Virginia Law

Part A. General Provisions.

Chapter 11. General Provisions.

A. The unexpended balances of the following special funds shall not be diverted or expended for any purpose other than each fund's intended purpose. The special funds are:

1. Apple Fund (§ 3.2-1206);

2. Peanut Fund (§ 3.2-1906);

3. Plant Pollination Fund (§ 3.2-2806);

4. Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund (§ 3.2-2905);

5. Virginia Bright Flue-Cured Tobacco Promotion Fund (§ 3.2-2407);

6. Virginia Cattle Industry Fund (§ 3.2-1305);

7. Virginia Corn Fund (§ 3.2-1411);

8. Virginia Cotton Fund (§ 3.2-1511);

9. Virginia Dark-Fired Tobacco Promotion Fund (§ 3.2-2407.1);

10. Virginia Egg Fund (§ 3.2-1605);

11. Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund (§ 3.2-1704);

12. Virginia Marine Products Fund (§ 3.2-2705);

13. Virginia Milk Commission Assessments Fund (§ 3.2-3220);

14. Virginia Pork Industry Fund (§ 3.2-2005);

15. Virginia Potato Fund (§ 3.2-1810);

16. Virginia Sheep Industry Promotion and Development Fund (§ 3.2-2111);

17. Virginia Small Grains Fund (§ 3.2-2211);

18. Virginia Soybean Fund (§ 3.2-2311); and

19. Virginia Wine Promotion Fund (§ 3.2-3005).

B. No provision of this subtitle shall be construed to give any board the authority to expend funds for legislative or political activity.

1970, c. 310, § 3.1-796.24; 1991, c. 498, § 3.1-6.1; 2004, cc. 89, 212, 319; 2008, c. 860; 2011, c. 158; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2016, c. 167; 2018, c. 469.

All commodity boards established within the Department shall report their activities to the Board on an annual basis. This report shall be in a format as prescribed by the Board. The Board may review activities of the commodity boards and make such recommendations concerning their programs as it deems fit.

1985, c. 173, § 3.1-4.1; 2001, cc. 17, 398; 2008, c. 860.

Except as provided in §§ 3.2-1721, 3.2-1812, and 3.2-2408, the Tax Commissioner shall immediately notify any person who fails to pay an assessment pursuant to Part B of this subtitle and shall add a five percent penalty to the amount due. If such deficiency is not paid within 30 days after the date of such notice, then the amount of the deficiency shall bear interest, in accordance with § 58.1-15, from the date the amount was due, and the Tax Commissioner shall collect any interest as part of the delinquent amount. If any person is delinquent in any payment of the money due or interest thereon, then the amount shall be collected by civil action in the name of the Commonwealth at the direction of the Tax Commissioner, and any person adjudged to be in default shall pay the cost of such action. The Attorney General, at the request of the Tax Commissioner, shall institute action in an appropriate court for the collection of any money due under Part B of this subtitle, including interest thereon. The Tax Commissioner may waive or remit such penalty, or portion thereof, in his discretion for good cause shown.

Code 1950, §§ 3-525.14, 3-598.16; 1966, cc. 658, 702, §§ 3.1-660, 3.1-763.10; 1970, cc. 310, 431, §§ 3.1-684.16, 3.1-796.27; 1977, c. 396; 1980, cc. 316, 395 §§ 3.1-796.11:7, 3.1-1046; 1985, c. 237; 1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.55; 1993, c. 809; 1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1079; 1997, c. 873, §§ 3.1-1098, 3.1-1102; 1999, c. 751; 2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.10; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

It shall be the duty of all state and local law-enforcement officers to assist in the enforcement of this subtitle.

Code 1950, §§ 3-239.11, 3-256; 1964, c. 306; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-318, 3.1-335; 1970, c. 310, § 3.1-796.28; 2008, c. 860.

No provision of Chapter 12 (§ 3.2-1200 et seq.), Chapter 13 (§ 3.2-1300 et seq.), Chapters 15 (§ 3.2-1500 et seq.) through 21 (§ 3.2-2100 et seq.), Chapter 23 (§ 3.2-2300 et seq.), or Chapter 24 (§ 3.2-2400 et seq.) that is expressly preempted by a federal act or agreement governing commodity assessments shall be enforced or imposed until the termination of such act or agreement.

2016, c. 565.

The following provisions apply to each commodity board established pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12 (§ 3.2-1200 et seq.), Chapter 13 (§ 3.2-1300 et seq.), Chapters 16 (§ 3.2-1600 et seq.) through 19 (§ 3.2-1900 et seq.), Chapter 21 (§ 3.2-2100 et seq.), or Chapter 24 (§ 3.2-2400 et seq.):

1. The term for each appointment to a commodity board shall be for four years, with the exception of an appointment to fill a vacancy, which shall be for the unexpired term, unless otherwise authorized in this subtitle; and

2. A majority of the members of a commodity board shall constitute a quorum of that commodity board unless otherwise authorized in this subtitle.

2016, c. 565; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

The following provisions apply to each commodity board established pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12 (§ 3.2-1200 et seq.), Chapter 13 (§ 3.2-1300 et seq.), Chapters 15 (§ 3.2-1500 et seq.) through 19 (§ 3.2-1900 et seq.), Chapter 21 (§ 3.2-2100 et seq.), or Chapter 24 (§ 3.2-2400 et seq.):

1. The members of a commodity board shall elect one board member as chairman and such other officers as deemed appropriate unless otherwise authorized in this subtitle; and

2. Each appointed member of a commodity board shall serve without compensation. Such commodity board may reimburse any of its members for actual expenses incurred in the performance of his duties unless otherwise authorized in this subtitle. Such reimbursements shall be made from the special funds established pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12 (§ 3.2-1200 et seq.), Chapter 13 (§ 3.2-1300 et seq.), Chapters 15 (§ 3.2-1500 et seq.) through 19 (§ 3.2-1900 et seq.), Chapter 21 (§ 3.2-2100 et seq.), or Chapter 24 (§ 3.2-2400 et seq.).

2016, c. 565; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

Part B. Commodity Boards.

Chapter 12. Apple Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"District" means one of the districts set forth in § 3.2-1205.

"Member" means a member of the Apple Board.

"Producer" means any person who, in a calendar year, grows or causes to be grown within the Commonwealth, for sale, a minimum of 5,000 tree run bushels of apples.

"Tree run bushel" means a container, with a content of not less than 2,140 cubic inches or more than 2,500 cubic inches, of apples that have not yet been graded or sized.

Code 1950, § 3-512.8; 1958, c. 149; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-618; 1979, c. 531; 1985, c. 448; 1999, c. 793; 2004, c. 214; 2005, cc. 864, 875; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Apple Board is continued within the Department. The Apple Board shall consist of six members, with two members representing each district. Each member shall be a citizen of the Commonwealth and engaged in producing apples in the Commonwealth with a majority of his apple production occurring in the district he represents.

B. The Commissioner shall hold a special election in each district to elect each member of the Apple Board. The special election shall be held by secret ballot at least 30 days but not more than 90 days before the expiration of the term of office of any member. The Commissioner shall appoint the candidate receiving the highest number of votes in the special election as a member. The Apple Board may adopt and enforce regulations governing the conduct of special elections and voting therein. Such regulations shall be exempt from Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act. A producer shall be eligible to vote only in the district where the majority of his apple production occurs.

Code 1950, § 3-514; 1958, c. 148; 1964, c. 578; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-634; 1974, c. 601; 1985, c. 448; 1999, c. 793, § 3.1-634.1; 2004, c. 214; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

If a vacancy occurs before the expiration of any term of office, the Commissioner shall fill such vacancy within 30 days after the vacancy by a special election held to elect a member for the unexpired term.

Code 1950, § 3-514; 1958, c. 148; 1964, c. 578; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-634; 1974, c. 601; 1985, c. 448; 1999, c. 793, § 3.1-634.1; 2004, c. 214; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. The Apple Board may:

1. Administer, manage and make expenditures from the Apple Fund;

2. Plan and conduct campaigns of research, education, publicity, and industry development for the purpose of enhancing the viability and profitability of the Virginia apple industry;

3. Make contracts to accomplish the purposes of this chapter;

4. Cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international organizations in research concerning education on promotion of apples, and expend moneys of the Apple Fund for such purposes;

5. Establish committees of the Apple Board to address horticultural and such other issues as the Apple Board deems pertinent to the Virginia apple industry; and

6. Do whatever else may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

B. The chairman shall make a report at least annually, furnishing Apple Board members with a statement of total receipts and disbursements of the Apple Board for the year. The chairman shall annually file with the Commissioner a copy of the report and audit that is required under the Apple Fund.

Code 1950, § 3-515; 1958, c. 148; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-635; 1978, c. 540; 1999, c. 793; 2004, c. 214; 2008, c. 860.

The commercial apple-producing districts of the Commonwealth are as follows:

Area I. Northern Virginia District -- Clarke, Fairfax, Frederick, and Loudoun Counties and the City of Winchester.

Area II. Central Virginia District -- Accomack, Fauquier, King William, Lancaster, Madison, Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Rappahannock, Richmond, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, and Westmoreland Counties.

Area III. Southern Virginia District -- Albemarle, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Dickenson, Franklin, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Halifax, Hanover, Henry, Isle of Wight, James City, Lee, Louisa, Lunenburg, Montgomery, Nelson, Nottoway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Russell, Smyth, Southampton, Surry, Wise, and Wythe Counties.

Whenever the commercial production of apples begins in any locality not included in this section, such locality shall become a part of the nearest district that has the lowest commercial apple production according to production records of the Department.

Code 1950, § 3-513.1; 1964, c. 578; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-632; 1974, c. 601; 1982, c. 415; 1999, c. 793; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Apple Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of administration and enforcement of this chapter, including the payment for personal services and expenses of agents of the Apple Board and the payment of rent, services, materials, and supplies necessary to effectuate the purposes and objects of this chapter, or as specifically provided in any referendum ratified pursuant to this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Apple Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Apple Board. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Apple Board as provided for in § 30-133.

Code 1950, §§ 3-512.16, 3-512.17; 1958, c. 149; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-626, 3.1-627; 1999, c. 793; 2004, c. 214; 2005, cc. 864, 875; 2008, c. 860.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

The Board shall authorize the holding of a referendum as set forth in this article. The Commissioner shall be fully empowered and directed to hold and conduct a referendum on the question of whether or not the producers of apples in the Commonwealth are willing to pay an excise tax on apples to support additional research, education, publicity, and industry development of the apple industry. The amount of tax to be voted upon in the referendum shall be 2.5 cents ($0.025) per tree run bushel of apples grown by producers in the Commonwealth. The cost of conducting a referendum under this section shall be paid by the Virginia State Horticultural Society.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.1; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall, under the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112, arrange for the use of any polling places if necessary.

B. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days before the date on which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where apples are produced. The clerk of the court shall post the notice on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum under this article, publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of daily general circulation in Richmond, Virginia, and send a notice of the referendum to a newspaper of general circulation in each locality where apples are produced.

The notice shall contain the date, hours, voting places, and method of voting in the referendum; the amount of assessment to be collected, the means by which the assessment will be collected, and the general purposes for which the assessment will be used; and the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for the referendum.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and shall notify, by mail, each member of the Board of the results.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.3; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in the referendum held under § 3.2-1208, shall be:

"Do you favor the levy of an excise tax of 2.5 cents ($0.025) per tree run bushel of ungraded apples grown in the Commonwealth for sale by producers of at least 5,000 tree run bushels per calendar year, to be paid into the Apple Fund and distributed as follows: up to 40 percent paid to the U.S. Apple Association for publicity and industry development; up to 20 percent paid to the Virginia State Horticultural Society for education and industry development; up to 20 percent paid to the Virginia Apple Research Program for research; up to 10 percent to be used for administration of this article; and up to 10 percent to be held in the Apple Fund as a reserve with: (i) a maximum amount of $125,000; and (ii) a requirement that any appropriation from the reserve receive at least two-thirds of the votes of the members of the Apple Board? If the maximum amount of the reserve fund is met, then the amount of that 10 percent distribution that exceeds the reserve fund shall be divided equally among the U.S. Apple Association, the Virginia State Horticultural Society, and the Virginia Apple Research Program.

_____ Yes

_____ No."

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.4; 2008, c. 860.

Any producer in the year preceding the date of the referendum held pursuant to this article shall be eligible to vote in such referendum if he so certifies on forms approved by the Commissioner. Any person who meets these requirements shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in any other respect. Such person may vote provided that he is a resident of the Commonwealth or qualified to do business in the Commonwealth. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.5; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds the referendum in order and that more than one-half of those voting are in favor of the excise tax on apples pursuant to § 3.2-1210, then the Governor shall so proclaim. Upon such proclamation by the Governor, the excise tax on apples shall be established. If the Governor finds that more than one-half of those voting are in opposition to the excise tax on apples pursuant to § 3.2-1210, then the Governor shall not so proclaim and the excise tax on apples shall not be established.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.6; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon petition by at least 10 percent of the producers in the Commonwealth as determined by the Commissioner, shall provide for a referendum on the continuation of the Apple Board or amending the excise tax on apples if established pursuant to § 3.2-1208. The Board shall not act on such a petition for conducting a referendum until at least five years have passed since the last referendum. Any referendum held under this section shall be conducted in accordance with this chapter.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.7; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds any referenda held pursuant to this article in order and that more than one-half of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the Apple Board, then the Governor shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the Apple Board shall be discontinued. If the Governor finds that more than one-half of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the Apple Board, then the Governor shall not so proclaim and the Apple Board shall continue.

If the Governor finds that more than one-half of those voting are in favor of amending the excise tax on apples, then he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the excise tax shall be amended as stated in the referendum. If the Governor finds that more than one-half of those voting are in opposition to amending the excise tax on apples, then he shall not so proclaim and the excise tax on apples shall not be amended.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.8; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every producer shall submit to the Tax Commissioner the excise tax levied on apples grown in the Commonwealth in a calendar year by January 31 of the following year. The Tax Commissioner shall promptly pay the assessments into the Virginia state treasury to the credit of the Apple Fund.

B. Every producer shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner, submit such reports to the Tax Commissioner along with the excise tax submitted pursuant to subsection A, and keep copies of the reports for a period of not less than three years from the time the report was produced. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, upon request, the Tax Commissioner shall provide to the Apple Board or the Commissioner copies of reports submitted pursuant to this section.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.9; 2008, c. 860.

Every producer shall maintain a complete record of the apples grown by him and shall preserve the records for at least three years from the time such apples are grown. The records shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner and shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.11; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any producer to fail to submit to the Tax Commissioner any report required under this article within 60 days after the time such report is required to be submitted.

2. For any producer knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner any information required under this article.

3. For any producer to fail to keep a complete record of the apples grown by him or to not preserve such records for a period of at least three years from the time such apples are grown.

2005, cc. 864, 875, § 3.1-636.12; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 13. Cattle Industry Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Cattle Industry Board.

"Cattle" means beef-type and dairy-type cattle sold for a consideration in excess of $100 per head in the Commonwealth.

"Handler" means, at the point where the cattle are weighed or traded and the value determined, an operator of any stockyard, livestock dealership, slaughterhouse, packing plant, or livestock auction market, or any other person who purchases from a producer.

"Producer" means any person engaged in the business of raising cattle.

1970, c. 310, §§ 3.1-796.13, 3.1-796.26; 1978, c. 540; 1983, c. 375; 1985, cc. 237, 448; 2008, c. 860; 2018, c. 469.

A. The Cattle Industry Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapter 375 of the Acts of Assembly of 1983, is continued within the Department.

The Board shall be composed of 11 members, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the Commonwealth. Each member shall have been actively engaged in the type of production or business that he will represent on the Board for at least five years, shall derive a substantial proportion of his income from such production or business, and shall continue to be actively engaged in such production or business during his term.

B. The Governor shall appoint the members, who represent the cattle industry as follows:

1. Six beef cattle producers, one from each cattle production area of the Commonwealth. The six areas shall be designated by the Board in general accordance with census-based feeder cattle populations and updated every five years using USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service information.

2. Two producers doing business in any of the six cattle production areas.

3. One dairy producer.

4. Two handlers.

C. Such appointments shall be made by the Governor and confirmed in accordance with § 2.2-107. The Governor shall be guided in his appointments by nominations made by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Cattlemen's Association, Virginia Livestock Markets Association, or other agricultural organizations representing Virginia cattle producers. Each such agricultural organization may nominate producers from each production area or for each Board position. The recommendations shall be submitted prior to the expiration of the member's term for which the nomination is being provided. If any such agricultural organization fails to provide its nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees who meet the criteria set out in this subsection. However, no nomination shall be considered if the nominee currently serves on a board appointed pursuant to the USDA-approved collection and administration of the National Beef Checkoff in accordance with the federal 1985 National Beef Promotion Act and Order.

1970, c. 310, §§ 3.1-796.15, 3.1-796.21; 1983, c. 375; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 158, 691, 714; 2016, c. 565; 2018, c. 469.

Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 469, cl. 2.

The Board shall elect a chairman from the membership of the Board and such other officers as deemed appropriate. The Board shall meet once per year and at such other times as called by the chairman. The chairman may call special meetings at any time and shall call a special meeting when requested by four or more members of the Board.

2018, c. 469.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. The Cattle Industry Board shall be responsible for the promotion and economic development of the Virginia cattle industry and of beef products, including the improvement of the commercial value of cattle for Virginia producers.

B. The Board may expend funds collected pursuant to § 3.2-1306 to provide for programs to serve the Virginia cattle industry for market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of cattle and beef products; to manage the funds so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; to establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required; and to contract for market development, publicity, research, advertising, and other promotional services.

C. The Board shall establish a meeting place anywhere within the Commonwealth, but the selection of the location shall be guided by consideration for the convenience of the majority of those most likely to have business with the Board or to be affected by this chapter.

D. An annual report shall be made by the Board to the Commissioner and shall be published as a public record to include a statement on receipts and itemized disbursements of the Virginia Cattle Industry Fund.

1970, c. 310, §§ 3.1-796.14, 3.1-796.22 to 3.1-796.24; 2008, c. 860; 2011, c. 158; 2016, c. 565; 2018, c. 469.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Cattle Industry Fund, hereinafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds collected pursuant to § 3.2-1306 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

All moneys credited to the Fund shall be used exclusively as set forth in this chapter. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Board as is provided for in § 30-133. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Board.

1970, c. 310, § 3.1-796.26; 1978, c. 540; 1983, c. 375; 1985, c. 237; 2008, c. 860; 2011, c. 158; 2018, c. 469.

