2006 Code of Virginia § 3.1-684.3 - Petition for referendum on question of assessment for research, promotion, etc.; action of Board th...

3.1-684.3. Petition for referendum on question of assessment for research,promotion, etc.; action of Board thereon; amount of assessment; expenses ofreferendum.

The State Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, hereinafter referred toas the "State Board," upon a petition being filed with it by the VirginiaSoybean Association, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the "Association,"requesting an advisory referendum and upon finding that sufficient interestexists among the producers of soybeans in this Commonwealth to justify areferendum, shall authorize the holding of a referendum as hereinafter setforth. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services hereinafterreferred to as the "Commissioner," or his designated agents, shallthereupon be fully empowered and directed to hold and conduct a referendum onthe question of whether or not the farmers in this Commonwealth who are theproducers of soybeans are of the opinion that additional research, education,publicity and promotion of the use and sale of soybeans are required. Ifapproved in the referendum authorized by this chapter, the assessment shallbe one-half cent per bushel. Upon filing the petition under the authority ofthis section, the Association shall thereby agree to pay all expenses andcosts of holding such referendum, if the State Board authorizes and directsthe referendum to be held. The expenses mentioned herein shall not includepayment for services of any employee of the Virginia Department ofAgriculture and Consumer Services, or the Virginia Polytechnic Institute andState University Extension Division. Upon the passage of said referendum andthe creation of the Virginia Soybean Board, the cost of holding the saidreferendum shall be reimbursed to the Association by the Board at theconvenience of the Board.

(1970, c. 431.)