Section 2-8-98. Recommendation of promulgation of a marketing order

   If, upon the basis of the record of testimony and evidence received at the hearing provided for in Code Section 2-8-97, the commission determines that the issuance of a marketing order or amendment will tend to effectuate the intent and purpose of this article, it may recommend the promulgation of a marketing order containing any one or more of the following provisions, but no others:

   (1) Provisions for the establishment of plans for advertising and sales promotion to maintain present markets or to create new or larger markets for Georgia grown products in this state or for the prevention, modification, or removal of trade barriers which obstruct the normal flow of Georgia grown products to market. The commission is authorized to prepare, issue, administer, and enforce plans for promoting the sale of Georgia grown products, provided that any such plan shall be directed toward promoting and increasing the sale, use, and utilization of Georgia grown products only, without reference to any other brand or trade name; provided, further, that no advertising or sales promotion program shall be issued by the commission which makes use of false or unwarranted claims on behalf of or disparages the quality, value, sale, or use of any other commodity;

   (2) Provisions for carrying on research studies in promoting the production, marketing, sale, use and utilization, and improvement of Georgia grown products or any combination thereof and for the expenditure of moneys for such purposes; and

   (3) Provisions establishing or providing authority for establishing an educational program designed to acquaint producers or the general public about Georgia grown products.

Code 1981, § 2-8-98, enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 74, § 1/HB 298.