A. Beginning January 1, 2019, and ending July 1, 2028, every handler shall deduct 50 cents ($0.50) per head from the proceeds of sale owed to the respective owners of all cattle and calves when sold in the Commonwealth, with the exception of dairy cows going back to farms for milk, animals selling for less than $100 per head, or cattle of any type weighing 99 pounds or less. The handler shall remit such assessments to the Tax Commissioner on or before the last day of each month in which the handler sells cattle.

B. Every handler shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner and submit such reports to the Tax Commissioner along with the assessments collected pursuant to subsection A. Each report shall include a statement of the number of cattle handled and the amount of money collected, and any other information deemed necessary by the Tax Commissioner to carry out his functions. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, upon request, the Tax Commissioner is authorized to provide the Board with a list of taxpayers and amounts paid.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

D. Any producer from whom an assessment has been collected pursuant to subsection A who is dissatisfied with the assessment and the Board's use of the assessment may, within 90 days of the collection of the assessment, make a written demand with documented proof of sale for a refund of the assessment from the Board. The Board shall refund such assessments within 90 days of receiving a written demand for a refund.

1970, c. 310, §§ 3.1-796.25, 3.1-796.26; 1978, c. 540; 1983, c. 375; 1985, c. 237; 2008, c. 860; 2011, c. 158; 2018, c. 469; 2023, cc. 262, 263.

Every handler shall keep a complete record of the number of cattle subject to payment bought by him for a period of not less than three years. Such record shall be open for inspection by the Tax Commissioner, and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1970, c. 310, § 3.1-796.26; 1978, c. 540; 1983, c. 375; 1985, c. 237; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any first handler to fail to submit to the Tax Commissioner any statement or report required in this chapter within 60 days from the time such statement or report is required to be submitted.

2. For any first handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the number of taxable cattle handled by him during any period or to falsify the records.

1970, c. 310, § 3.1-796.27; 1985, c. 237; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 14. Corn Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Corn" means all corn sold except sugar corn, popcorn, and ornamental corn.

"Country buyer" means any person who buys corn from a producer.

"Exporter" means any person offering corn for export sale.

"Handler" means any processor, dealer, shipper, country buyer, exporter, or any other business entity that purchases corn from a producer. The term shall also mean any person that buys, accepts for shipment, or otherwise acquires property in corn from a producer, and includes a mortgagee, pledgee, lienor, or other person having a claim against the producer, when the actual or constructive possession of corn is taken as part payment or in satisfaction of such mortgage, pledge, lien, or claim. The term shall also mean a producer who transports and sells his corn outside of the Commonwealth.

"Processor" means any person who changes the physical form or characteristic of corn for the purpose of preparing it for sale.

"Producer" means any person who grew corn in the Commonwealth and sold corn during the preceding three years.

"Seedsman" means any person who offers corn seeds for sale.

1980, c. 395, §§ 3.1-1032, 3.1-1043, 3.1-1044; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

The Corn Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapter 395 of the 1980 Acts of Assembly, is continued within the Department. The Corn Board shall be composed of 11 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed in accordance with § 2.2-107 from nominations by producer organizations representing corn producers. These organizations shall nominate at least two producers from each production area of corn as defined in § 3.2-1410 and such nominations shall be submitted at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the recommendations are provided. If said organizations fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration of the term, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the criteria provided by this section. The Governor shall appoint at least one producer from each production area and the membership of the Corn Board shall be composed of a majority of producers. The Governor shall appoint one member, if available, from each of the following classifications: seedsman, processor, country buyer, and exporter.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1043; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714.

The terms for appointments to the Corn Board shall be three years. The Governor shall fill any vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term for the unexpired term. If possible, vacancies shall be filled from the production area or classification from which the vacancy occurred from nominations as described in § 3.2-1410.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1043; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Corn Board shall elect a chairman and such other officers as deemed appropriate.

B. Members of the Corn Board shall not receive compensation for attendance at meetings of the Corn Board, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1043; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Corn Board shall have charge of the management and expenditure of the Virginia Corn Fund established in the state treasury.

B. The Corn Board may expend funds to provide for programs of market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of corn; to manage the funds so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; to establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required; and to contract for market development, publicity, research, advertising, and other promotional services.

C. The Corn Board may establish an executive committee and charge it with such powers, duties, and functions as is deemed proper.

D. The Corn Board may enter into an agreement with the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation to collect the specified assessment on all corn pledged as collateral for a commodity credit corporation price support loan or purchase by the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation under its loan or purchase programs.

E. The chairman of the Corn Board shall make an annual report to the Corn Board, including a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year, and shall file a copy of the report with the Commissioner.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1043; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon petition by a group of corn producers representing at least 10 percent of the number of the Commonwealth's corn producers as determined by the Commissioner, may provide for a referendum on the continuation of the assessment. If the Governor shall determine that a simple majority of those voting are not in favor of the assessment, the Board shall hold no new referenda for at least one year after the Governor has declared his findings, and then only after receiving a petition signed by at least 10 percent of the number of the Commonwealth's corn producers. The cost of conducting any such referendum as above prescribed shall come from funds paid into the Virginia Corn Fund as defined in § 3.2-1411. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the conduct of referenda pursuant to § 3.2-112.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1041; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall arrange for and manage any referendum conducted under this chapter.

B. The Commissioner shall, 60 days before the date upon which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where corn is produced. The clerk of the circuit court shall post the notice and regulations on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall give notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in Richmond, Virginia, and shall send a notice of the referendum to a newspaper of general circulation in each locality where corn is produced, at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum under this chapter. The notice shall contain the date, hours, and method of voting in such referendum, the amount of assessment to be collected, the means by which such assessment shall be collected, the general purposes for which the assessments will be used, and the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to this chapter.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for such referendum and shall, under regulations adopted by the Board, arrange for the use of polling places, if necessary.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and the Board.

1980, c. 395, §§ 3.1-1034, 3.1-1037 to 3.1-1039; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in a referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be as follows:

"Do you favor additional market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of corn and the continuation of the levy of an assessment of one cent per bushel in accordance with the provisions of the Corn Board law?

_____ For

_____ Against."

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1042; 1989 c. 401; 2008, c. 860.

Each producer who sold corn in two of the past three years next preceding the date of the referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be eligible to vote in such referendum, provided that he shall so certify sale and point of sale on forms approved by the Board. Any person meeting such requirements shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in other respects. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1035; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds any referendum in order and that at least a simple majority of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the assessment on corn, he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the assessment on corn shall be discontinued. If the Governor finds that at least a simple majority of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the assessment on corn, the Governor shall not so proclaim.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1039; 2008, c. 860.

The following production areas are designated for the purposes of this chapter:

Area I: the Counties of Accomack, Northampton, and Isle of Wight and the Cities of Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach;

Area II: the Counties of Southampton, Sussex, Surry, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Greensville, and Brunswick;

Area III: the Counties of Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster, Essex, Middlesex, Mathews, King and Queen, Gloucester, King William, New Kent, York, Charles City, and James City and the City of Newport News;

Area IV: the Counties of Henrico, Hanover, Caroline, King George, Goochland, Louisa, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Fluvanna, Orange, Culpeper, Albemarle, Greene, and Madison;

Area V: the Counties of Prince William, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Rappahannock, Warren, Clarke, Page, Shenandoah, and Frederick;

Area VI: the Counties of Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, Chesterfield, Halifax, Charlotte, Prince Edward, Cumberland, Powhatan, Pittsylvania, Campbell, Appomattox, Buckingham, Bedford, Amherst, and Nelson; and

Area VII: the Counties of Henry, Franklin, Roanoke, Botetourt, Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Patrick, Floyd, Montgomery, Craig, Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Carroll, Pulaski, Giles, Grayson, Wythe, Bland, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Russell, Buchanan, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, and Lee.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1043; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Corn Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in this chapter. In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the Corn Board may cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international agricultural organizations in market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of corn. The proceeds from such activities shall be promptly paid into the Virginia Corn Fund. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Corn Board as provided for in § 30-133.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Corn Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Corn Board.

1980, c. 395, §§ 3.1-1047, 3.1-1048; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every handler shall deduct from payments for corn made to a producer the amount of the assessment levied thereon, and shall remit such assessment to the Tax Commissioner pursuant to this chapter.

B. A report to the Tax Commissioner shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Tax Commissioner, and shall be a statement of the gross volume of corn handled by the handler and shall be filed with the Tax Commissioner covering corn handled during the preceding period, as set forth by the Tax Commissioner. The Tax Commissioner shall set forth the filing date or dates for reports and assessments and the period to be covered after consultation with the Virginia Grain Producers Association and Corn Board. The assessment levied on corn shall be due and payable by the handler on the same day as the report is due. The assessment shall be paid to the Tax Commissioner and be promptly paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Corn Fund.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

1980, c. 395, §§ 3.1-1044, 3.1-1046; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

Every handler shall keep a complete record of the corn handled by him for a period of not less than three years from the time the corn was handled. Such records shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner, and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1045; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the quantity of corn handled by him during any period.

2. For any handler to falsify the records of the corn handled by him.

3. For any handler to preserve the records of the corn handled by him for less than three years from the time such corn was handled.

1980, c. 395, § 3.1-1049; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 15. Cotton Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Assessment" means moneys to be collected as authorized by this chapter.

"Bale" means a closely pressed package of ginned cotton that weighs approximately 480 pounds.

"Cotton" means the field crop of the genus Gossypium grown to be further processed into consumable goods.

"Farming unit" means any sole proprietorship, corporation, or partnership and includes land owned and leased by any such business entity.

"Gin" means to remove seed and foreign matter from cotton and make it into a bale.

"Handler" means a commercial enterprise that gins cotton.

"Producer" means any person who grows, harvests, and sells cotton in Virginia.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1081; 1999, c. 751; 2008, c. 860.

The Cotton Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapter 873 of the Acts of Assembly of 1997, is continued within the Department. The Cotton Board shall be composed of eight members appointed by the Governor, each of whom shall be a resident of Virginia and a producer in Virginia. The Governor shall be guided in his appointments from nominations made by the following agricultural organizations: (i) the Virginia Cotton Growers Association, Inc.; (ii) the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; and (iii) any other organization within the Commonwealth that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a certified cotton grower organization representing Virginia producers pursuant to guidelines authorized by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 2101-2118). Each such agricultural organization may nominate producers from each production area. The Governor shall appoint a producer residing in each such production area. If no producer resides in a particular production area, the Governor shall appoint a qualified producer from any other production area. Each agricultural organization shall submit nominations for each available position before the expiration of the member's term for which the nomination is being provided. If said agricultural organizations fail to provide the nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria. Five members of the Cotton Board shall constitute a quorum.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1093; 1999, c. 751; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2016, c. 565.

The terms for appointments to the Cotton Board shall be for three years. The Governor shall fill any vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term through appointment of a qualified producer for the unexpired term. If possible, such vacancies shall be filled from the production area from which the vacancy occurred. No person may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1094; 1999, c. 751; 2008, c. 860.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. The Cotton Board shall have charge of the Virginia Cotton Fund established in the Virginia state treasury.

B. The Cotton Board may expend funds and enter into contracts in order to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

C. The Cotton Board may cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international organizations in research concerning, education on, and promotion of cotton and may expend moneys from the Virginia Cotton Fund for such purpose.

1997, c. 873, §§ 3.1-1095 to 3.1-1097; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon petition by at least 10 percent of the producers in the Commonwealth as determined by the Commissioner, shall provide for either a referendum on the continuation of the Cotton Board and the assessment on cotton by a maximum of $0.15 per bale. Any referendum held under this section shall be conducted in accordance with this chapter. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the conduct of referenda pursuant to § 3.2-112.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1089; 2005, c. 326; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall, under the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112, arrange for the use of any polling places, if necessary.

B. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days before the date on which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where cotton is produced. The clerk of the court shall post the notice on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum under this chapter, send a notice of the referendum (i) to a newspaper of general circulation in each locality where cotton is produced or (ii) by mail to all persons listed as cotton producers with the Department during the fiscal year preceding the referendum.

The notice shall contain the date, hours, voting places, and method of voting in the referendum; the amount of assessment to be collected, the means by which the assessment will be collected, and the general purposes for how the assessment will be used; and the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for the referendum.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and shall notify, by mail, each member of the Board of the results.

1997, c. 873, §§ 3.1-1085, 3.1-1087; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 14.

A. The question to be printed on the ballots used in a referendum authorized in § 3.2-1505 on the continuation of the Cotton Board shall be:

Do you favor the continuation of the Cotton Board for the purpose of research, education, and promotion of the growth and use of cotton?

B. The question to be printed on the ballots used in a referendum authorized in § 3.2-1505 on allowing the Cotton Board to increase the assessment on cotton by a maximum of $0.15 per bale of cotton shall be:

Do you favor authorizing the Cotton Board to increase the assessment on cotton by a maximum of $0.15 per bale of cotton ginned in the Commonwealth to support research, education, and promotion of the growth and use of cotton?

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1091; 2005, c. 326; 2008, c. 860.

Any person in the Commonwealth who produced at least one bale of cotton in the Commonwealth in the fiscal year preceding any referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be eligible to vote in such referendum, provided that he so certifies on forms prepared by the Commissioner. Completed certification forms shall include the following information: (i) the full name, address, and, if applicable, title of producer if a partner or corporate officer; (ii) the name and locality of each handler of that producer's cotton in the fiscal year preceding the referendum; and (iii) any other information deemed necessary by the Commissioner to carry out the Commissioner's duties under this section. Any person who meets the requirements of this section shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in other respects. Such person may vote provided that they are a resident of the Commonwealth or qualified to do business in the Commonwealth. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative. Only one person per farming unit shall be eligible to vote in any referendum.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1086; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds any separate referendum held pursuant to this chapter in order, that at least 50 percent of those who have met the requirements of § 3.2-1508 have voted, and that a majority of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the Cotton Board or in opposition to allowing the Cotton Board to increase the assessment on cotton, then the Governor shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation either the Cotton Board will be discontinued or the assessment on cotton will not be increased. If the Governor finds that one-half or more of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the Cotton Board or are in favor of allowing the Cotton Board to increase the assessment on cotton, then the Governor shall so proclaim, and either the Cotton Board shall continue or the Cotton Board shall be authorized to increase the assessment on cotton by a maximum of $0.15 per bale. The cost of conducting a referendum under this section shall be from funds paid into the Virginia Cotton Fund as established in § 3.2-1511.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1090; 2005, c. 326; 2008, c. 860.

The following production areas are designated for the purposes of this chapter:

Area I: The Cities of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk;

Area II: Isle of Wight County;

Area III: Charles City, Henrico, New Kent, Essex, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, and Northumberland Counties;

Area IV: Surry and Prince George Counties;

Area V: Southampton County;

Area VI: Dinwiddie, Sussex, and Amelia Counties;

Area VII: Brunswick, Greensville, and Campbell Counties; and

Area VIII: Accomack and Northampton Counties.

If the production of cotton occurs in any locality that is not part of a production area as designated in this section, such locality shall be part of the nearest adjacent production area. If there are two or more nearest adjacent production areas, such locality shall be part of that production area that had the lowest cotton production in the most recent calendar year according to the records of the Department.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1092; 1999, c. 751; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Cotton Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All assessments paid pursuant to § 3.2-1512 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

The Cotton Board, to help defray the costs of Cotton Board programs, may sell printed materials, rent exhibit space at meetings, and engage in any revenue-producing activity related to research, education, and promotion of the growth and use of cotton. The Cotton Board shall promptly pay the proceeds of any such revenue-producing activities into the Fund.

Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Cotton Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Cotton Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Cotton Board as provided in § 30-133.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1101; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every handler shall collect an assessment of 95 cents ($0.95) per bale from the owner of all cotton that the handler gins for any owner and shall remit such assessment to the Tax Commissioner on or before the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter. Such assessment shall be in addition to any moneys collected by the handler as authorized by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 2101 -2118). The Tax Commissioner shall promptly pay the assessments into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Cotton Fund.

B. Every handler shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner, submit such reports to the Tax Commissioner along with the assessments submitted pursuant to subsection A, and keep copies of the reports for a period of not less than three years from the time the report was produced. Each report shall consist of information for the calendar quarter preceding the month such report is due and shall include the following: (i) the number of bales that the handler has ginned; (ii) the dollar amount of assessments collected by the handler; (iii) a list of those from whom an assessment has been collected for cotton ginned by the handler; (iv) the dollar amounts of all assessments collected from each owner of cotton ginned by the handler; and (v) any other information deemed necessary by the Tax Commissioner to carry out his duties under this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, upon request, the Tax Commissioner shall provide to the Cotton Board or the Commissioner copies of reports submitted pursuant to this section.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1098; 1999, c. 751; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

Every handler shall maintain the following records for all cotton ginned by the handler for the owner of the cotton:

1. Full name and address of the owner of the cotton;

2. Date the cotton was ginned by the handler for such owner;

3. Number of bales ginned; and

4. Dollar amount of assessment collected by the handler from the owner.

The handler shall maintain such records for a period of not less than three years from the time the cotton was ginned. Such records shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1099; 1999, c. 751; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler to fail to submit to the Tax Commissioner any report required pursuant to § 3.2-1512 within 60 days after the time such report is required to be submitted.

2. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner any information required pursuant to § 3.2-1512.

3. For any producer knowingly to report falsely to the Commissioner any information required pursuant to § 3.2-1508.

1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1103; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 16. Egg Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Eggs for consumption" means eggs that are actually consumed in Virginia or sold at a location in Virginia.

"Eggs for use" means eggs that are incorporated into another product at a Virginia location so as to lose their character as eggs.

"Handler" means any person who operates a grading station, a packer, distributor, or other person who purchases, sells, or handles eggs that are used at the wholesale level for consumption in Virginia or, a farmer who packs, processes, or otherwise performs the functions of a handler. The term shall also mean any person in Virginia who purchases eggs, or the liquid equivalent thereof, from anyone other than a registered handler for use or consumption at wholesale in the Commonwealth. The functions of a handler include the sale, distribution, or other disposition of eggs at the wholesale level for use or consumption in Virginia regardless of where the eggs were produced or purchased.

"Registered handler" means any person who has registered with the Tax Commissioner to receive monthly return forms and report the egg tax.

1980, c. 316, § 3.1-796.11:4; 1982, c. 172; 1984, c. 550; 1993, c. 809; 2008, c. 860.

