[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: 7CFR956.31]

[Page 428-429]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
  CHAPTER IX--AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and 
      Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 956_SWEET ONIONS GROWN IN THE WALLA WALLA VALLEY OF SOUTHEAST 
 
Sec.  956.31  Duties.

    It shall be among the duties of the committee:
    (a) At the beginning of each fiscal period, or as soon thereafter as 
practicable, to meet and organize, to select a chairperson and such 
other officers as may be necessary, to select subcommittees, and to 
adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it 
may deem advisable;
    (b) To act as intermediary between the Secretary and any producer or 
handler;
    (c) To furnish to the Secretary such available information as the 
Secretary may request;
    (d) To appoint such employees, agents, and representatives as it may 
deem necessary and to determine the salaries and define the duties of 
each such person;
    (e) To investigate from time to time and to assemble data on the 
growing, harvesting, shipping, and marketing conditions with respect to 
Walla Walla Sweet Onions and to engage in such research and service 
activities which relate to the production, handling, or marketing of 
Walla Walla Sweet Onions as may be approved by the Secretary;
    (f) To keep minutes, books, and records which clearly reflect all of 
the acts and transactions of the committee. Such minutes, books, and 
records shall be subject to examination at any time by the Secretary or 
the Secretary's authorized agent or representative;
    (g) To make available to producers and handlers the committee voting 
record on recommended regulations and on other matters of policy;
    (h) Prior to each fiscal period, to submit to the Secretary a budget 
of its proposed expenses for such fiscal period, together with a report 
thereon,

[[Page 429]]

and a recommendation as to the rate of assessment for such period;
    (i) To cause its books to be audited by a competent accountant at 
least once each fiscal period, and at such other time as the committee 
may deem necessary or as the Secretary may require; the report of such 
audit shall show the receipt and expenditure of funds collected pursuant 
to this part; a copy of each such report shall be furnished to the 
Secretary, and a copy of each such report shall be made available at the 
principal office of the committee for inspection by producers and 
handlers: Provided, that confidential information shall be removed from 
all copies made available to the public; and
    (j) To consult, cooperate, and exchange information with other onion 
marketing committees and other individuals or agencies in connection 
with all proper committee activities and objectives under this subpart.

                        Expenses and Assessments