Section 2-8-100. Levying and collection of assessments

   (a) For the purpose of providing funds to defray the necessary expenses incurred by the commission in the formulation, issuance, administration, and enforcement of any marketing order which authorizes the carrying out of advertising and sales promotion plans, such order shall provide for the levying of assessments upon producers or processors utilizing the Georgia grown trademark. Such orders shall be in sufficient amounts to defray the expenses of such activities. Each such order shall indicate the maximum rate of any such assessment. The commission shall adopt budgets to cover such expenses and establish the assessment rate necessary to provide sufficient funds. If the commission finds that each such budget and assessment rate is proper and equitable and will provide sufficient moneys to defray such expenses, they may approve such budget and approve and levy such assessment.

(b) The commission may prescribe such rules as may be necessary and reasonable for the orderly collection of assessments and may take all legal action necessary to enforce payment of such assessments.

Code 1981, § 2-8-100, enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 74, § 1/HB 298.