The Egg Board is continued within the Department. The Egg Board shall be composed of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed in accordance with § 2.2-107 from nominations submitted to him by the Virginia Egg Council or any other organization that represents persons who are involved in the commercial egg industry in the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Egg Council or other organization shall provide nominations for each available position before the expiration of the member's term for which the nominations are being provided. If the Virginia Egg Council fails to provide nominations for each available position, the Governor may appoint to such available position another person who is involved in the commercial egg industry.

1980, c. 316, § 3.1-796.11:2; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2016, c. 565.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. The Egg Board shall have charge of the management and expenditures of the Virginia Egg Fund established in the state treasury.

B. The Egg Board may expend funds to provide for programs of research, education, publicity, advertising, and other promotion of eggs that are the subject of the tax levy; manage the Virginia Egg Fund so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required; contract for research, publicity, advertising, and other promotional services; and take measures to strengthen and promote the best interest of farmers producing eggs on which the tax has been levied in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

C. The Egg Board may establish an executive committee and charge it with such powers, duties, and functions as the Egg Board deems proper.

D. The chairman of the Egg Board shall make a report at each annual meeting of the Egg Board and furnish the members of the Egg Board with a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year. He shall file a copy of the report with the Commissioner and make copies of the report available for publication.

E. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit the accounts of the Egg Board as provided for in § 30-133.

1980, c. 316, § 3.1-796.11:2; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Egg Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used exclusively for the purposes set out in this chapter.

In carrying out the purposes of this article, the Egg Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national agricultural organizations in research, education, publicity, advertising, and other promotional activities.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Egg Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Egg Board.

1980, c. 316, §§ 3.1-796.11:8, 3.1-796.11:9; 1993, c. 809; 2008, c. 860.

A. There is hereby levied on eggs purchased or sold for use or consumption in the Commonwealth an excise tax of five cents ($0.05) per 30-dozen case or, if the eggs are purchased or sold in other than shell form, 11 cents ($0.11) per 100 pounds of liquid eggs or liquid equivalent. Such excise tax shall be levied only once. The Tax Commissioner, with the advice and consent of the Egg Board, may adopt regulations as are necessary for the interpretation, administration, and enforcement of this tax.

B. The following categories of eggs shall be exempt from the tax levied pursuant to this chapter:

1. The eggs of any producer selling fewer than 500 cases (15,000 dozen), or the liquid equivalent thereof, per year.

2. Eggs when sold between registered handlers.

The Tax Commissioner shall provide a mechanism for returning taxes paid by exempt persons.

1980, c. 316, § 3.1-796.11:3; 1982, c. 172; 1985, c. 173; 1993, c. 809; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

A. Every handler shall collect the tax imposed by this chapter from the person who purchases eggs for use or consumption in the Commonwealth and shall remit the tax to the Tax Commissioner by the 20th day of each month.

B. Every handler shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner and submit the reports to the Tax Commissioner together with the tax submitted pursuant to subsection A. Each report shall include a statement of the gross volume of taxed eggs that have been packed, processed, purchased, sold, or handled by the handler. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, upon request, the Tax Commissioner shall provide to the Commissioner or the Egg Board copies of reports submitted pursuant to this section.

C. Every person who engages in business in the Commonwealth as a handler shall register, collect, and pay the tax on all eggs sold or delivered to anyone other than a registered handler for storage, use, or consumption in the Commonwealth. Such handlers shall maintain a certificate of registration, file returns, and perform all other duties required of handlers.

D. Any tax that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

E. Every handler shall keep a complete record of the eggs subject to the provisions of this chapter that are packed, processed, or handled by him and shall preserve such records for a period of not less than three years from the time the eggs were packed, processed, or handled. Such records shall be open for inspection by the Tax Commissioner and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1980, c. 316, § 3.1-796.11:4; 1982, c. 172; 1984, c. 550; 1993, c. 809; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the quantity of shell or processed eggs handled by him during any period.

2. For any handler to falsify the records of the eggs processed, packed, or handled by him.

3. For any handler to fail to maintain a complete record of the eggs processed, packed, or handled by him for at least three years from the time such eggs are processed, packed, or handled.

1980, c. 316, § 3.1-796.11:10; 1993, c. 809; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 17. Horse Industry Board.

Article 1. Horse Industry Board.

The Horse Industry Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapters 790 and 805 of the Acts of Assembly of 1993, is continued within the Department. The Horse Industry Board shall consist of 12 members representing the horse industry, industry support services, education, and equine health. Four members shall be the presidents of the following industry organizations: the Virginia Horse Council, Inc., the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Horse Shows Association, and the Virginia Quarter Horse Association. Four members shall serve at large, to be appointed by the Governor from nominations made by the remaining statewide horse breed or use organizations. The Governor shall also appoint two members from recommendations submitted by the Virginia horse industry: one shall be a representative of the horse industry support services or professional community (feed manufacturing or sales, pharmaceutical sales, horseshoeing, marketing, veterinary services, etc.) and the other shall be an individual commercially involved in the horse industry (manager, trainer, etc.). Each organization shall submit nominations or recommendations for each available position. If the organizations fail to provide the nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

An extension equine specialist from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University shall serve as a voting member of the Horse Industry Board. The Commissioner shall serve as a nonvoting member.

Seven members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

The presidents of the Virginia Horse Council, Inc., the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Horse Shows Association, and the Virginia Quarter Horse Association may each designate in writing a member of his organization as an alternate who may attend meetings in his place and be counted as a member of the Horse Industry Board for the purposes of a quorum and for voting.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.54; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2016, c. 565.

The terms for appointments to the Horse Industry Board shall be for four years, with no at-large member serving more than two consecutive terms.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.55; 2008, c. 860; 2022, cc. 576, 577.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. The Horse Industry Board shall be responsible for the promotion and economic development of the equine industry in the Commonwealth. To accomplish this function the Horse Industry Board is authorized to:

1. Produce economic reports;

2. Develop a horse industry directory;

3. Provide funding for educational programs;

4. Provide funding for research;

5. Engage in media liaison;

6. Collect and analyze data on the horse industry;

7. Disseminate industry-related data; and

8. Enter into contracts and agreements to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

B. The chairman of the Horse Industry Board shall make an annual report to the Horse Industry Board including a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year and shall file a copy of such report with the Commissioner.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.57; 2008, c. 860.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All assessments collected pursuant to this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert or be transferred to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

B. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Horse Industry Board as provided in § 30-133.

C. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Horse Industry Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Horse Industry Board.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.58; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall arrange for and manage any referendum conducted under this chapter.

B. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days before the date upon which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where those eligible to vote in the referendum reside. The clerk of the circuit court shall post the notice and regulations on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall give general notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in Richmond, Virginia, and shall send a notice of the referendum to a newspaper of general circulation for each area where members of the horse industry reside, at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum under this chapter.

The notice shall contain: (i) the date, hours, polling place, and method of voting in such referendum; (ii) the amount of assessment to be collected, means by which such assessment shall be collected, and general purposes for which the assessments will be used; and (iii) the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of such referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for such referendum and shall, under regulations adopted by the Board, arrange for the use of polling places, if necessary.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and the Board.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.60; 2008, c. 860.

The Commissioner shall maintain records of the number of eligible persons who voted in any referendum authorized under this chapter.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.61; 2008, c. 860.

Article 2. Equine Infectious Anemia Test Fee.

A fee of $1.50 shall be assessed on each equine infectious anemia test performed on samples collected in the Commonwealth. Such fees shall be collected by the State Veterinarian for deposit into the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund established by § 3.2-1704.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.62; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon petition by members of the horse industry representing at least 10 percent of the number of members of the horse industry who voted in the preceding referendum, or as determined by the Commissioner, may provide for a referendum on the continuation of the equine infectious anemia test assessment in accordance with the provisions of §§ 3.2-112 and 3.2-1705. The Board shall not act on such a petition for conducting such a referendum until at least five years have passed since the last referendum. If the Governor determines that a simple majority is not in favor of the assessment, the Board shall hold no new referendum for at least one year after the Governor has declared his findings. The cost of conducting any such referendum under this section shall be from the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.63; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in any referendum held under this article shall be as follows:

"Do you favor additional market development, education, publicity, research, and promotion of the Virginia horse industry and continuation of the levy of an assessment of $1.50 on each equine infectious anemia test performed on samples collected in Virginia in accordance with the provisions of the Horse Industry Board law?

_____ Yes

_____ No."

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.64; 2008, c. 860.

Each member of the horse industry who has paid for the administering of the equine infectious anemia test during the previous fiscal year shall be eligible to vote in a referenda, provided that he certifies on forms approved by the Board that he has paid for such a test. Any person meeting such requirements shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in other respects. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.65; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds any referenda in order, and that at least a simple majority of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the equine infectious anemia test assessment, he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the assessment shall be discontinued. If the Governor finds that at least a simple majority of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the assessment, the Governor shall not so proclaim.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.66; 2008, c. 860.

Article 3. Equine Feed Assessment.

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Manufactured equine feed" means a commercial feed as defined by § 3.2-4800 that is intended for consumption by horses or other equine.

"Manufacturer" means any person who manufactures equine feed and is licensed to conduct business in the Commonwealth under § 3.2-4803.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.67; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon a joint petition requesting a referendum being filed with it by at least three of the following: the Virginia Horse Council, Inc., the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Horse Shows Association, the Virginia Quarter Horse Association, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, or the Virginia Agribusiness Council, and upon finding that sufficient interest exists among the members of the equine owners in the Commonwealth to justify a referendum, shall authorize the holding of a referendum as set forth in this article.

The Commissioner shall thereupon be fully empowered and directed to hold and conduct a referendum, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 3.2-112 and 3.2-1705, on the question of whether or not equine owners in the Commonwealth are of the opinion that additional market development, education, publicity, research, and promotion of the equine industry are required. If approved in the referendum authorized by this section, an assessment of $3 per ton or $0.075 per 50-pound bag of manufactured equine feed shall be established. The cost of conducting a referendum under this section shall be paid from the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.68; 2008, c. 860.

Any person who owns an equine in the Commonwealth shall be eligible to vote in a referendum held under this article if he executes and submits to the Commissioner an affidavit on forms and methods approved by the Board verifying Virginia residency, legal voting age, and at least one of the following to confirm equine ownership:

1. Current breed or discipline registration for an equine owned in the Commonwealth.

2. Receipt of a valid Virginia equine infectious anemia test within the last 12 months indicating an ownership interest in an equine.

3. A lease purchase agreement, contract, bill of sale, or other legal document showing current ownership or lease interest in an equine stabled or pastured in the Commonwealth.

Completed forms shall include the full name of the person submitting the form along with an associated farm name, if applicable, mailing address, and phone number. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.69; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in the initial referendum held pursuant to § 3.2-1713, shall be as follows:

"Do you favor additional market development, education, publicity, research, and promotion of the Virginia equine industry and the levy of an assessment of $3 per ton or $0.075 per 50-pound bag of manufactured equine feed sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia in accordance with the provisions of the Horse Industry Board law?

_____ Yes

_____ No."

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.70; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds the referendum in order and that at least a simple majority of those voting are in favor of the assessment for the purpose of conducting additional programs in market development, education, publicity, research, and promotion of the equine industry, he shall so proclaim and an assessment of $3 per ton or $0.075 per 50-pound bag of manufactured equine feed shall be established within 180 days of such proclamation and collected as set forth in this chapter.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.71; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds the referendum out of order, or that at least a simple majority of those voting are not in favor of the assessment for the purpose of conducting additional programs of market development, education, publicity, research, and promotion of the equine industry, he shall so proclaim and an assessment on manufactured equine feed shall not be established.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.72; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor issues a proclamation under § 3.2-1716, then no other referendum shall be held on the equine industry that was the subject of the proclamation except that after the expiration of five years from the date of the imposition of the assessment on manufactured equine feed, another referendum may be held in the manner herein prescribed to determine whether the assessment shall be continued or adjusted. The Board, upon petition by members of the equine industry representing at least 10 percent of the number of members of the equine industry who voted in the preceding referendum, or as determined by the Commissioner, may provide for a referendum on the continuation or adjustment of the assessment. The Board shall not act on such a petition for conducting such a referendum until at least five years have passed from the time the manufactured equine feed assessment was established or until at least five years have passed since the last referendum.

If the Governor determines that a simple majority is not in favor of the assessment, the Board shall hold no new referendum for at least one year after the Governor has declared his findings, but, at the expiration of one year and upon petition by 10 percent of the members of the Commonwealth's equine industry that voted in the most recent referendum, the Board may provide for a referendum. The cost of conducting any referendum under this section may be paid from the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.73; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every manufacturer shall collect an assessment of $3 per ton or $0.075 per 50-pound bag of manufactured equine feed he sells in the Commonwealth and on any manufactured equine feed he imports for sale in the Commonwealth and shall remit such assessment to the Department annually. The Department shall promptly pay the assessments into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Horse Industry Promotion and Development Fund.

B. Every manufacturer shall complete, on forms furnished by the Department, an annual report of the total tonnage of manufactured equine feed he sold and imported into the Commonwealth. Such reports shall be submitted to the Department along with the assessments submitted pursuant to subsection A. The reporting year for manufactured equine feed shall be January 1 through December 31.

C. All assessments collected under this section shall be paid to the Department by February 1 for the preceding calendar year.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.74; 2008, c. 860.

Any manufacturer who is required to collect the equine feed assessment under this article shall maintain such records as may be necessary or required by the Commissioner to accurately indicate the tonnage of manufactured equine feed that he has sold or imported for sale in the Commonwealth. The manufacturer shall maintain such records for a period of not less than three years from the time the manufactured equine feed was sold. Such records shall be open to the inspection of the Commissioner.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.75; 2008, c. 860.

Any manufacturer who is required to collect the equine feed assessment under this article and who has not paid the assessment to the Commissioner within 15 working days following the due date of February 1 shall pay to the Commissioner a late fee of 10 percent of the amount due or $50, whichever is greater, in addition to the amount of assessment owed. The appraisal of this late fee shall not prevent the Commissioner from taking other action, as provided for in this chapter. If any person is delinquent in any payment of the money due, then the amount shall be collected by civil action in the name of the Commonwealth at the direction of the Commissioner, and any person adjudged to be in default shall pay the cost of such action. The Attorney General, at the request of the Commissioner, shall institute action in any appropriate court for the collection of any money due, including interest thereon.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.76; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any manufacturer to fail to submit to the Department any report required pursuant to § 3.2-1719 within 60 days after the time such report is due.

2. For any manufacturer knowingly to report falsely to the Department any information required pursuant to this article.

2005, cc. 497, 588, § 3.1-22.77; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 18. Potato Board.

Article 1. Potato Board Membership and Authority.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Approved seed potatoes" means disease-free potatoes and parts thereof that conform to the standards established by the Potato Board.

"Board" means the Potato Board.

"Handler" means any person who is a processor, dealer, shipper, or exporter who purchases potatoes from a grower, or who acts as the grower's agent, or any person who holds a produce dealer or commission merchant license from the Department. The term also means any producer who packs, processes, or otherwise performs the functions of a handler pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

"Jurisdiction" means any locality where potatoes are produced according to the records of the Department.

"Potatoes" means all varieties of potatoes except sweet potatoes.

"Producer" means any person who, in a calendar year, grows a minimum of 40,000 pounds of potatoes in the Commonwealth.

"Seed potatoes" means potatoes and parts thereof intended for the propagation or production of commercial potatoes.

1982, c. 126, §§ 3.1-684.21, 3.1-684.39; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

The Potato Board, established by the passage of a 1994 referendum held pursuant to Chapter 126 of the Acts of Assembly of 1982, is continued within the Department. The Potato Board shall be composed of seven members appointed by the Governor from nominations by grower organizations, to terms of four years. The appointments shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. All members of the Potato Board shall be producers of potatoes. Each grower organization shall submit nominations for each available position before the expiration of the member's term for which the nomination is being provided. If said organizations fail to provide nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the criteria provided by this section.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.32; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2016, c. 565; 2022, cc. 576, 577.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

The Potato Board shall meet at least once each year prior to the beginning of the seed potato buying season, at the call of the chairman, and whenever the majority of the members so request. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.32; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2016, c. 565.

A. The Board shall have charge of the management and expenditures of the Virginia Potato Fund established in the state treasury.

B. The Board may expend funds to provide for programs of research, education, publicity, advertising, and other promotion; manage the fund so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; establish an office and employ such technical and professional assistants as may be required; contract for research, publicity, advertising and other promotional services; and take all actions as will assist in strengthening and promoting the best interest of producers of potatoes.

C. In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national agricultural organizations in research, education, publicity, advertising, and other promotional activities.

D. The Board may establish an executive committee and charge it with those powers, duties, and functions as the Board deems proper.

E. The chairman of the Board shall make an annual report to the Board including a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year and shall file a copy of the report and the audit required by § 3.2-1810 with the Commissioner.

F. The Board shall adopt regulations to establish standards for seed potatoes and to carry out the provisions of this chapter and, at the recommendation of the chairman, request that the Commissioner, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the Chairman of the Certified Seed Board, and the Director of the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Painter appoint representatives to advise the Board.

1982, c. 126, §§ 3.1-684.32, 3.1-684.36; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Article 2. Potato Referenda and Fund.

Upon a petition, or its own motion, or that of an interested person properly made, the Board may hold a referendum on the continuance of the tax. If a petition is not presented to the Board or the Board is not otherwise advised, the tax to support additional research and promotion of potatoes shall continue to be levied and collected as provided for in this article. The cost of conducting any referendum as prescribed in this article shall be paid from funds paid into the Virginia Potato Fund. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the conduct of referenda pursuant to § 3.2-112.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.30; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

A. The Commissioner shall arrange for and manage any referendum conducted pursuant to this article.

B. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days before the referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where producers are located.

The clerk of the circuit court shall post the notice and the regulations on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall give notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in Richmond, Virginia, and shall send a notice of the referendum to a newspaper of general circulation in each locality where producers are located at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum pursuant to the provisions of this article. The notice shall contain the date, hours, voting places, and method of voting in the referendum, the amount of tax to be collected, the means by which the tax shall be collected, the general purposes for how the taxes will be used, and the regulations adopted by the Board hereunder.

C. The Commissioner, with the assistance of the petitioners, shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots and supplies required for the referendum and shall under regulations adopted by the Board and with the assistance of the petitioners and the Extension Service arrange for the necessary polling places.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and the Board.

1982, c. 126, §§ 3.1-684.23, 3.1-684.26, 3.1-684.27; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in a referendum pursuant to this article shall be as follows:

"Do you favor additional research, education, publicity, advertising, and other promotion of potatoes and the continuation of the levy of two cents ($0.02) per 100 pounds in accordance with the provisions of the Board law to support the same?

