying, dehydrating, or pickling.

Procedural Rules (Division 1): These rules dictate how the Commission conducts its business, including giving notice for rule changes.

Rules for Reporting and Payment of Assessments (Division 10): This is a crucial section, detailing:

Assessments: It sets the specific assessment amounts per ton for each named vegetable crop (e.g., beans, sweet corn) that first purchasers must deduct and withhold.

Reports and Payment: It outlines the requirements for first purchasers or handlers to forward assessment moneys and reports to the Commission by specified deadlines.

Penalties: This division also includes provisions for penalties related to non-compliance with assessment reporting and payment.

Commission Make-Up, Terms, Qualifications, Term Limits, Removal From Office (Division 15): This division specifies:

The number of commissioners (currently 11, appointed by the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture).

The terms of office (three years, with a limit of two consecutive terms).

Qualifications for commissioners, including representation from producers, handlers, and the public. A majority of the Commission members must be producers.

Rules for Public Records Requests (Division 20): This section outlines the process for requesting public records from the Commission, including submission requirements and contact information.

Commissioner Per Diem and Reimbursements (Division 40): This division covers the rules for compensating commissioners for their service and expenses.

In essence, OAR Chapter 647 establishes the legal framework for the Oregon Processed Vegetable Commission to operate, collect assessments from the industry, and manage its affairs, all aimed at supporting the processed vegetable sector in Oregon.

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