(a)
During the first marketing season, beginning February 1, 2010, and ending September 30, 2010, the monthly assessment to be paid by producers shall be one cent ($0.01) per carton. Thereafter, in addition to any other assessments, fees, or charges that may be required pursuant to this code, producers shall pay a monthly assessment established by the committee that shall not exceed nine cents ($0.09) per carton. The assessment shall be:
(1)
Based on the number of 40-pound carton equivalents produced.
(2)
Collected from the producer by the first handler. If a producer prepares the citrus fruit for market, the producer shall be deemed the handler.
(3)
Remitted to the department by the first handler, along with an assessment report, at the end of each month during the marketing season.
(4)
Deposited in the Citrus Disease Management Account in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund or, upon the recommendation of the committee, deposited in accordance with Section 227 or Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 230) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1. The use of the funds deposited in the Citrus Disease Management Account shall be limited to the activities authorized by this article.
(b)
A producer producing less than 750 40-pound carton equivalents shall not be required to remit the assessment provided in subdivision (a).
(c)
The committee may recommend to the secretary an assessment less than the
amount specified in subdivision (a) or no assessment if no disease prevention program is necessary or if there is sufficient reserve to operate the program, except as provided in Section 5930.