West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 62 - Beef Industry Self-Improvement Assessment Board
West Virginia Code of State Rules (CSR) – Agency 62: Beef Industry Self-Improvement Assessment Board
Overview:
Agency 62 in the West Virginia Code of State Rules governs the rules established by the Beef Industry Self-Improvement Assessment Board, a body responsible for administering a state-level beef checkoff program. This board and its rules were created under authority granted by West Virginia Code §19-2E, which pertains to the improvement, promotion, and research related to the beef industry in the state.
The purpose of these rules is to support beef producers by funding programs related to:
Marketing and promotion
Consumer education
Research and development
Producer communication
Key Provisions Typically Included Under Agency 62:
🔹 Assessment Collection and Rates
Establishes a per-head assessment fee on cattle sold in West Virginia.
Defines who is responsible for collecting and remitting the fee (usually livestock markets, dealers, and individual sellers).
Identifies exemptions, such as for animals sold for personal use or certain direct sales.
🔹 Reporting and Remittance
Details how and when assessments must be reported and submitted to the Board.
Includes forms, deadlines (e.g., monthly or quarterly), and late penalties.
🔹 Refund Procedures
Allows producers to request a refund of the assessment within a specified time period.
Outlines how to submit a refund request and the review/approval process.
🔹 Use of Funds
Specifies that funds may be used for:
State beef promotion
Education programs
Production and quality improvement initiatives
Prohibits use for political or lobbying purposes.
🔹 Board Governance
Defines the composition and duties of the Beef Industry Self-Improvement Assessment Board.
Includes provisions for meetings, rulemaking authority, and audits.
Legal and Administrative Context:
Authority: West Virginia Code §19-2E – Beef Industry Self-Improvement Assessment Act
Administering Agency: West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Board Membership: Typically includes beef producers and representatives appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture
Purpose and Impact:
The rule promotes industry-led improvement and market growth through a self-assessed fee system. It complements the federal beef checkoff program but is managed at the state level, with proceeds used exclusively for West Virginia producers’ benefit.
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