Section 2-10-53. Powers and duties of Commissioner generally

   The Commissioner of Agriculture is charged with the duty of establishing, operating, and maintaining farmers' markets and is charged with the responsibility of enforcing this article. In addition to any other powers conferred on him by this article, he may:

   (1) Investigate methods and practices in connection with the production, handling, standardizing, grading, classifying, sorting, weighing, packing, transporting, storing, inspecting, and sale of agricultural products of all kinds within the state and all matters relevant thereto;

   (2) Gather, formulate, and disseminate, in such form and at such times as he deems advisable, information relating to the matters included within paragraph (1) of this Code section;

   (3) Disseminate, in such form and at such times as he deems advisable, information relating to market conditions, including, but not limited to, the supply, demand, and prices for all agricultural products and such other information as may benefit the producers, purchasers, and consumers of this state;

   (4) Ascertain sources of supply of agricultural products and publish in print or electronically the names and addresses of producers and consignors thereof;

   (5) Assist and advise in the organization and the operation of cooperatives and other associations in order to improve relations and services among producers, distributors, and consumers;

   (6) Investigate delays, embargoes, conditions, practices, charges, and rates in the transportation and handling of agricultural products and, when deemed necessary, cause proceedings to be instituted before the proper authority or tribunal to improve and adjust same and cause the proper proceedings to be instituted to prevent unlawful combinations or agreements in restraint of trade or the fixing of prices;

   (7) Take such steps as he deems advisable to prevent the waste or spoilage of agricultural products;

   (8) Secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States Department of Agriculture or any other agency or department of the United States or of other states;

   (9) Secure the cooperation and assistance of the other departments and agencies of this state, the University of Georgia, the other colleges and universities of the University System of Georgia, and other organizations that may be of assistance; and

   (10) Take such other measures as shall be proper for carrying out the purposes of this article.

Ga. L. 1917, p. 77, § 3; Code 1933, § 5-204; Ga. L. 1935, p. 369, §§ 2-4, 13; Ga. L. 1956, p. 215, § 1; Ga. L. 1959, p. 242, § 1; Ga. L. 1981, p. 1354, §§ 4, 5; Ga. L. 2010, p. 838, § 10/SB 388.