[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 8]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR979.42]

[Page 496]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
  CHAPTER IX--AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and 
      Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 979_MELONS GROWN IN SOUTH TEXAS--Table of Contents
 
                    Subpart_Order Regulating Handling
 
Sec. 979.42  Assessments.

    (a) The funds to cover the committee's expenses shall be acquired by 
the levying of assessments upon handlers as provided for in this 
subpart. Each handler who first handles melons shall pay assessments to 
the committee upon demand, which assessments shall be in payment of such 
handler's pro rata share of the committee's expenses;
    (b) Assessments shall be levied during each fiscal period upon 
handlers at a rate per unit established by the Secretary. Such rates may 
be established upon the basis of the committee's recommendations and 
other available information;
    (c) At any time during or after a given fiscal period the committee 
may recommend the approval of an amended budget and an increase in the 
rate of assessment in conformance with Sec. 979.41. Upon the basis of 
such recommendations, or other available information, the Secretary may 
approve an amended budget and increase the assessment rate. Such 
increase shall be applicable to all melons which were handled by each 
first handler thereof during such fiscal period;
    (d) The payment of assessments for the maintenance and functioning 
of the committee may be required irrespective of whether particular 
provisions of this part are suspended or become inoperative;
    (e) To provide funds for the administration of the provisions of 
this part the committee may accept the payment of assessments in 
advance;
    (f) If a handler does not pay his assessment within the time 
prescribed by the committee, the assessment may be increased by a late 
payment charge or an interest charge at rates prescribed by the 
committee with the approval of the Secretary.