Notice: Marketing Order for Beef

As directed by law, the Department conducted a referendum to ascertain the desires of Georgia beef producers. This referendum, which ended on April 15, 2014, resulted in both more than the required number of ballots returned and more than the required number of producers voting in favor of approving the Marketing Order for Beef. In order for this marketing order to be approved for a period of three years, by law, 25 percent of ballots issued is required to be returned and 66.67 percent approval is required from the ballots received. Therefore, the Marketing Order for Beef will go into effect on July 1, 2014.

Please see the Marketing Order for Beef synopsis below:

• 1. Define necessary terminology;
• 2. Establish beef as the affected product for the Order;
• 3. Establish the entire state of Georgia as the affected area of production;
• 4. Explain that the scope of operation includes research, promotion and education;
• 5. Explain the extent of operations;
• 6. Set the term of operation for a three year period;
• 7. Direct that the method of approval be by referendum of affected producers;
• 8. Set a 30-day time period for approval by referendum;
• 9. Clarify that the Order would apply to all producers of bovine animals within this state;
• 10. Set an assessment and levy of $1 per head on bovine animals sold for $100 or more effective July 1, 2014, and explain other methods of finance;
• 11. Explain the methods for collection of the assessment and levy which shall be collected from all affected producers;
• 12. Explain that the commissioner of agriculture shall administer and enforce the Order;
• 13. Authorize the commission to expend funds;
• 14. Authorize the commission to enter into contracts; and
• 15. Require all affected persons to keep records and make the same available for inspection by the commissioner.

Further directions for implementation of this marketing order and assessment procedures will be determined at the next board meeting of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef.