[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 8]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR955.42]

[Page 419]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
  CHAPTER IX--AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and 
      Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 955_VIDALIA ONIONS GROWN IN GEORGIA--Table of Contents
 
Sec.  955.42  Assessments.

    (a) The funds to cover the committee's expenses shall be acquired by 
the levying of assessments upon handlers as provided in this subpart. 
Each person who first handles Vidalia onions 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 upon handlers at rates established 
by the Secretary. Such rates may be established upon the basis of the 
committee's recommendations or other available information.
    (c) At any time during, or subsequent to, a given fiscal period the 
committee may recommend the approval of an amended budget and an 
increase in the rate of assessment. 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 Vidalia onions which were handled 
during such fiscal period.
    (d) The payment of assessments for the maintenance and functioning 
of the committee may be required under this part throughout the period 
it is in effect 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 during the initial fiscal period or the first part of a fiscal 
period when neither sufficient operating reserve funds nor sufficient 
revenue from assessments on the current seasons's shipments are 
available, the committee may accept payment of assessments in advance or 
may borrow money for such purposes.
    (f) The committee may impose a late payment charge or an interest 
charge or both, on any handler who fails to pay any assessment in a 
timely manner. Such time and the rates shall be recommended by the 
committee and approved by the Secretary.