_____ Yes

_____ No."

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.31; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Each producer in the Commonwealth who produced 40,000 pounds of potatoes during the year next preceding the date of the referendum held pursuant to this article shall be eligible to vote in the referendum if he certifies to the required production. The certification shall be on forms approved by the Board. Any person meeting these requirements shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in any other respect. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.24; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

The Governor shall examine all matters relating to the referendum and whether a majority of the producers voting expressed a desire for additional research, education, publicity, advertising, and other means of promotion and continuing the levying of the tax to support them. If the Governor finds the referendum in order and that a majority of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the levying of the tax on potatoes, he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the tax on potatoes shall be discontinued. If the Governor finds that a majority of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the tax on potatoes, the Governor shall not so proclaim.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.28; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Potato Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller.

All moneys levied and collected pursuant to this article shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in this chapter.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Board as is provided for in § 30-133.

1982, c. 126, §§ 3.1-684.36, 3.1-684.37; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

A. Every handler who purchases from a producer shall deduct, from payments made to the producer for any potatoes, a tax of two cents ($0.02) per 100 pounds of potatoes and shall remit the tax to the Commissioner on or before the 20th day of each month. The tax shall be paid to the Commissioner and shall be promptly paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Potato Fund.

B. Every handler shall complete a report consisting of a statement of the gross volume of potatoes on which the tax was levied that were packed, processed, or handled by the handler and shall file such report with the Commissioner together with the tax submitted pursuant to subsection A. The tax levied on potatoes shall be due by the handler on the same day that the report is due.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.33; 2008, c. 860.

The tax imposed under the provisions of this article and unpaid on the date when due shall bear interest at a rate determined in accordance with § 58.1-1812, from and after the due date until paid. If any person defaults in any payment of the tax or interest thereon, the amount shall be collected by a civil action in the name of the Commonwealth at the relation of the Board and the person adjudged in default shall pay the costs of the proceeding. The Attorney General, at the request of the Commissioner, shall institute an appropriate action for the collection of the amount of any tax past due under this article, including interest thereon.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.35; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Every handler shall keep a complete record of the potatoes subject to the provisions of this article that have been packed, processed, or handled by him for a period of time not less than three years from the time the potatoes were packed, processed, or handled. The records shall be open to the inspection of the Commissioner and shall be established and maintained as required by the Commissioner.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.34; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Commissioner the quantity of potatoes processed or handled by him.

2. For any handler to fail to keep a complete record of the potatoes processed or handled by him.

3. For any handler to preserve the records for a period of time less than three years from the time such potatoes are processed or handled.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.38; 2008, c. 860.

The Commissioner shall revoke the produce dealer or commission merchant license of any handler who fails to report, pay the tax, or perform any other duty required of him pursuant to the provisions of this article.

1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.40; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Article 3. Seed Potato Standards.

Any seed potatoes sold, offered for sale, advertised, or shipped in the Commonwealth shall conform to the standards of approved seed potatoes.

Code 1950, § 3-228.4; 1950, p. 1029; 1958, c. 94; 1966, cc. 686, 702, § 3.1-288; 2008, c. 860, § 3.2-4105; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Nothing in this article shall prohibit the sale of seed potatoes sold by the grower to a planter who has personal knowledge of the conditions under which the seed potatoes were grown.

Code 1950, § 3-228.10; 1950, p. 1030; 1958, c. 94; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-294; 2008, c. 860, § 3.2-4106; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

A. The Commissioner shall inspect any seed potatoes. The Commissioner may enter any place of business, warehouse, common carrier, or other place where seed potatoes may be found for the purpose of an inspection. It is unlawful for any person to interfere with such inspections.

B. The fee for inspection shall not exceed the lesser of the current rate for federal-state inspection of table stock potatoes or the reasonable cost of inspection. The Commissioner shall abate any fee to the extent funds are appropriated from the general fund for seed potato inspection.

C. Bills of lading, invoices, or other records accompanying any shipment of approved seed potatoes shall give the name of the consignee, consignor, and custodian, if any. The Commissioner shall have the right to inspect such records.

Code 1950, § 3-228.8; 1950, p. 1030; 1966, cc. 686, 702, § 3.1-292; 1978, c. 540; 1980, c. 308; 2008, c. 860, § 3.2-4107; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

A. When the Commissioner finds seed potatoes sold or offered for sale in violation of this article or any regulation hereunder, he may issue a "stop sale" order to the owner or custodian. It is unlawful for anyone to sell any seed potatoes under a "stop sale" order until the Commissioner has evidence that such potatoes will (i) not be used for propagation purposes or (ii) be used outside the Commonwealth. When the Commissioner has such evidence, he shall issue a notice releasing potatoes from the "stop sale" order.

B. Any shipment of seed potatoes in violation of this article shall be subject to seizure on complaint of the Commissioner to the appropriate court in the county or city where the seed potatoes are located. If the court finds the seed potatoes to be in violation and orders condemnation, the owner shall be permitted to post a bond for double the amount of the value of the seed potatoes. Then the owner shall have 10 days from the date of the order of condemnation to denature, destroy, or process the potatoes for other than propagation purposes. If the owner fails to post the bond required or act within the time limit set forth in this subsection, then the court shall order that the seed potatoes be denatured, destroyed, or processed for other than propagation purposes.

Code 1950, § 3-228.8; 1950, p. 1030; 1966, cc. 686, 702, § 3.1-292; 1978, c. 540; 1980, c. 308; 2008, c. 860, § 3.2-4108; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

The Commissioner may permit the sale of seed potatoes that do not meet the standards of approved seed potatoes when he deems necessary. The Commissioner may permit the sale of experimental varieties of potatoes for propagation purposes. He may delegate the authority granted in this section to the Board.

Code 1950, § 3-228.9; 1950, p. 1030; 1966, cc. 686, 702, § 3.1-293; 2008, c. 860, § 3.2-4109; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

A. If the Commissioner finds a violation of this article or of any regulation adopted pursuant to this article, he shall notify the custodian of the seed potatoes in writing, designating a time and place for a hearing, and send a copy of the notice to the owner or shipper. Any party notified shall be given an opportunity to be heard under the regulations adopted pursuant to this article. If it appears after proper hearing that any of the provisions of this article have been violated, the Commissioner may certify the facts to the attorney for the Commonwealth in the county or city where the violation occurred and furnish him with a copy of the results of the inspection duly authenticated and under the oath of the inspector.

B. It shall be the duty of each attorney for the Commonwealth with responsibility for the enforcement of this article, and to whom any violation is reported, to commence proceedings in the appropriate court.

Code 1950, § 3-228.11; 1950, p. 1030; 1966, cc. 686, 702, § 3.1-295; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860; § 3.2-4110; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Any person violating any provision of this article or any regulation adopted pursuant to this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 3-228.11; 1950, p. 1030; 1966, cc. 686, 702, § 3.1-295; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860, § 3.2-4111; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Chapter 19. Peanut Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Processor" means any person that cleans, shells, or crushes peanuts.

Code 1950, § 3-525.1; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-647; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

The Peanut Board is continued within the Department. The Peanut Board shall consist of eight members representing as nearly as possible each peanut-producing section of the Commonwealth. Such members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, and each of whom shall be a resident of the Commonwealth and engaged in producing peanuts in the Commonwealth. The Governor shall be guided in his appointments by the recommendations of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association or other organizations representing peanut growers in peanut-producing counties. If the Virginia Peanut Growers Association or other organizations representing peanut growers fail to provide nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

Code 1950, §§ 3-525.2, 3-525.3; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-648, 3.1-649; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2016, c. 565.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. All funds levied and collected under this chapter shall be administered by the Peanut Board.

B. The Peanut Board shall plan and conduct campaigns for education, advertising, publicity, sales promotion, and research as to Virginia peanuts.

C. The Peanut Board may make contracts, expend moneys of the Peanut Fund, and do whatever else may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

D. The Peanut Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national agricultural and peanut organizations in research, advertising, publicity, education, and other means of promoting the sale and use of peanuts, and may expend moneys of the Peanut Fund for such purposes.

E. The Peanut Board may enter into an agreement with the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation or its designee to collect and remit the specified assessment on all peanuts pledged as collateral for a marketing assistance or price support loan.

F. The chairman shall make a report at the annual meeting of the Peanut Board and furnish the members of the Peanut Board with a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year. He shall file a copy of the report and the audit required by § 3.2-1906 with the Commissioner.

Code 1950, §§ 3-525.4, 3-525.6 to 3-525.10; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-650, 3.1-652 to 3.1-656; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860; 2010, cc. 7, 37; 2016, c. 565.

Beginning July 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2026, an excise tax shall be levied at a rate of $0.25 per 100 pounds on all peanuts grown in and sold in the Commonwealth for processing. Peanuts shall not be subject to the tax after the tax has been paid once.

Code 1950, § 3-525.11; 1964, c. 609; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-657; 1973, c. 200; 1983, c. 177; 1995, c. 160; 2008, c. 860; 2010, cc. 7, 37; 2013, cc. 6, 40; 2016, cc. 5, 165; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 120, 121.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Peanut Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter, after deducting the expense to the Commonwealth of collecting the same, shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of paying the costs of collecting the tax levied on peanuts pursuant to this chapter, the administration of this chapter, including payment for personal services and expenses of agents of the Peanut Board, rent, services, materials, and supplies necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Peanut Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Peanut Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Peanut Board as is provided for in § 30-133.

Code 1950, §§ 3-525.16, 3-525.17; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-662, 3.1-663; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 565.

A. Every processor shall collect the tax on all peanuts bought by him and pay it into the Department of Taxation to the credit of the Peanut Fund. The tax collected between July 1 and December 31 of each year shall be paid not later than February 15 of the succeeding year, and the tax collected between January 1 and June 30 shall be paid not later than July 10 of each year.

B. Every processor shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner, submit such reports to the Tax Commissioner together with the tax submitted pursuant to subsection A, and keep copies of the reports for a period of not less than three years from the time the report was produced.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, upon request, the Tax Commissioner may provide the Peanut Board with a list of assessment payers and amounts paid.

Code 1950, § 3-525.12; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-658; 2008, c. 860; 2010, cc. 7, 37.

Every processor shall keep a complete record of the amount of peanuts, subject to tax, bought by him for a period of not less than three years. Such record shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner and his duly authorized agents.

Code 1950, § 3-525.13; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-659; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any processor knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the quantity of peanuts subject to tax bought by him during any period.

2. For any processor to falsify the records of the peanuts subject to tax bought by him.

Code 1950, § 3-525.18; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-664; 2008, c. 860.

Any processor who fails to file the required reports, or who fails to keep the required records, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each month of such failure is a separate offense.

Code 1950, § 3-525.19; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-665; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 20. Pork Industry Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Feeder pig" means a hog not weighing 140 pounds or less.

"Processor" means any person that slaughters hogs commercially, or agent thereof.

"Producer" means any person engaged in the business of raising hogs for sale for slaughter or raising hogs for sale as feeder pigs.

"Slaughter hog" means a hog weighing in excess of 140 pounds.

Code 1950, § 3-598.12; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.6; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

The Pork Industry Board is continued within the Department. The Pork Industry Board shall consist of 12 members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Members of the Pork Industry Board shall be selected, as far as possible, so as to give representation to the principal pork-producing areas of Virginia. At least seven of the members shall be pork producers.

Code 1950, § 3-598.13; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.7; 1978, c. 540; 1979, c. 72; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

Terms for appointments to the Pork Industry Board shall be for four years. The Governor shall fill any vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term through appointment of a qualified person for the unexpired term. No member shall be eligible to be appointed for more than two successive terms.

Code 1950, § 3-598.13; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.7; 1978, c. 540; 1979, c. 72; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Pork Industry Board shall elect one of its members as chairman and such other officers as deemed appropriate.

B. Members of the Pork Industry Board shall be reimbursed for all actual expenses incurred attending meetings of the Pork Industry Board and any related activities as authorized by the Pork Industry Board.

Code 1950, § 3-598.13; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.7; 1978, c. 540; 1979, c. 72; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Pork Industry Board shall administer all funds collected under this chapter.

B. The Pork Industry Board shall plan and conduct programs for education and research relating to the Virginia pork industry, with primary emphasis on programs designed to increase the efficient production of slaughter hogs and feeder pigs in the Commonwealth.

C. The Pork Industry Board may make contracts, expend moneys from the Virginia Pork Industry Fund, and do whatever else may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

D. The Pork Industry Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national organizations in research, education, and other means for promoting the Virginia pork industry and may expend moneys of the Virginia Pork Industry Fund for such purpose.

E. The Pork Industry Board may appoint a secretary and such other employees as may be necessary at salaries to be fixed by the Pork Industry Board subject to the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.). All employees of the Pork Industry Board handling money shall be required to furnish surety bonds in an amount to be fixed by the Pork Industry Board.

F. The chairman shall make a report at the annual meeting of the Pork Industry Board and furnish the members of the Pork Industry Board with a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year. The chairman shall also file a copy of such report and the audit required by § 3.2-2005 with the Commissioner annually.

Code 1950, §§ 3-598.13, 3-598.14; 1966, c. 658, §§ 3.1-763.7, 3.1-763.8; 1978, c. 540; 1979, c. 72; 1985, c. 448; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Pork Industry Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in this chapter, including paying the costs of collecting the tax levied on hogs pursuant to this chapter, and the administration of this chapter, including payment for personal services, materials, and supplies necessary to effect the purposes of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Pork Industry Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Pork Industry Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Pork Industry Board as is provided for in § 30-133.

Code 1950, § 3-598.17; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.11; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860.

An excise tax of 10 cents ($0.10) per head shall be levied on all hogs sold in the Commonwealth for slaughter, and an excise tax of five cents ($0.05) per head shall be levied on all hogs sold in the Commonwealth as feeder pigs. For purposes of this tax, a slaughter hog or feeder pig is sold at the time and place the hog or pig is weighed for purchase and its purchase weight is recorded.

Code 1950, § 3-598.15; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.9; 1979, c. 72; 1982, c. 99; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every processor shall collect the tax on all slaughter hogs purchased by him, other than at a livestock auction market, and remit such tax to the Tax Commissioner to the credit of the Virginia Pork Industry Fund.

B. Every livestock auction market shall collect the tax on all slaughter hogs and feeder pigs bought at a livestock auction market and remit it to the Tax Commissioner to the credit of the Virginia Pork Industry Fund.

C. Every first buyer shall collect the tax on other feeder pig sales and remit it to the Tax Commissioner to the credit of the Virginia Pork Industry Fund.

D. Taxes collected between July 1 and December 31 of each year shall be paid to the Tax Commissioner not later than January 15 of the succeeding year, and taxes collected between January 1 and June 30 shall be paid not later than July 10 of the year in which collected.

E. Every processor, livestock auction market, and other first buyers of feeder pigs shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner, submit such reports to the Tax Commissioner together with the taxes submitted pursuant to this section, and keep copies of the reports for a period of not less than three years from the time the report was produced.

F. The Tax Commissioner, after consultation with the Virginia Pork Industry Board, may adopt regulations for the interpretation and enforcement of this tax.

G. Any tax that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

Code 1950, § 3-598.15; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.9; 1979, c. 72; 1982, c. 99; 2008, c. 860.

Every processor, livestock auction market, and other first buyers of feeder pigs shall keep a complete record of the number of slaughter hogs and feeder pigs subject to tax purchased by him for at least three years. Such record shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner.

Code 1950, § 3-598.15; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.9; 1979, c. 72; 1982, c. 99; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any person knowingly to report falsely the number of slaughter hogs and feeder pigs subject to tax bought or handled by him during any period.

2. For any person to falsify the records of the slaughter hogs and feeder pigs subject to tax bought or handled by him.

3. For any person to fail to file the report, or to fail to keep the records as required by this chapter.

Code 1950, § 3-598.18; 1966, c. 658, § 3.1-763.12; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 21. Sheep Industry Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Handler" means the operator of a stockyard, livestock dealership, slaughterhouse, packing plant, or livestock auction market, or any other person making a purchase from a sheep producer, at the point where the sheep is sold or traded.

"Sheep" means sheep or lambs of all ages.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1065; 2008, c. 860.

The Sheep Industry Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapter 691 of the 1995 Acts of Assembly, is continued within the Department.

The Sheep Industry Board shall consist of 12 members representing the sheep industry and industry support services. The Governor shall appoint 12 individuals from nominations submitted by the Virginia Sheep Producers Association, Virginia sheep and wool marketing organizations, or other Virginia farm organizations representing sheep producers, for terms of four years. One member shall represent the packing/processing/retailing segment of the industry, one shall represent the Virginia Livestock Markets Association, and one shall represent the purebred segment of the industry. The remaining nine members shall be appointed by the Governor as follows in accordance with § 3.2-2110, with no more than one member appointed per locality: three members who reside in the Southwest District; three members who reside in the Valley District; two members who reside in the Northern District; and one member who resides in the South Central District. In addition, the extension sheep specialist from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Commissioner shall serve as nonvoting members.

Each association or organization shall submit nominations for each available position before the expiration of the member's term for which the nomination or recommendation is being provided. If the organizations fail to provide the nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

1995, c. 691, §§ 3.1-1074, 3.1-1075; 1996, c. 169; 2004, c. 56; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2016, c. 565; 2022, cc. 576, 577.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 565, cl. 2.

A. The Sheep Industry Board shall be responsible for the promotion and economic development of the sheep industry in the Commonwealth. To accomplish this function the Sheep Industry Board is authorized to:

1. Provide funding for predator control;

2. Produce economic reports;

3. Develop a sheep industry directory;

4. Provide funding for educational programs;

5. Provide funding for research;

6. Engage in media liaison;

7. Collect and analyze data on the sheep industry;

8. Disseminate industry-related data;

9. Enter into contracts and agreements to accomplish the purposes of this chapter; and

10. Establish, administer, manage, and make expenditures from the Virginia Sheep Industry Promotion and Development Fund as provided in § 3.2-2111.

B. The Sheep Industry Board may increase the original assessment of 50 cents ($0.50) for each sheep sold within the Commonwealth no more than 10 cents ($0.10) per year, up to a maximum assessment of $1 per head.

C. The chairman of the Sheep Industry Board shall make a report at the annual meeting of the Sheep Industry Board including a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year, and shall file a copy of the report with the Commissioner.

