The department may investigate and certify to other states and countries, shippers, or other financially interested parties the analysis, classification, grade, quality, or condition of any fruit, vegetable, or other agricultural product, either raw or processed, under regulations that the department may adopt, including the payment of reasonable service charges, the frequency of payment of the service charges, the procedure for payment, the procedure for refunds, and the penalties for late payment. The department may accredit persons or business entities to conduct the investigation or certification, or both the investigation and certification.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 436, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)