Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 657 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON RYEGRASS GROWERS SEED COMMISSION
Here’s an updated and more polished summary of Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 657 – Department of Agriculture, Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed Commission (current as of May 26, 2025) (oregon.public.law):
📘 Chapter 657 – Divisions Overview
Division 1 – Procedural Rules (§ 657‑001‑0000 to § 657‑001‑0010+)
Outlines rulemaking procedures, including notice requirements to growers via bulletin and mailing lists at least 28 days before effective dates.
Adopts the Attorney General’s Model Rules under ORS Chapter 183 and the 1983 Uniform Administrative Procedures for Commodity Commissions (regulations.justia.com, records.sos.state.or.us).
Division 10 – Reporting & Payment of Assessment (§ 657‑010‑0010 to § 657‑010‑0025)
Defines key terms: “producer,” “first purchaser,” “casual sale” (≤100 lb/year), etc. (records.sos.state.or.us).
First purchasers must withhold a $0.09 per cwt assessment on ryegrass seed, excluding casual sales & mixtures <50% ryegrass (records.sos.state.or.us).
Assessment funds are remitted quarterly (within 30 days post-quarter) with penalties: 5% first-month late + 1% each additional month (records.sos.state.or.us).
The assessment has applied since July 15, 1965 (records.sos.state.or.us).
Division 20 – Rates for Commissioner Per Diem & Reimbursement (§ 657‑020‑0010 to § 657‑020‑0140)
Commissioners not in full-time public service may earn up to $30/day, per ORS 292.495, when actively serving (oregon.public.law).
Qualified members (following § 657‑020‑0130/0140) receive legislative-level per diem and actual expense reimbursement but may opt out .
Non‑qualified members also eligible under similar terms if funding allows (law.cornell.edu).
Division 30 – Commission Make-Up, Terms, Qualifications, Removal (§ 657‑030‑0010 to § 657‑030‑0030)
The Commission comprises nine members, appointed by the Director of Agriculture to three-year terms, limited to two full consecutive terms (oregon.public.law).
Division 40 – Public Records Requests (§ 657‑040‑0010 to § 657‑040‑0060)
Establishes compliance with Oregon Public Records Law—handling requests, fees, timelines, exemptions, and appeals.
🔍 Context & Authority
These rules implement statutory authority granted under ORS Chapter 576 (especially ORS 576.325–.365) and ORS 183.341/183.341(4) (law.cornell.edu, records.sos.state.or.us).
They govern the Commission’s administrative proceedings, assessment collection, financial accountability, commissioner governance, and transparency obligations.
✅ Summary Takeaways
Procedures (Div 1): Standardized rulemaking and notification protocols.
Assessments (Div 10): Enforce a 9¢/cwt levy on ryegrass, due quarterly with clear penalty guidelines.
Compensation (Div 20): Commissioners are compensated/permitted reimbursement within statutory limits but may decline payment.
Governance (Div 30): Composition and term limits ensure structured leadership oversight.
Transparency (Div 40): Adherence to public records obligations fosters accountability.
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