1995, c. 691, §§ 3.1-1066, 3.1-1074; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon petition by at least 10 percent of the members of the sheep industry who voted in the preceding referendum or as determined by the Commissioner, may provide for a referendum on the continuation of the Sheep Industry Board and the assessment. The cost of conducting such referendum shall be from funds paid into the Virginia Sheep Industry Promotion and Development Fund as established in § 3.2-2111. Such referendum shall be conducted in the manner provided in this chapter. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the conduct of referenda pursuant to § 3.2-112.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1072; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall manage any referendum conducted under this chapter, and shall, under regulations adopted by the Board, arrange for the use of polling places, if necessary.

B. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days before the date upon which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where those eligible to vote in the referendum reside. The clerk of the circuit court shall post the notice and regulations on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall also give general notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in Richmond, Virginia, and shall send a notice of the referendum to a newspaper of general circulation in each area where members of the sheep industry reside, at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum under this chapter.

The notice shall contain the date, hours, voting places, and methods of voting in the referendum; the amount of assessment to be collected, means by which such assessment will be collected, and general purposes for how the assessments will be used; and the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for the referendum.

D. The Commissioner shall within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results of the referendum, and certify the same to the Governor and the Board.

1995, c. 691, §§ 3.1-1069, 3.1-1070; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in any referendum authorized in § 3.2-2105 on the continuation of the Sheep Industry Board and assessment shall be as follows:

"Do you favor the continuation of the Sheep Industry Board and the continuation of the levy of an assessment of up to $1 per head for all sheep sold within the Commonwealth?

_____ Yes

_____ No."

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1073; 2008, c. 860.

Each member of the Virginia sheep industry who has sold one or more sheep or 50 or more pounds of wool within the Commonwealth in the year preceding any referendum shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, provided that he certifies that he has conducted such sale. Any person who meets the requirements of this section shall be eligible to vote provided that they are a resident of the Commonwealth or qualified to do business in the Commonwealth. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1067; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds the referendum in order and that at least a simple majority of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of Sheep Industry Board and the assessment for the purpose of conducting programs in market development, predator control, education, research, and promotion of the sheep industry, he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the Sheep Industry Board and the assessment shall be discontinued. If the Governor finds that at least a simple majority of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the Sheep Industry Board and the assessment, he shall not so proclaim.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1071; 2008, c. 860.

The following districts are designated for the purposes of this chapter:

Southwest District: Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Roanoke, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe Counties.

Valley District: Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Highland, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties.

Northern District: Albemarle, Caroline, Clark, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Fredrick, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, King George, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren Counties.

South Central District: Accomack, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Greensville, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Richmond, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland, and York Counties; and the Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1075; 1996, c. 169; 2004, c. 56; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Sheep Industry Promotion and Development Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All assessments paid pursuant to § 3.2-2112 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Sheep Industry Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request by a duly authorized officer of the Sheep Industry Board.

The Auditor for Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Sheep Industry Board as provided in § 30-133.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1076; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every handler shall deduct the assessment authorized under this chapter from the proceeds of sale owed by him to the respective owners for all sheep sold in the Commonwealth. Any handler purchasing sheep in the Commonwealth for resale within 10 days shall be exempt from the assessment on the subsequent sale. The handler shall remit the assessment to the Tax Commissioner on or before the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter.

B. Every handler shall complete reports on forms furnished by the Tax Commissioner, submit such reports to the Tax Commissioner along with the assessments submitted pursuant to subsection A, and keep copies of the reports for a period of not less than three years from the time the report was produced. Each report shall include a statement of the number of sheep that have been handled; the amount of money that has been collected; and any other information deemed necessary by the Tax Commissioner to carry out his duties under this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, upon request, the Tax Commissioner is authorized to provide the Sheep Industry Board with a list of assessment payers and amounts paid.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

1995, c. 691, §§ 3.1-1077, 3.1-1078; 2008, c. 860.

Every handler shall keep a complete record of the number of sheep subject to payment bought by him for a period of not less than three years. Such records shall be open for inspection by the Tax Commissioner, and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1078; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler to fail to submit to the Tax Commissioner any report required in this chapter within 60 days from the time such report is required to be submitted.

2. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the number of taxable sheep handled by him during any period or to falsify the records.

1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1079; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 22. Small Grains Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Country buyer" means any person who buys small grains from a producer.

"Exporter" means any person offering small grains for export sale.

"Handler" means any person who purchases small grains from a producer and any producer who transports and sells his own small grains out of state. Handler also means any processor, dealer, shipper, country buyer, exporter, or any other business entity that purchases small grains from a producer. Handler shall also mean any person buying, accepting for shipment, or otherwise acquiring property in small grains from a producer, and shall include a mortgagee, pledgee, lienor, or other person having a claim against the producer when the actual or constructive possession of such small grains is taken as part payment or in satisfaction of such mortgage, pledge, lien, or claim.

"Processor" means any person who changes the physical form or characteristic of small grains in preparation for sale.

"Producer" means any person who has grown and sold small grains in the Commonwealth in the preceding three years.

"Seedsman" means any person who offers small grains seeds for sale.

"Small grains" means barley, oats, rye, or wheat.

1991, c. 587, §§ 3.1-684.41, 3.1-684.53; 1992, c. 776; 2008, c. 860.

The Small Grains Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapter 587 of the 1991 Acts of Assembly, is continued within the Department. The Small Grains Board shall be composed of 11 members appointed by the Governor from nominations by the Virginia Grain Producers Association or other organizations representing small grain producers, the appointments to be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Virginia Grain Producers Association and any other organization submitting nominations shall nominate at least two producers from each production area of small grains. The Governor shall appoint at least one producer from each production area and the membership of the Small Grains Board shall be composed of a majority of producers. The Governor shall appoint one member, if available, from each of the following classifications: seedsman, processor, country buyer, and exporter.

Nominations shall be submitted at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the nomination is being provided. If the Virginia Grain Producers Association or any other organization submitting nominations fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.52; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714.

The terms for appointments to the Small Grains Board shall be for three years. The Governor shall fill any vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term for the unexpired term. If possible, such vacancies shall be filled from the production area or classification from which the vacancy occurred as described in § 3.2-2210.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.52; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Small Grains Board shall elect a chairman and such other officers as deemed appropriate.

B. Members of the Small Grains Board shall not receive compensation for attendance at meetings of the Small Grains Board, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.52; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Small Grains Board shall have charge of the management and expenditure of the Virginia Small Grains Fund established in the state treasury.

B. The Small Grains Board may expend funds to provide for programs of market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of small grains; to manage the funds so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; to establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required; and to contract for market development, publicity, research, advertising, and other promotional services.

C. The Small Grains Board may establish an executive committee and charge it with such powers, duties, and functions as deemed proper.

D. The Small Grains Board shall not enter into an agreement with the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation to collect the specified assessment on all small grains pledged as collateral for a commodity credit corporation price support loan or purchase by the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation under its loan or purchase programs.

E. The chairman of the Small Grains Board shall make a report at the annual meeting of the Virginia Grain Producers Association including a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year. He shall file a copy of the report with the Commissioner and the members of the Small Grains Board.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.52; 2008, c. 860.

The Board, upon petition by a group of small grains producers representing at least 10 percent of the number of producers, as determined by the Commissioner, may provide for a referendum on the continuation of the assessment. The Board shall not act on such a petition for conducting such a referendum until at least five years have passed since the last referendum. If the Governor determines that a simple majority is not in favor of the assessment, the Board shall hold no new referendum for at least one year after the Governor has declared his findings, but at the expiration of one year and upon petition by 10 percent of the Commonwealth's small grains producers that voted in the most recent referendum, the Board may provide for a referendum. The cost of conducting any referendum under this section shall be paid from funds paid into the Virginia Small Grains Fund as defined in § 3.2-2211. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the conduct of referenda pursuant to § 3.2-112.

1991, c. 587, §§ 3.1-684.45, 3.1-684.50; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall arrange for and manage any referendum conducted pursuant to this chapter, and shall, under regulations adopted by the Board, arrange for the use of polling places if necessary.

B. The Commissioner shall, 60 days before the date upon which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where small grains are produced. The clerk of the circuit court shall post the notice and regulations on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall, at least 60 days prior to the holding of any referendum under this chapter, give general notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in Richmond, Virginia, and send a notice of the referendum to a newspaper of general circulation for each area where small grains are produced.

The notice shall contain the date, hours, polling place, and method of voting in such referendum, the amount of assessment to be collected, the means by which such assessment shall be collected, the general purposes for which the assessments will be used, and the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to § 3.2-112.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for the referendum.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and the Board.

1991, c. 587, §§ 3.1-684.43, 3.1-684.46, 3.1-684.47; 1992, c. 776; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in any referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be as follows:

"Do you favor additional market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of small grains and continuation of the levy of an assessment of one-half of one percent of the selling price per bushel in accordance with the provisions of the Small Grains Board law?

_____ Yes

_____ No."

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.51; 2008, c. 860.

Each producer who sold small grains in two of the past three years next preceding the date of the referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, provided that he shall certify sale and point of sale on forms approved by the Board. Any person meeting such requirements shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in other respects. Any person who is not an individual shall vote by its authorized representative.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.44; 1992, c. 776; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds any referendum in order and that at least a simple majority of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the assessment on small grains, he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the assessment on small grains will be discontinued. If the Governor finds that at least a simple majority of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the assessment on small grains, the Governor shall not so proclaim.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.48; 2008, c. 860.

The following production areas are designated for the purposes of this chapter:

Area I: the Counties of Accomack and Northampton; City of Virginia Beach;

Area II: the Counties of Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, and Lancaster;

Area III: the Counties of Spotsylvania, Caroline, Essex, Middlesex, Mathews, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, and Orange;

Area IV: the Counties of Louisa, Fluvanna, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Charles City, James City, York, Powhatan, Cumberland, Buckingham, Appomattox, Amelia, Chesterfield, Prince George, Dinwiddie, and Nottoway;

Area V: the Cities of Chesapeake and Suffolk; the Counties of Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex;

Area VI: the Counties of Greensville, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Halifax, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Prince Edward, Campbell, and Pittsylvania; and

Area VII: the Counties of Albemarle, Alleghany, Amherst, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buchanan, Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Dickenson, Fairfax, Fauquier, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Greene, Henry, Highland, Lee, Loudoun, Madison, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Patrick, Prince William, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Wise, and Wythe.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.52; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Small Grains Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in this chapter.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Small Grains Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Small Grains Board.

In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the Small Grains Board may cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international agricultural organizations in market development, education, publicity, research, and the promotion of the sale and use of small grains. The proceeds from such activities shall be promptly paid into the Virginia Small Grains Fund.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Small Grains Board as provided for in § 30-133.

Money from the Fund shall not be diverted or expended for any purpose other than those set forth in this chapter unless authorized by a specific Act of Assembly.

1991, c. 587, §§ 3.1-684.56, 3.1-684.57; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every handler shall deduct from payments made to the producer for small grains the amount of the assessment levied thereon and shall remit such assessment to the Tax Commissioner pursuant to this chapter.

B. A report to the Tax Commissioner shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Tax Commissioner; shall be a statement of the gross volume of small grains handled by the handler; and shall be filed with the Tax Commissioner covering small grains handled during the preceding period, as set forth by the Tax Commissioner. The Tax Commissioner shall set forth the filing date or dates for reports and assessments and the period to be covered after consultation with the Virginia Small Grains Association and the Small Grains Board. The assessment levied on small grains shall be due and payable by the handler on the same day as the report is due. The assessment shall be paid to the Tax Commissioner and be promptly paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Small Grains Fund. The Tax Commissioner shall not assess a fee in the collection of the fee assessment. The Tax Commissioner shall provide annually during the first calendar quarter of each year a listing of all handlers who paid an assessment during the previous calendar year.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.53; 1992, c. 776; 2008, c. 860.

Every handler shall keep a complete record of the small grains handled by him for a period of not less than three years from the time the small grains were handled. Such records shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner, and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.54; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the quantity of small grains handled by him during any period.

2. For any handler to falsify the records of the small grains handled by him.

3. For any handler to fail to preserve the records of the small grains handled for a period of three years from the time such small grains were handled.

1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.58; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 23. Soybean Board.

"Country buyer" means any person who buys soybeans from a producer.

"Exporter" means any person offering soybeans for export sale.

"Handler" means any processor, dealer, shipper, exporter, or any other business entity that purchases soybeans from a producer. The term shall also mean any person buying, accepting for shipment, or otherwise acquiring property in soybeans from a producer, and shall include a mortgagee, pledgee, lienor, or other person, public or private, having a claim against the producer, when the actual or constructive possession of such soybeans is taken as part payment or in satisfaction of such mortgage, pledge, lien, or claim. The term shall also mean any producer that transports and sells his soybeans out of state.

"Processor" means any person who changes the physical form or characteristic of soybeans for the purpose of preparing them for sale.

"Producer" means any person who grew soybeans in the Commonwealth and sold soybeans during the preceding three years.

"Seedsman" means any person or firm who offers soybean seeds for sale.

1970, c. 431, §§ 3.1-684.2, 3.1-684.13, 3.1-684.14; 1974, c. 297; 1978, c. 540; 1982, c. 603; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 1990, c. 183; 1992, c. 124; 2008, c. 860.

The Soybean Board, established by the passage of a referendum held pursuant to Chapter 431 of the 1970 Acts of Assembly, is continued within the Department. The Soybean Board shall be composed of 11 members appointed by the Governor from nominations by the several producer organizations representing soybean producers, the appointments to be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The several producer organizations representing soybean producers shall nominate at least two producers from each production area of soybeans. The Governor shall appoint at least one producer from each production area as described in § 3.2-2310, and the membership of the Soybean Board shall always be composed of a majority of producers. The Governor shall appoint one member, if available, from each of the following classifications: seedsman, producer, processor, country buyer, and exporter. Such appointments shall be made from nominations from the several producer organizations representing soybean producers.

Each organization shall submit nominations at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the nomination or recommendation is being provided. If the organizations fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.13; 1974, c. 297; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714.

The terms for appointments to the Soybean Board shall be for three years. The Governor shall fill any vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term for the unexpired term. If possible, vacancies shall be filled from the production area or classification from which the vacancy occurred from nominations as described § 3.2-2301.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.13; 1974, c. 297; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Soybean Board shall elect a chairman and such other officers as deemed appropriate.

B. Members of the Soybean Board shall not receive compensation for attendance at meetings of the Soybean Board, but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in such attendance.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.13; 1974, c. 297; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Soybean Board shall have charge of the management and expenditure of the Virginia Soybean Fund established in the state treasury.

B. The Soybean Board may expend funds to provide for programs of research, education, publicity, and the promotion of the sale and use of soybeans; to manage the funds so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; to establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required; and to contract for research, publicity, advertising, and other promotional services.

C. The Soybean Board may establish an executive committee and charge it with powers, duties, and functions as is deemed proper.

D. The Soybean Board may enter into an agreement with the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation to collect the specified assessment on all soybeans pledged as collateral for a commodity credit corporation price support loan or purchase by the Federal Commodity Credit Corporation under its loan or purchase program.

E. The chairman of the Soybean Board shall make an annual report to the Soybean Board including a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year, and shall file a copy of such report with the Commissioner.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.13; 1974, c. 297; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

Every five years from the date of the imposition of the tax assessment on soybeans, another referendum shall be held to determine whether the assessment for research, education, publicity, and promotion of the sale and use of soybeans shall be continued. The Board, upon petition by a group of soybean producers representing at least 33 percent of the Commonwealth's production, as determined by the Commissioner, may provide for an advisory referendum on the continuation of the assessment. Upon finding that sufficient interest exists among the producers of soybeans in the Commonwealth to justify a referendum, the Board shall authorize the holding of a referendum. The cost of conducting any such referendum as above prescribed shall come from funds paid into the Virginia Soybean Fund. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the conduct of referenda pursuant to § 3.2-112.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.11; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commissioner shall arrange for and manage any referendum conducted under this chapter.

B. The Commissioner shall, 60 days before the date upon which a referendum is to be held, mail notice to the clerk of the circuit court in each locality where soybeans are produced. The clerk of the court shall post the notice on the front door or public bulletin board of the courthouse and certify the posting to the Commissioner. The Board shall publish notice of the referendum in each newspaper of general circulation in the counties where the referendum is to be held at least 60 days before the holding of any referendum under this chapter. The notice shall contain the date, hours, and polling places or other ways for voting in such referendum, the amount of the assessment to be collected, the sources thereof, the means by which the sum shall be collected, and the general purposes for how the funds will be used.

C. The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute in advance of the referendum all necessary ballots, certificates, and supplies required for the referendum and shall, under regulations adopted by the Board, arrange for the use of polling places, if necessary.

D. The Commissioner shall, within 10 days after the referendum, canvass and publicly declare the results thereof and certify the same to the Governor and the Board.

1970, c. 431, §§ 3.1-684.4, 3.1-684.7, 3.1-684.8; 2008, c. 860.

The question to be printed on the ballots used in a referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be as follows:

"Do you favor additional research, education, publicity and the promotion of the sale and use of soybeans and the continuation of the levy of an assessment of two cents ($0.02) per bushel in accordance with the provisions of the Soybean Board?

_____ Yes

_____ No."

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.12; 1982, c. 603; 1990, c. 183; 2008, c. 860.

Each producer who sold soybeans during the past three years next preceding the date of the referendum held pursuant to this chapter shall be eligible to vote in such referendum, provided that he shall so certify on forms that shall be prepared by the Board. Any person meeting such requirements shall be eligible to vote in the referendum, but no person shall be required to be a qualified voter in other respects.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.5; 2008, c. 860.

If the Governor finds any referendum in order and that at least 60 percent of those voting are in opposition to the continuation of the assessment on soybeans, he shall so proclaim and upon such proclamation the assessment on soybeans will be discontinued. If the Governor finds that at least 60 percent of those voting are in favor of the continuation of the assessment on soybeans, the Governor shall not so proclaim.

1970, c. 431, §§ 3.1-684.9, 3.1-684.10; 1982, c. 603; 2008, c. 860.

The following production areas are designated for the purposes of this chapter:

Area I: Accomack and Northampton Counties;

Area II: Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, Northumberland, Richmond, and Lancaster Counties;

Area III: Spotsylvania, Caroline, Essex, Middlesex, Mathews, Gloucester, King and Queen, and King William Counties;

Area IV: Louisa, Fluvanna, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Charles City, James City, and York Counties;

Area V: the Cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk;

Area VI: Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Surry, Sussex, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Greensville, and Brunswick Counties; and

Area VII: Buckingham, Cumberland, Powhatan, Amelia, Prince Edward, Appomattox, Campbell, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Mecklenburg, Halifax, Pittsylvania, and Henry Counties.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.13; 1974, c. 297; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1987, c. 476; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Soybean Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes set forth in this chapter.

In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the Soybean Board may cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international agricultural organizations in research, education, publicity, and the promotion of the sale and use of soybeans. The Soybean Board may sell printed materials, rent exhibit space at meetings, and engage in any type of ethical revenue-producing activity to defray the costs of Soybean Board programs. The proceeds from such activities shall be promptly paid into the Virginia Soybean Fund.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Soybean Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Soybean Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Soybean Board as is provided for in § 30-133.

1970, c. 431, §§ 3.1-684.17, 3.1-684.18; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860.

A. Every handler shall deduct from payments made to the producer for soybeans an assessment of two cents ($0.02) per bushel and shall remit such assessment to the Tax Commissioner pursuant to this chapter. The handler shall also deduct from payments made to the producer for soybeans any national assessment that shall be approved under federal law to supersede the state law and shall remit such assessment to the Tax Commissioner pursuant to this chapter. The Tax Commissioner shall provide to the Soybean Board copies of excise tax returns and other information as may be necessary for the Soybean Board to comply with Virginia and federal soybean assessment programs.

B. A report to the Tax Commissioner shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Tax Commissioner, and shall be a statement of the gross volume of soybeans handled by the handler and shall be filed with the Tax Commissioner by the date or dates as set forth by the Tax Commissioner covering soybeans handled during the preceding period, as set forth by the Tax Commissioner. The Tax Commissioner shall set forth the filing date or dates for reports and assessments and the period or periods to be covered after consultation with the Virginia Soybean Association and Soybean Board. The assessment levied on soybeans shall be due by the handler on the same day as the report is due. The assessment shall be paid to the Tax Commissioner and be promptly paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Soybean Fund.

C. Any assessment that is not paid when due shall be collected pursuant to § 3.2-1102.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.14; 1982, c. 603; 1987, c. 476; 1990, c. 183; 1992, c. 124; 2008, c. 860.

The handler shall keep a complete record of the soybeans handled by him for a period of not less than three years from the time the soybeans were handled. Such records shall be open to the inspection of the Tax Commissioner and shall be established and maintained as required by the Tax Commissioner.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.15; 2008, c. 860.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. For any handler knowingly to report falsely to the Tax Commissioner the quantity of soybeans handled by him during any period.

2. For any handler to falsify the records of the soybeans handled by him.

3. For any handler to fail to preserve the records of the soybeans handled by him for at least three years from the time such soybeans are handled.

1970, c. 431, § 3.1-684.19; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 24. Tobacco Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Grower" means any person actually engaged in the growing and producing of bright flue-cured tobacco or type 21 dark-fired tobacco.

"Handler" means any manufacturer, dealer, processor, or any other business entity that purchases tobacco directly from the grower.

"Warehouse" means any person authorized by law to conduct auction sales of loose-leaf tobacco.

Code 1950, § 3-240; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-319; 1985, c. 448; 2002, c. 57; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

The Tobacco Board is hereby established within the Department. The Tobacco Board shall consist of nine members. Each of the six production areas of flue-cured tobacco set out in § 3.2-2402 shall have a representative on the Tobacco Board, and three members shall represent, as nearly as possible, each important type 21 dark-fired tobacco-producing section in the Commonwealth. The Governor shall appoint members from nominations made by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and other organizations representing bright flue-cured tobacco growers or type 21 dark-fired tobacco growers in tobacco-producing counties. Each member shall be a citizen of the Commonwealth and engaged in producing tobacco in the Commonwealth. If the organizations fail to provide nominations, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

Code 1950, § 3-241; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-320; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1994, c. 964; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

The following production areas of flue-cured tobacco are designated for the purposes of this chapter:

Area I -- Pittsylvania County;

Area II -- Counties of Henry, Patrick, Carroll, Franklin, Bedford, Campbell, and Appomattox;

Area III -- Halifax County;

Area IV -- Mecklenburg County;

Area V -- Counties of Charlotte, Lunenburg, Prince Edward, Nottoway, Cumberland, Amelia, Powhatan, and Chesterfield; and

Area VI -- Counties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Sussex, and Southampton and the City of Suffolk.

Code 1950, § 3-241; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-320; 1978, c. 540; 1985, c. 448; 1994, c. 964; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

§§ 3.2-2403, 3.2-2404. Repealed by Acts 2017, cc. 8 and 66, cl. 2.

A. All funds levied and collected under this chapter shall be administered by the Tobacco Board.

B. The Tobacco Board shall plan and conduct campaigns of education, advertising, publicity, sales promotion, and research to increase the demand for, and the consumption of, bright flue-cured and type 21 dark-fired tobaccos.

C. The Tobacco Board may make contracts, expend moneys of the Bright Flue-Cured Tobacco Promotion Fund and the Dark-Fired Tobacco Promotion Fund, and do whatever else may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

D. The Tobacco Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national agricultural organizations in research, advertising, publicity, education, and other means of promoting the sale, use, and exportation of bright flue-cured and type 21 dark-fired tobaccos, and expend moneys of the Bright Flue-Cured Tobacco Promotion Fund and the Dark-Fired Tobacco Promotion Fund for such purposes.

E. The Chairman shall make a report at the annual meeting of the Tobacco Board and furnish members with a statement of the total receipts and disbursements for the year. He shall file a copy of such report and the audit required by § 3.2-2407 with the Commissioner.

Code 1950, §§ 3-245 to 3-248; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-324 to 3.1-327; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

An assessment of 40 cents ($0.40) per 100 pounds shall be collected on all bright flue-cured and type 21 dark-fired tobaccos that are harvested in the Commonwealth and sold by the grower and shall be payable by the grower.

Code 1950, § 3-249; 1960, c. 47; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-328; 1970, c. 408; 1974, c. 74; 1980, c. 87; 1990, c. 523; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Bright Flue-Cured Tobacco Promotion Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under this chapter on all bright flue-cured tobacco shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of carrying out the administration and enforcement of this chapter with respect to bright flue-cured tobacco, including the collection of assessments, the payment of personal services and expenses of agents of the Tobacco Board, and the payment of rent, services, materials, and supplies necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Tobacco Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Tobacco Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Tobacco Board as is provided for in § 30-133.

Code 1950, §§ 3-253, 3-254; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-332, 3.1-333; 1978, c. 540; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Dark-Fired Tobacco Promotion Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys levied and collected under this chapter on type 21 dark-fired tobacco shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of carrying out the administration and enforcement of this chapter with respect to type 21 dark-fired tobacco, including the collection of assessments, the payment of personal services and expenses of agents of the Tobacco Board, and the payment of rent, services, materials, and supplies necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Tobacco Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by a duly authorized officer of the Tobacco Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Tobacco Board as is provided for in § 30-133.

2012, cc. 803, 835; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

Every grower shall pay the excise taxes on bright flue-cured and all type 21 dark-fired tobacco to the warehouse or handler where and when the tobacco is first sold. Each warehouse or handler is designated an agent of the Department for the purpose of collecting such excise tax. The tax shall be paid to the Department, to the credit of the Tobacco Board, on or before the tenth day of the month following its collection. Taxes paid on bright flue-cured tobacco shall be promptly paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Bright Flue-Cured Tobacco Promotion Fund and taxes paid on type 21 dark-fired tobacco shall be promptly paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Dark-Fired Tobacco Promotion Fund.

Code 1950, § 3-250; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-329; 2002, c. 57; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Each warehouse or handler shall keep a complete record of the excise tax collected by him and shall preserve such record for a period of not less than three years from the time of collection. Such record shall be open to the inspection of the Tobacco Board and its duly authorized agents.

Code 1950, § 3-251; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-330; 2002, c. 57; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

If the assessment imposed by this chapter is not paid when due or any funds collected by a warehouse or handler are not remitted to the Tobacco Board as required in this chapter, the amount due shall bear interest at the rate of one percent per month from the due date until payment.

If any person defaults in any payment of the assessment or interest thereon, or fails to remit any funds collected to the Tobacco Board, the amount shall be collected by civil action in the name of the Commonwealth at the relation of the Tobacco Board, and the person adjudged in default shall pay the cost of such action. The Attorney General, at the request of the Tobacco Board, shall institute action for the collection of the amount of any assessment past due under this chapter, including interest thereon.

The Tobacco Board, in its discretion, may waive or remit such interest, or a portion thereof, for good cause shown. In determining whether to waive interest charges or request a civil action, the Board shall consider any history of previous violations, the seriousness of the violation, and the good faith demonstrated in any attempt to achieve compliance with the chapter after notice of the violation.

Code 1950, § 3-252; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-331; 2002, c. 57; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2017, cc. 8, 66.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person knowingly to violate any provision of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 3-255; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-334; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 25. Dark-Fired Tobacco Board [Repealed].

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 28.

Part C. Other Commodity-Related Boards, Councils, and Foundations.

Chapter 26. Aquaculture Advisory Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Aquaculture" means the propagation, rearing, enhancement, and harvest of aquatic organisms in controlled or selected environments, conducted in marine, estuarine, brackish, or fresh water.

"Aquaculture facility" means any land, structure, or other appurtenance that is used for aquaculture, including any laboratory, hatchery, pond, raceway, pen, cage, incubator, or other equipment used in aquaculture.

"Aquatic organism" means any species or hybrid of aquatic animal or plant, including fish, shellfish, marine fish, and marine organisms as those terms are defined by § 28.2-100.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.6; 2008, c. 860.

The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To provide information and assistance in obtaining permits relating to aquacultural activities;

2. To promote aquaculture including encouraging investment in aquaculture facilities to expand production, processing capacity, and marketing;

3. To work with appropriate state and federal agencies to review, develop, and implement policies and procedures to facilitate aquacultural development;

4. To consult with and assist aquaculture industry groups, aquaculture associations, and academic institutions to develop, maintain, and expand the aquaculture industry; and

5. To develop, support, and implement policies beneficial to Virginia aquaculture.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.7; 2001, c. 320; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Aquaculture Advisory Board is established as an advisory board in the executive branch of state government. The Aquaculture Advisory Board shall advise the Commissioner on policy matters related to aquaculture.

B. The Governor shall appoint the Aquaculture Advisory Board, which shall be composed of seven members who are representative of the interests of the aquaculture industry.

The Board shall meet at the call of the Commissioner.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.8; 2008, c. 860.

A. The terms for appointments to the Aquaculture Advisory Board shall be for four years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term.

B. Members of the Aquaculture Advisory Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.8; 2008, c. 860; 2022, cc. 576, 577.

Chapter 27. Marine Products Board.

A. The Marine Products Board is established within the Department.

B. The Marine Products Board shall consist of 11 members appointed by the Governor from among those persons who earn their livelihood from the seafood industry. One member of the Marine Products Board shall be involved in the Virginia menhaden fishery.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-230, 28.1-231, 28.1-237; 1980, c. 712; 1984, cc. 265, 750; 1985, c. 448; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.59; 2008, c. 860.

The terms for appointments to the Marine Products Board shall be for four years. No member shall be eligible for appointment to more than two consecutive terms. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms and made in the same manner as the original appointments.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-230, 28.1-231, 28.1-237; 1980, c. 712; 1984, cc. 265, 750; 1985, c. 448; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.59; 2008, c. 860; 2022, cc. 576, 577.

A. The Marine Products Board shall elect one of its members as chairman, whose term shall be three years or until his successor is elected, and such other officers as deemed appropriate.

B. The Marine Products Board may appoint an executive secretary and employees as may be necessary at salaries to be fixed by the Marine Products Board, subject to the provisions of Chapter 29 (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-230, 28.1-231, 28.1-237; 1980, c. 712; 1984, cc. 265, 750; 1985, c. 448; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.59; 2008, c. 860.

A. The members of the Marine Products Board shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Marine Products Board.

B. The Marine Products Board's office shall be located in Tidewater Virginia, and meetings shall be held in seafood-producing areas of the Commonwealth.

1979, c. 274, § 28.1-232; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.60; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Marine Products Board shall: (i) plan and conduct marketing, educational, and promotional campaigns and programs for Virginia marine products; (ii) carry on research and testing programs; and (iii) conduct activities relating to the catching, processing, conservation, and marketing of Virginia marine products.

B. The Marine Products Board may investigate, study, and formulate recommendations regarding regulation, conservation, and management of marine resources of the Commonwealth.

C. The Marine Products Board may make contracts and expend money from the Virginia Marine Products Fund necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The contracts, debts, and liabilities of the Marine Products Board shall not be an obligation of the Commonwealth, but shall be met utilizing the sums paid into the Virginia Marine Products Fund.

D. The Marine Products Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national seafood organizations in research, advertising, publicity, education, and other means of promoting the sale and use of seafood, and may expend moneys of the Virginia Marine Products Fund for such purposes.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-234 to 28.1-236; 1992, c. 836, §§ 3.1-684.61, 3.1-684.62, 3.1-684.64; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Marine Products Fund, hereinafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys collected and allocated from marine fisheries license fees required under Subtitle II (§ 28.2-200 et seq.) of Title 28.2 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

Moneys in the Fund shall be administered by the Marine Products Board and used exclusively for the administration of this chapter, including payment for personal services and expenses of employees and agents of the Marine Products Board, rent, services, materials and supplies.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Marine Products Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Marine Products Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Marine Products Board as provided in § 30-133.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-233, 28.1-238, 28.1-239; 1986, c. 344; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.63; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 28. Plant Pollination Fund.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Beekeeper" means any person who keeps and manages bees for profit, and shall include those growers who keep bees for pollinating crops.

"Cross pollination" means the transfer of pollen from the anthers of blossoms to the stigmas of other blossoms of the same crops or a variety of the same crop.

"Pollination contractor" means any person who contracts to supply a means of cross pollinating the blossoms of any specified plant.

"Producer" means any person engaged in the business of raising crops that benefit from cross pollination by honeybees or other pollinating insects.

1977, c. 452, § 3.1-610.23; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 594, 681.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To receive and dispense funds;

2. To develop and administer a beekeeper assistance program that is designed to assist Virginia beekeepers in maintaining healthy, productive colonies;

3. To enter into contracts for the purpose of developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for bees and bee products and pollination services;

4. To contract for scientific research services and to contract to develop improved pollinating behavior in honeybees and other pollinating insects;

5. To contract for rearing numbers of improved queen bees sufficient for distribution or sale to beekeepers;

6. To enter into agreements with any local, state or national organization or agency engaged in education for the purpose of disseminating information on pollinators and pollination of crops;

7. To rent or purchase office and laboratory space and land as necessary to carry out its duties;

8. To appoint employees, full- or part-time, and to fix their compensation, if any, in accord with the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act, (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.);

9. To encourage research, education, methods of improvement in apicultural practices, and promotion projects and the award of funds for such projects as deemed necessary or advisable to accomplish the objectives set forth in this chapter; and

10. To report to the Board in the manner and at such times as the Board may prescribe, regarding the receipt and expenditure of funds. The Commissioner shall ensure that funds made available to the Plant Pollination Fund are expended only for the purposes authorized by this chapter.

1977, c. 452, §§ 3.1-610.25, 3.1-610.26:1; 1978, c. 267; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 201; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 594, 681.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Plant Pollination Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys derived from appropriations from the general fund of the state treasury, grants of private or government money designated for specified activities authorized pursuant to this chapter; fees for services rendered pursuant to this chapter; payment for products, equipment, or material or any other thing supplied by the Commissioner; payment for educational publications, materials or supplies provided by the Commissioner; and grants, bequests and donations shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. All funds collected for or received by the Commissioner shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. The Commissioner is further authorized to accept materials, supplies, property, land and personal services contributed from any source. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the administration of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Commissioner on warrants issued by the Comptroller.

1977, c. 452, § 3.1-610.27; 1978, c. 267; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 594, 681.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

Chapter 29. Agricultural Council.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Farmers" shall include all producers of agricultural products such as cotton, tobacco, peanuts, soybeans, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, livestock, livestock products, poultry and turkeys, any other agricultural products having domestic and foreign markets, and all nursery, horticultural, or floricultural products.

Code 1950, § 3-16.7; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.3; 1968, c. 85; 2008, c. 860.

The Agricultural Council is continued within the executive branch of state government. The Agricultural Council shall consist of 18 members to be appointed by the Governor. Insofar as practical, 15 members shall be actively engaged in farming and shall be primarily engaged in the production of a different agricultural commodity. The Commissioner, the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Extension of Virginia State University shall serve as members ex officio.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.

The terms for appointments to the Agricultural Council shall run concurrently with the term of the Governor making the appointment, but vacancies occurring before the expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Agricultural Council shall elect from its membership a chairman, vice-chairman, and such other officers as it deems appropriate.

B. Members of the Agricultural Council shall be paid their necessary traveling expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties. Such compensation and expenses shall be paid from the Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Agricultural Council shall have charge of the management and expenditure of the Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund. The Agricultural Council may expend funds to provide for programs of agricultural research and education and agricultural services; manage the fund so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required, subject to the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.); contract for research and other services; and take all such measures as will assist in strengthening and promoting the best interests of agriculture in the Commonwealth.

B. The chairman shall submit an annual report to the members, the Governor, and the General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year. The report shall contain the annual financial statements of the Agricultural Council for the year ending the preceding June 30.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.

There is hereby established in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be designated as the Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All transfers made to the Fund under §§ 3.2-3617, 3.2-3710, 3.2-4004, 3.2-4814, 58.1-2259, and 58.1-2289, other moneys appropriated thereto, gifts and grants, and interest accruing thereon shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. The Fund shall be expended in accordance with the directions of the Agricultural Council and drawn from the state treasury in the manner provided by law.

Code 1950, § 3-16.9; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.5; 1970, c. 457; 1976, c. 91; 1994, cc. 577, 649, 740, 743; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 30. Wine Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Enology" means those practices and that body of knowledge involved in the production, aging, storing, and packaging of wine.

"Farm winery" or "winery" means an "establishment" as defined in § 4.1-100.

"Grape grower" means a commercial grower who: (i) sells at least $10,000 worth of grapes annually; or (ii) has planted and maintains at least three acres of vines of a type used for the production of wine.

"Viticulture" means the cultivation and study of grapes and grapevines.

"Wine" means an alcoholic beverage as defined in § 4.1-100.

"Winegrower" means any person or entity producing wine from approved products grown by that individual.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.1; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Wine Board is established within the Department. The purpose of the Wine Board is to foster the development of the Virginia wine industry by expanding viticulture and enological research, increasing education, and promoting the production of grapes and wine in the Commonwealth.

B. The Wine Board shall consist of 10 members, nine of whom shall be voting nonlegislative citizen members, to be appointed by the Governor, and the tenth shall be the Commissioner, who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall be either grape growers or owners or operators of a winery or farm winery in the Commonwealth. The Governor shall make his appointments upon consideration of the recommendations made by any grape grower, an owner or operator of a winery or farm winery, or the following agricultural organizations or their successor organizations: the Virginia Wineries Association, Inc.; the Virginia Vineyards Association, Inc.; the Virginia Farm Bureau; and the Virginia Agribusiness Council. Each entity or person shall submit two or more recommendations for each available position at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the recommendation is being provided. If said entities or persons fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

C. A majority of the members of the Wine Board shall constitute a quorum, but a two-thirds vote of the members present shall be required for passage of items taken up by the Wine Board. The Wine Board shall meet at least four times each year. The meetings of the Wine Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2004, cc. 89, 319, §§ 3.1-1064.2, 3.1-1064.3; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714.

Initial appointments of nonlegislative citizen members to the Wine Board shall be staggered as follows: six nonlegislative citizen members shall be owners or operators of wineries or farm wineries in Virginia, two of whom shall serve for terms of three years, two shall serve for terms of two years, and two shall serve a term of one year; and three nonlegislative citizen members shall be grape growers with no controlling financial interest in a winery or farm winery, one of whom shall serve a term of three years, one shall serve a term of two years, and one shall serve a term of one year. Thereafter, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. The Commissioner shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.3; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Wine Board shall elect a chairman and other officers as deemed necessary from among its membership.

B. Members of the Wine Board shall receive no compensation for the discharge of their duties but the nonlegislative citizen members shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for expenses of the nonlegislative citizen members shall be provided from the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund established under § 3.2-3005.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.3; 2008, c. 860.

The Wine Board shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To receive and dispense funds or donations from the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund;

2. To enter into contracts for the purpose of developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for wine and grape products;

3. To contract for research services to improve viticulture and enological practices in Virginia;

4. To enter into agreements with any local, state, or national organization or agency engaged in education for the purpose of disseminating information on wine or other viticulture projects;

5. To enter into contracts with private or public entities for the purpose of developing marketing, advertising and other promotional programs designed to promote the orderly growth of Virginia's wine industry;

6. To rent or purchase office and laboratory space, land, equipment, and supplies as necessary to carry out its duties;

7. To employ such personnel as may be required to carry out those duties conferred by law;

8. To acquire any licenses or permits necessary for the performance of the powers and duties of the Wine Board;

9. To cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international organizations in research, education, and promotion of the growing of grapes and the production of wine in the Commonwealth and to expend moneys from the Fund for such purposes;

10. To adopt a general statement of policy and procedures; and

11. To receive from the Chairman of the Wine Board an annual report, including a statement of total receipts and disbursements for the year, and file a copy of such report with the Commissioner.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.5; 2008, c. 860.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. The Fund shall consist of all moneys appropriated to it by the General Assembly, grants of private or government funds designated for specified activities authorized pursuant to this chapter, fees for services rendered pursuant to this chapter, payments for products, equipment, or material or other goods supplied. All moneys shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Wine Board.

B. The Wine Board shall meet and evaluate proposals from applicants for funding from the Fund. The Wine Board's final recommendations shall be made by recorded vote. Not less than one-third of the funding allocated by the Wine Board annually, excluding revenue-producing activities engaged in pursuant to § 3.2-3006, shall be expended for projects that advance viticulture and enological research concerning the growing of grapes and the production of wine in Virginia.

C. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all accounts as provided in § 30-133.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.6; 2008, c. 860.

To help defray the costs of its program, the Wine Board may: (i) publish materials with printed advertisements; (ii) sell printed materials; (iii) rent exhibit space at meetings or other events; (iv) charge entrance or participation fees; and (v) engage in other revenue-producing activities related to research, education, and promotion of the growing of grapes and the production of wine in Virginia. The Wine Board shall promptly deposit the proceeds of any revenue-producing activities into the Fund. The provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-1109 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 2.2 and of Articles 1 (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), 2 (§ 2.2-4303 et seq.), 3 (§ 2.2-4343 et seq.), and 5 (§ 2.2-4357 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 shall not apply to contracts for advertising, marketing, or publishing entered into by the Wine Board. The provisions of Articles 4 (§ 2.2-4347 et seq.) and 6 (§ 2.2-4367 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 shall apply to such contracts.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.7; 2008, c. 860.

Chapter 30.1. Virginia Spirits Board.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Virginia Spirits Board.

"Cooper" means a commercial producer of wooden casks, barrels, and other staved wooden containers who sells at least $10,000 worth of such wooden containers of a type used for the production of spirits.

"Fund" means the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund.

"Maltster" means a commercial producer of malt who (i) sells at least $10,000 worth of malt annually or (ii) has planted and maintains at least three acres of grains of a type used for the production of spirits.

"Spirits" means the same as that term is defined in § 4.1-100.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

A. The Virginia Spirits Board is established within the Department. The purpose of the Board is to foster the development of the Virginia spirits industry by expanding spirits research, increasing education, and promoting the production of ingredients necessary for alcohol distillation and the production of spirits in the Commonwealth.

B. The Board shall consist of 11 members as follows: the Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, both of whom shall serve ex officio without voting privileges, or their designees, and nine voting nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, three of whom shall be coopers or maltsters and six of whom shall be owners or operators of a distillery in the Commonwealth. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. The Governor shall make his appointments upon consideration of the recommendations made by any cooper or maltster or any owner or operator of a distillery. Each entity or person shall submit two or more recommendations for each available position at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the recommendation is being provided. If such entities or persons fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

C. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, but a two-thirds vote of the members present shall be required for passage of items taken up by the Board. The Board shall meet at least four times each year. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

Following the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall serve terms of four years, which shall begin on July 1 of the year of the appointment. The Commissioner shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

A. The Board shall elect a chairman and other officers as deemed necessary from among its membership.

B. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for the discharge of their duties, but the nonlegislative citizen members shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for expenses of the nonlegislative citizen members shall be provided from the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund established under § 3.2-3012.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Receive and dispense funds or donations from the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund;

2. Enter into contracts for the purpose of developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for spirits products;

3. Contract for research services to improve farming practices related to the growing of ingredients necessary for alcohol distillation in Virginia;

4. Enter into agreements with any local, state, or national organization or agency engaged in education for the purpose of disseminating information on spirits projects;

5. Enter into contracts with private or public entities for the purpose of developing marketing, advertising, and other promotional programs designed to promote the orderly growth of Virginia's spirits industry;

6. Rent or purchase office and laboratory space, land, equipment, and supplies as necessary to carry out its duties;

7. Employ such personnel as may be required to carry out those duties conferred by law;

8. Acquire any licenses or permits necessary for the performance of the powers and duties of the Board;

9. Cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international organizations in research, education, and promotion of the growing of ingredients necessary for alcohol production and the production of spirits in the Commonwealth and expend moneys from the Fund for such purposes;

10. Adopt a general statement of policy and procedures;

11. Receive from the chairman of the Board an annual report, including a statement of total receipts and disbursements for the year, and file a copy of such report with the Commissioner; and

12. Submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 1 of each year regarding the Board's activities and use of moneys in the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund, including statistics regarding the extent to which use of moneys in the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund has impacted spirits sales in the Commonwealth, which shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

2020, cc. 85, 410; 2022, cc. 84, 85.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. The Fund shall consist of all moneys appropriated to it by the General Assembly, moneys received pursuant to § 4.1-235, grants of private or government funds designated for specified activities authorized pursuant to this chapter, fees for services rendered pursuant to this chapter, and payments for products, equipment, or material or other goods supplied. All moneys shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Board.

B. The Board shall meet and evaluate proposals from applicants for funding from the Fund. The Board's final recommendations shall be made by recorded vote.

C. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all accounts as provided in § 30-133.

2020, cc. 85, 410; 2022, cc. 84, 85.

To help defray the costs of its program, the Board may (i) publish materials with printed advertisements; (ii) sell printed materials; (iii) rent exhibit space at meetings or other events; (iv) charge entrance or participation fees; and (v) engage in other revenue-producing activities related to research, education, and promotion of the growing of ingredients necessary for alcohol distillation and the production of spirits in Virginia. The Board shall promptly deposit the proceeds of any revenue-producing activities into the Fund. The provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-1109 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 2.2 and of Articles 1 (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), 2 (§ 2.2-4303 et seq.), 3 (§ 2.2-4343 et seq.), and 5 (§ 2.2-4357 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 shall not apply to contracts for advertising, marketing, or publishing entered into by the Board. The provisions of Articles 4 (§ 2.2-4347 et seq.) and 6 (§ 2.2-4367 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 shall apply to such contracts.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

Part D. Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund.

Chapter 31. Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Active tobacco producer" means a person actively engaged in planting, growing, harvesting, and marketing of flue-cured or burley tobacco, or who shares in the variable expenses of producing the crop.

"Agreement" means the agreement or agreements between the Commonwealth, as seller of the Tobacco Assets, and the Corporation, as purchaser of the Tobacco Assets. The sale by the Commonwealth of the Tobacco Assets pursuant to any such agreement shall be a true sale and not a borrowing.

"Commission" means the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission created pursuant to § 3.2-3101.

"Commission Allocation" means 50 percent of the annual amount received under the Master Settlement Agreement by the Commonwealth, or that would have been received but for a sale of such allocation pursuant to an agreement, between the commencing and ending dates specified in the agreement.

"Corporation" means the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation as created under state law.

"Endowment" means the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Endowment established pursuant to § 3.2-3104.

"Fund" means the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund established pursuant to § 3.2-3106.

"Master Settlement Agreement" means the settlement agreement and related documents between the Commonwealth and leading United States tobacco product manufacturers dated November 23, 1998, and including the Consent Decree and Final Judgment entered in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond on February 23, 1999, Chancery Number HJ-2241-4.

"Period of sale" means the time during which a purchaser under an agreement is entitled to receive the Commission Allocation.

"Strategic Plan" means the strategic plan required pursuant to subsection C of § 3.2-3103.

"Tobacco Assets" means all right, title, and interest in and to the portion of the Commission Allocation that may be sold to the Corporation.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-380; 2001, cc. 807, 844, § 3.1-1106; 2002, cc. 482, 488; 2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is created as a body corporate and a political subdivision of the Commonwealth and as such shall have, and is vested with, all of the politic and corporate powers as are set forth in this chapter. The Commission is established for the purposes of determining the appropriate recipients of moneys in the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund and causing distribution of such moneys for the purposes provided in this chapter, including using moneys in the Fund to: (i) provide payments to tobacco farmers as compensation for the adverse economic effects resulting from loss of investment in specialized tobacco equipment and barns and lost tobacco production opportunities associated with a decline in quota; and (ii) revitalize tobacco dependent communities. The Commission shall have only those powers enumerated in § 3.2-3103.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-381; 2001, c. 844, § 3.1-1107; 2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. The Commission shall be composed of 28 members as follows:

1. Six members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;

2. Four members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules;

3. The Secretary of Commerce and Trade or his designee;

4. The Secretary of Finance or his designee;

5. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee;

6. Five nonlegislative citizen members who shall be active flue-cured or burley tobacco producers or active farmers appointed by the Governor from a list of seven persons provided by the members of the General Assembly appointed to the Commission. Three of the tobacco producers or active farmers shall reside in the Southside region and two shall reside in the Southwest region;

7. One nonlegislative citizen member who shall be a representative of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation appointed by the Governor from a list of at least three persons provided by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; and

8. Nine members shall be nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Governor. Of the nine nonlegislative citizen members, three shall be appointed by the Governor from a list of six provided by the members of the General Assembly appointed to the Commission.

With the exception of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade or his designee, the Secretary of Finance or his designee and the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee, all members of the Commission shall reside in the Southside and Southwest regions of the Commonwealth and shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. To the extent feasible, appointments representing the Southside and Southwest regions shall be proportional to the tobacco quota production of each region. Thirteen of the 28 members shall have experience in business, economic development, investment banking, finance, or education.

Except as otherwise provided herein, all appointments shall be for terms of four years each. Legislative members, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, and the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. No nonlegislative citizen member shall be eligible to serve more than two successive four-year terms. After expiration of a term of three years or less, two additional four-year terms may be served by such member if appointed thereto. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be made for the unexpired terms. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made in the same manner as the original appointment. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment.

B. The Commission shall appoint from its membership a chairman and a vice-chairman, both of whom shall serve in such capacities at the pleasure of the Commission. The chairman, or in his absence, the vice-chairman, shall preside at all meetings of the Commission. The meetings of the Commission shall be held on the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request. A majority of members of the Commission serving at any one time shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

C. Legislative members of the Commission shall receive such compensation as is set forth in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative members shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Such compensation and expenses shall be paid from the Fund.

D. Members and employees of the Commission shall be subject to the standards of conduct set forth in the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) and may be removed from office for misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, neglect of duty, or misconduct in the manner set forth therein.

E. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, members and employees of the Commission shall be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

F. The chairman of the Commission shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Commission no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-382; 2000, c. 1067; 2001, cc. 807, 844, § 3.1-1108; 2003, c. 885; 2005, c. 758; 2006, c. 45; 2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. The Commission shall have the power and duty to:

1. Adopt, use, and alter at will an official seal;

2. Make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs;

3. Maintain an office at such place or places within the Commonwealth as it may designate;

4. Accept, hold, and administer moneys, grants, securities, or other property transferred, given, or bequeathed to the Commission, absolutely or in trust, for the purposes for which the Commission is created;

5. Determine how moneys in the Fund are to be distributed;

6. Authorize grants, loans, or other distributions of moneys in the Fund for the purposes set forth in this chapter;

7. For each economic development grant or award, including a grant from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, require a dollar-for-dollar match from non-Commission sources. Performance bonds shall be considered acceptable matching payment. No more than 25 percent of the match shall be in-kind. However, a match of less than 50 percent may be considered by a two-thirds majority vote of the Commission;

8. Adopt policies governing the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, including a repayment policy. The Commission shall apply the policies consistently;

9. Enter into a contractual or employment agreement with a financial viability manager (the Manager). The management agreement shall require the Manager to provide a written financial viability and feasibility report to the Commission as to the financial propriety of certain loans, grants, or other distributions of money made for the revitalization of a tobacco-dependent locality as proposed in accordance with the Commission's strategic objectives. The Commission shall not make any loan, except a loan made through the Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund created in Chapter 31.1 (§ 3.2-3112 et seq.); grant; or other distribution of money until the Manager has provided the Commission with a written recommendation as to the financial viability and feasibility of the proposed distribution of funds. However, nothing in this section shall eliminate consideration of strategic economic initiatives;

10. Make and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions;

11. Invest its funds as provided in this chapter or permitted by applicable law; and

12. Do any lawful act necessary or appropriate to carry out the powers herein granted or reasonably implied, including use of whatever lawful means may be necessary and appropriate to recover any payments wrongfully made from the Fund.

B. The Commission shall undertake studies and gather information and data in order to determine: (i) the economic consequences of the reduction in or elimination of quota for tobacco growers; (ii) the potential for alternative cash crops; and (iii) any other matters the Commission believes will affect tobacco growers in the Commonwealth.

C. The Commission shall at least biennially develop a strategic plan containing specific priorities, measureable goals, and quantifiable outcomes. In developing the Strategic Plan, the Commission shall solicit input from local and regional economic developers, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tourism Authority, the Virginia Resources Authority, and the Center for Rural Virginia. The Strategic Plan shall state how each Fund award is consistent with the Commission's achievement of measurable goals and outcomes and its advancement of the specific priorities of the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan shall also state how awards from the Fund are projected to affect key economic indicators of employment, income, educational attainment, amount of Virginia-grown agricultural and forestal products used by the project, and return on investment.

D. The Commission shall develop a publicly available online database of all Commission awards, listing for each project the project's goals, the means by which the project fits into the Strategic Plan, the project's expected and achieved outcomes, and the total amount of funding the Commission has awarded to the project through any prior grants.

E. The Commission shall submit a report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly.

1999, cc. 880, 962, §§ 9-383, 9-388; 2001, cc. 807, 844, § 3.1-1109; 2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. There is hereby established in the state treasury a special fund to be designated the "Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Endowment." The Endowment shall receive any proceeds from any sale of all or any portion of the Commission Allocation, and any gifts, grants and contributions that are specifically designated for inclusion in such Endowment. No part of the Endowment, neither corpus nor income, or interest thereon, shall revert to the general fund of the state treasury. The Endowment shall be under the management and control of the Treasury Board, and the Treasury Board shall have such powers and authority as may be necessary to exercise such management and control consistent with the provisions of this section. The income of the Endowment shall be paid out, not less than annually, to the Fund. In addition, up to six percent of the corpus of the Endowment shall be paid to the Fund annually upon request of the Commission, by majority vote, to the Treasury Board. Upon two-thirds vote of the Commission, up to 10 percent of the corpus of the Endowment shall be so paid. Upon three-fourths vote of the Commission, up to 15 percent of the corpus of the Endowment shall be so paid. No use of proceeds shall be made that would cause bonds issued on a tax-exempt basis to be deemed taxable. For purposes of this section, "income" of the Endowment means at the time of determination the lesser of the available cash in, or the realized investment income for the applicable period of, the Endowment, and "corpus" of the Endowment means at the time of determination the sum of the proceeds from the sale of all or any portion of the Commission Allocation, any gifts, grants, and contributions that have been credited to such Endowment, and any income not appropriated and withdrawn from the Endowment prior to June 30 of each year, less withdrawals from the corpus. Determinations by the Treasury Board, or the State Treasurer on behalf of the Treasury Board, as to the amount of income or the amount of the corpus shall be conclusive.

B. The Treasury Board shall serve as trustee of the Endowment and the corpus and income of the Endowment shall be withdrawn and credited to the Fund by order of the Treasury Board as provided in subsection A. The State Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds credited to the Endowment. The Treasury Board shall have full power to invest and reinvest funds credited to the Endowment in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (§ 64.2-1100 et seq.) and, in addition, as otherwise provided by law. The Treasury Board may borrow money in such amounts as may be necessary whenever in its judgment it would be more advantageous to borrow money than to sell securities held for the Fund. Any debt so incurred may be evidenced by notes duly authorized by resolution of the Treasury Board, such notes to be retired no later than the end of the biennium in which such debt is incurred. The Treasury Board may commingle, for purposes of investment, the corpus of the Endowment provided that it shall appropriately account for the investments credited to the Endowment. The Treasury Board may hire independent investment advisors and managers as it deems appropriate to assist with investing the Endowment. The expenses of making and disposing of investments, such as brokerage commissions, legal expenses related to a particular transaction, investment advisory and management fees and expenses, transfer taxes, and other customary transactional expenses shall be payable out of the income of the Endowment.

Not less than annually and more frequently if so desired by the Commission or requested by the Treasury Board, the Commission shall provide to the Treasury Board schedules of anticipated disbursements from the Fund for the current and succeeding fiscal year, and the Treasury Board shall, to the extent practicable, take into account such schedules and changes thereto in scheduling maturities and redemptions of its investments of the Endowment.

2002, cc. 482, 488, § 3.1-1109.1; 2008, cc. 184, 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. The Governor shall appoint an executive director subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The compensation shall be determined by the Commission, subject to approval by the Governor. The executive director shall serve as the secretary to the Commission and shall administer the affairs and business of the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and subject to the policies, control, and direction of the Commission. The Commission may employ technical experts and other officers, agents, and employees, permanent and temporary, as it requires, and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. The Commission may delegate to one or more of its agents or employees the administrative duties it deems proper. The actual expenses incurred in the performance of such duties shall be paid from the Fund.

B. Employees of the Commission shall be treated as state employees for purposes of participation in the Virginia Retirement System, health insurance, and all other employee benefits offered by the Commonwealth to its classified employees. Employees of the Commission shall not be subject to the provisions of Chapter 29 (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

C. The Office of the Attorney General shall provide counsel to the Commission.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-384; 2001, cc. 807, 844, § 3.1-1110; 2002, cc. 482, 488; 2008, c. 860.

A. Money received by the Commonwealth pursuant to the Master Settlement Agreement shall be deposited into the state treasury subject to the special nonreverting funds established by subsection B and by §§ 3.2-3104 and 32.1-360.

B. There is created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Subject to the sale of all or any portion of the Commission Allocation, 50 percent of the annual amount received by the Commonwealth from the Master Settlement Agreement shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. In the event of such sale: (i) the Commission Allocation shall be paid in accordance with the agreement for the period of sale; and (ii) the Fund shall receive the amounts withdrawn from the Endowment in accordance with § 3.2-3104. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes described in this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written authorization signed by the chairman of the Commission or his designee. The Fund shall also consist of other moneys received by the Commission, from any source, for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this chapter.

C. The obligations of the Commission shall not be a debt or grant or loan of credit of the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth shall not be liable thereon, nor shall such obligations be payable out of any funds other than those credited to the Fund.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-385; 2000, c. 1042; 2001, cc. 807, 844, § 3.1-1111; 2002, cc. 482, 488; 2004, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1; 2008, c. 860; 2016, c. 305.

A. No payments made, or otherwise payable, to tobacco farmers under this chapter shall be transferable or assignable, at law or in equity, except by testate or intestate succession, or by a property settlement agreement, separation agreement, or judicial decree in a separation or divorce proceeding. Except in actions initiated by or on behalf of the Commission, no payments made, or otherwise payable, to tobacco farmers under this chapter shall be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process until such money has been paid or distributed. The Commonwealth, and any department, agency, or institution thereof, the Commission, and their agents and employees, shall not be a party or otherwise subject to such execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process.

B. Grants, loans, or other distributions paid or payable from the Fund to promote economic growth and development shall not be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process, except in actions initiated by or on behalf of the Commission. Such grants, loans, or other distributions shall only be transferable or assignable in accordance with terms established by the Commission.

C. Any payment from the Fund that is later determined to have been made wrongly or erroneously may be recovered by the Commission either by way of a credit or offset against any future payments otherwise distributable to the recipient or by judicial action. Prior to making any such determination, the Commission shall give the recipient reasonable prior written notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with rules established by the Commission.

D. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, any person requesting or applying for a payment from the Fund who knowingly makes any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations or otherwise knowingly provides any false, fictitious, or fraudulent information to the Commission shall forfeit his opportunity or eligibility to receive any payments from the Fund.

E. Any eligible person who fails, for any reason whatsoever, to apply for any indemnification payment determined to be distributable by the Commission by the deadline established by the Commission or its Executive Director for the receipt of applications or verification forms shall be forever barred from receiving such payment unless the person makes appropriate written application to the Commission that is received within one year of the established deadline. At the end of such one-year period, no action shall lie against the Fund or the Commission for such payments to the person from the Fund.

F. All payments made or eligible to be made under this chapter shall be deemed to be granted and to be held subject to the provisions of this chapter and any amending or repealing act that may hereafter be passed, and no person shall have any claim for compensation, or otherwise, by reason of his payments or payment eligibility being affected in any way by any amending or repealing act.

2001, c. 757, § 9-385.1; 2001, c. 844, § 3.1-1111.1; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Fund shall be distributed by the Commission for the following purposes:

1. The stimulation of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities in an equitable manner throughout the Southside and Southwest regions of the Commonwealth, to assist such communities in reducing their dependency on, or finding alternative uses for, tobacco and tobacco-related business; and

2. Scientific research performed at one of the Commonwealth's National Cancer Institute-designated research institutes designed to advance the treatment and prevention of cancers that directly impact the citizens of tobacco-dependent communities throughout the Southside and Southwest regions of the Commonwealth.

B. The Commission may require that as a condition of receiving any grant or loan incentive that is based on employment goals, a recipient company must provide copies of employer quarterly payroll reports provided to the Virginia Employment Commission to verify the employment status of any position included in the employment goal.

The Commission shall require that each project have an accountability matrix. For an economic development program, the matrix shall be based on return on investment, jobs, wages, and capital investment. For a scholarship program, the matrix shall be based on attainment of bachelor's degrees, credentials, or jobs. For a health care program, the matrix shall be based on health care outcomes. For an agriculture or forestry program, the matrix shall be based on jobs, capital investment, amount of Virginia-grown agricultural and forestal products used by the project, projected impact on agricultural and forestal producers, and a return on investment analysis.

The Commission shall require each applicant to provide with its application (i) baseline figures, (ii) explicit and quantified outcome expectations, (iii) the method used to calculate outcome expectations, (iv) details on the timing of the expected outcomes, and (v) a specific link to economic revitalization and the Strategic Plan.

The Commission shall require that as a condition of receiving any grant or loan incentive each project (a) demonstrate how it will address low employment levels, per capita income, educational attainment, or other workforce indicators; (b) be consistent with the Strategic Plan; and (c) receive a written recommendation as to its financial viability and feasibility from the Manager pursuant to subdivision A 9 of § 3.2-3103.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-383; 2001, cc. 807, 844, § 3.1-1112; 2008, c. 860; 2012, c. 629; 2013, c. 547; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. The accounts and records of the Commission showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in such form as the Auditor of Public Accounts prescribes.

B. The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Auditor of Public Accounts, or his legally authorized representatives, as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Copies of the audit shall be distributed to the Governor and to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

1999, cc. 880, 962, §§ 9-386, 9-387; 2001, c. 844, § 3.1-1113; 2008, c. 860; 2018, cc. 57, 307.

A. The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter shall be in all respects for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth and for the promotion of their welfare, convenience, and prosperity.

B. The Commission shall be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this chapter, and the property of the Commission and its income and operations shall be exempt from taxation or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the Commission under the provisions of this chapter.

1999, cc. 880, 962, § 9-389; 2001, c. 844, § 3.1-1114; 2008, c. 860.

A. The Commission shall hold in confidence the personal and financial information supplied to it, or maintained by it, concerning tobacco farmers, including names, addresses, and payment information. The Commission may require any tobacco farmer or other applicant for payments from the Fund to provide his social security or taxpayer identification number.

B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, personal and financial information supplied to or maintained by the Commission relating to tobacco farmers may be used, exchanged, and disclosed at the Commission's discretion as may be necessary or appropriate to make payments under, administer, or enforce this chapter and related state and federal laws, any other state or federal tobacco indemnification or loss assistance program, or a national tobacco community trust fund.

C. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Commission, in its discretion, from releasing any information that has been transformed into a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of the person who supplied particular information or the sum of money received by a particular recipient.

D. Personal and financial information supplied by or maintained on persons or entities applying for or receiving distributions from the Fund for economic growth and development, as well as specific information relating to the amount and identity of recipients of such distributions, shall be subject to disclosure in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). The provisions of that Act applicable to records or meetings of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership or other state or local economic development entities shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Commission and the Manager selected pursuant to subdivision A 9 of § 3.2-3103.

E. The provisions of this section shall also apply to any department, agency, institution, political subdivision, or employee of the Commonwealth or a political subdivision that receives personal or financial information from the Commission in order to process checks for payments from the Fund or to assist the Commission with the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

2001, c. 757, § 9-389.1; 2001, c. 844, § 3.1-1114.1; 2008, c. 860; 2015, cc. 399, 433.

Chapter 31.1. Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Authority" means the Virginia Resources Authority created in Chapter 21 (§ 62.1-197 et seq.) of Title 62.1.

"Commission" means the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission created pursuant to § 3.2-3101.

"Cost," as applied to any project financed under the provisions of this chapter, means the total of all costs incurred by the local government as reasonable and necessary for carrying out all works and undertakings necessary or incident to the accomplishment of any project. It includes, without limitation, all necessary developmental, planning, and feasibility studies, surveys, plans, and specifications; architectural, engineering, financial, legal, or other special services; the cost of acquisition of land and any buildings and improvements thereon, including the discharge of any obligations of the sellers of such land, buildings, or improvements; site preparation and development, including demolition or removal of existing structures; construction and reconstruction; labor; materials, machinery, and equipment; the reasonable costs of financing incurred by the local government in the course of the development of the project; carrying charges incurred before the project is placed in service; interest on funds borrowed to finance the project to a date subsequent to the estimated date the project is to be placed in service; necessary expenses incurred in connection with placing the project in service; the funding of accounts and reserves that the Authority may require; and the cost of other items that the Authority determines to be reasonable and necessary.

"Endowment" means the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Endowment as established in § 3.2-3104.

"Equity" means any contribution to a project other than debt financing, including a federal, state, or local grant, except that the grant shall not be a Commission grant.

"Fund" means the Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund created by this chapter.

"Local government" means any county, city, town, municipal corporation, authority, district, commission, or political subdivision created by the General Assembly or pursuant to the Constitution of Virginia or laws of the Commonwealth, or any combination of any two or more of the foregoing, located in any of the tobacco-dependent communities in the Southside and Southwest regions of Virginia.

"Project" means the same as that term is defined in § 62.1-199 and any other proposal recommended for evaluation and disbursement by the Commission and credit approved by the Authority, subject to such conditions and policies as agreed to by the Commission and the Authority. Projects other than those defined in § 62.1-199 shall be eligible to borrow from the Fund only in the event that other funding for the project equal to 25 percent of the total cost of the project is available through equity.

2015, cc. 399, 433; 2017, c. 254.

A. There shall be set apart as a permanent and perpetual fund, to be known as the Virginia Tobacco Region Revolving Fund, with a sum of up to $50 million made available from (i) the corpus of the taxable portion of the Endowment paid to the Fund per request from the Commission within the limits imposed pursuant to § 3.2-3104, (ii) sums, if any, appropriated to the Fund by the General Assembly, (iii) all receipts by the Fund from loans made by it to local governments, (iv) all income from the investment of moneys held in the Fund, and (v) any other sums designated for deposit to the Fund from any source public or private, including, without limitation, any federal grants, awards, or other forms of assistance received by the Commonwealth that are eligible for deposit therein under federal law. Transfers from the Endowment to the Fund shall occur as required for loan disbursements.

B. The Authority shall administer and manage the Fund and establish the interest rates and repayment terms of such loans as are provided for by this chapter in accordance with a memorandum of agreement with the Commission. In order to carry out the administration and management of the Fund, the Authority, in consultation with the Commission, is granted the power to employ officers, employees, agents, advisers, and consultants, including, without limitation, attorneys, financial advisers, engineers and other technical advisers, and public accountants, and, the provisions of any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, to determine their duties and compensation without the approval of any other agency or instrumentality. The Authority may disburse from the Fund the reasonable costs and expenses it incurs in the administration and management of the Fund and a reasonable fee to be approved by the Commission for its management services, but the Authority shall not charge its ordinary expenses to the Fund or the Commission. The Department of the Treasury, as the party holding the Endowment, shall be a party to the memorandum of agreement. Under all circumstances, the Commission shall select the projects eligible for the loans.

C. The Commission shall direct the distribution of loans from the Fund to particular local governments. Consistent with this chapter, the Commission shall, after consultation with all interested parties, develop a guidance document governing project eligibility and project priority criteria.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. All money belonging to the Fund shall be deposited in an account or accounts in banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth, national banking associations located in the Commonwealth, or savings institutions located in the Commonwealth and organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or the United States. The money in these accounts shall be paid by check signed by the Executive Director of the Authority or another officer or employee designated by the Board of Directors of the Authority. All deposits of money shall, if required by the Authority, be secured in a manner determined by the Authority to be prudent, and all banks, trust companies, and savings institutions are authorized to give security for the deposits.

B. Money in the Fund shall not be commingled with other money of the Authority. Money in the Fund not needed for immediate use or disbursement may be invested or reinvested by the Authority in obligations or securities that are considered lawful investments for public funds under the laws of the Commonwealth, including the Local Government Investment Pool Act (§ 2.2-4600 et seq.).

2015, cc. 399, 433.

The Authority is empowered to collect, or to authorize others to collect on its behalf, amounts due to the Fund under any loan to a local government, including, if appropriate, by taking the action required by § 15.2-2659 or 62.1-216.1 to obtain payment of any amounts in default. Proceedings to recover amounts due to the Fund may be instituted by the Authority in the name of the Fund in the appropriate circuit court.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, money in the Fund shall be used solely to make loans to local governments to finance or refinance the cost of any project that has an identifiable revenue stream from which the loan proceeds may be repaid. The local government to which a loan is to be made, the purpose of the loan, the amount of the loan, and the associated identifiable revenue stream shall be designated in writing by the Commission to the Authority following consultation with the Authority. No loan from the Fund shall exceed the total cost of the project to be financed or the outstanding principal amount of the indebtedness to be refinanced plus reasonable financing expenses.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Authority shall determine the interest rate and terms and conditions of any loan from the Fund, which may vary between local governments. Each loan shall be evidenced by appropriate bonds or notes of the local government payable to the Fund. The bonds or notes shall have been duly authorized by the local government and executed by its authorized legal representatives. The Authority is authorized to require in connection with any loan from the Fund such documents, instruments, certificates, legal opinions, and other information as it may deem necessary or convenient.

C. In addition to any other terms or conditions that the Authority may establish, the Authority may require, as a condition to making any loan from the Fund, that the local government receiving the loan covenant to perform any of the following:

1. Establish and collect rents, rates, fees, and charges to produce revenue sufficient to pay all or a specified portion of (i) the costs of operation, maintenance, replacement, renewal, and repairs of the project; (ii) any outstanding indebtedness incurred for the purposes of the project, including the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government; and (iii) any amounts necessary to create and maintain any required reserve, including any rate stabilization fund deemed necessary or appropriate by the Authority to offset the need, in whole or in part, for future increases in rents, rates, fees, or charges.

2. Create and maintain a special fund or funds for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government and any other amounts becoming due under any agreement entered into in connection with the loan, or for the operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of the project or any portions thereof or other property of the local government, and deposit into any fund or funds amounts sufficient to make any payments on the loan as they become due and payable.

3. Create and maintain other special funds as required by the Authority.

4. Perform other acts otherwise permitted by applicable law to secure payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the loan from the Fund to the local government and to provide for the remedies of the Fund in the event of any default by the local government in the payment of the loan, including, without limitation, any of the following:

a. The procurement of insurance, guarantees, letters of credit and other forms of collateral, security, liquidity arrangements, or credit supports for the loan from any source, public or private, and the payment therefor of premiums, fees, or other charges;

b. The combination of one or more projects, or the combination of one or more projects with one or more other undertakings, facilities, utilities, or systems, for the purpose of operations and financing, and the pledging of the revenues from such combined projects, undertakings, facilities, utilities, and systems to secure the loan from the Fund to the local government made in connection with such combination or any part or parts thereof;

c. The maintenance, replacement, renewal, and repair of the project; and

d. The procurement of casualty and liability insurance.

5. Obtain a review of the accounting and the internal controls from the Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representative. The Authority may request additional reviews at any time during the term of the loan. In addition, anyone receiving a report in accordance with § 3.2-3109 may request an additional review as set forth in this section.

D. Any local government borrowing money from the Fund is authorized to perform any acts, take any actions, adopt any proceedings, and make and carry out any contracts that are contemplated by this chapter. Such contracts need not be identical among all local governments but may be structured as determined by the Authority according to the needs of the contracting local government and the Fund.

E. Subject to the rights, if any, of the registered owners of any of the bonds of the Authority, the Authority may consent to and approve any modification in the terms of any loan to any local government.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

A. The Authority is empowered at any time and from time to time to pledge, assign, or transfer from the Fund to banks or trust companies designated by the Authority any or all of the assets of the Fund to be held in trust as security for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any or all of the bonds, as defined in § 62.1-199, issued to finance any project located in the tobacco-dependent communities in the Southside and Southwest regions of Virginia. The interests of the Fund in any assets so transferred shall be subordinate to the rights of the trustee under the pledge, assignment, or transfer.

B. To the extent funds are not available from other sources pledged for such purpose, any of the assets or payments of principal and interest received on the assets pledged, assigned, or transferred or held in trust may be applied by the trustee thereof to the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such bonds of the Authority secured thereby, and, if such payments are insufficient for such purpose, the trustee is empowered to sell any or all of such assets and apply the net proceeds from the sale to the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such bonds of the Authority.

C. Any assets of the Fund pledged, assigned, or transferred in trust as set forth in this section and any payments of principal, interest, or earnings received thereon shall remain part of the Fund but shall be subject to the pledge, assignment, or transfer to secure the bonds of the Authority and shall be held by the trustee to which they are pledged, assigned, or transferred until no longer required for such purpose by the terms of the pledge, assignment, or transfer.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

The Authority is empowered at any time and from time to time to sell, upon such terms and conditions as the Authority shall deem appropriate, any loan, or interest therein, made pursuant to this chapter. The net proceeds of sale remaining after the payment of the costs and expenses of the sale shall be designated for deposit to, and become part of, the Fund.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

The Authority is authorized to do any act necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers granted in this chapter or reasonably implied thereby.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

The Commission, in conjunction with the Authority, shall report annually to the General Assembly and the Governor on all loans made from the Fund.

2015, cc. 399, 433.

The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to the end that its beneficial purposes may be effectuated. Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general, special, or local, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.

2015, cc. 399, 433.