---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 6804"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "6804"
heading: "Required terms in orders"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/6804"
units:
  - "Chapter 97 — Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information"
---

# §6804. Required terms in orders

- (a) **In general—** An [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall contain the terms and provisions specified in this section.
- (b) **PromoFlor Council—**
  - (1) **Establishment and membership—**
    - (A) **Establishment—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide for the establishment of a Fresh [Cut Flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and Fresh [Cut Greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [Promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8) Council, consisting of 25 members, to administer the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
    - (B) **Membership—**
      - (i) **Appointment—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that members of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall be appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) from nominations submitted as provided in paragraphs [(2)](#b-2) and [(3)](#b-3).
      - (ii) **Composition—** The [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall consist of—
        - (I) participating [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) representing qualified wholesale handlers and [producers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) and [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i);
        - (II) representatives of traditional [retailers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A); and
        - (III) representatives of [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who produce fresh [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and fresh [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii).
  - (2) **Distribution of appointments—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the membership of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall consist of—
      - (i) 14 members representing qualified wholesale handlers of domestic or imported [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii);
      - (ii) 3 members representing [producers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii);
      - (iii) 3 members representing [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii);
      - (iv) 3 members representing traditional [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [retailers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A); and
      - (v) 2 members representing [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who produce fresh [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and fresh [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii), of whom—
        - (I) 1 member shall represent [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who produce the flowers or greens in locations that are east of the Mississippi River; and
        - (II) 1 member shall represent [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who produce the flowers or greens in locations that are west of the Mississippi River.
    - (B) **Definitions—** As used in this subsection:
      - (i) **Importer that is a qualified handler—** The term “[importer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that is a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i)” means an entity—
        - (I) whose principal activity is the importation of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) into the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13) (either directly or as an agent, [broker](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-7), or consignee of any [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) or nation that produces or handles [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) outside the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13) for sale in the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13)); and
        - (II) that is subject to assessments as a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
      - (ii) **Producer that is a qualified handler—** The term “[producer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) that is a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i)” means an entity that—
        - (I) is engaged—
          - (aa) in the domestic production, for sale in commerce, of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) and that owns or shares in the ownership and risk of loss of the [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii); or
          - (bb) as a first processor of noncultivated [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii), in receiving the [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) from a [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who gathers the [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) for handling; and
        - (II) is subject to assessments as a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
      - (iii) **Qualified wholesale handler—**
        - (I) **In general—** The term “qualified wholesale handler” means a [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) in business as a floral wholesale jobber or floral supplier that is subject to assessments as a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
        - (II) **Definitions—** As used in this clause:
          - (aa) **Floral supplier—** The term “floral supplier” means a [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) engaged in acquiring [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) to be manufactured into floral articles or otherwise processed for resale.
          - (bb) **Floral wholesale jobber—** The term “floral wholesale jobber” means a [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who conducts a commission or other wholesale business in buying and selling [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii).
    - (C) **Distribution of qualified wholesale handler appointments—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the appointments of qualified wholesale handlers to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) made by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) shall take into account the geographical distribution of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) in the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13).
  - (3) **Nomination process—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that—
    - (A) 2 nominees shall be submitted for each appointment to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7);
    - (B) nominations for each appointment of a qualified wholesale handler, [producer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) that is a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i), or [importer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that is a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall be made by qualified wholesale handlers, [producers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i), or [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i), respectively, through an election process, in accordance with regulations issued by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11);
    - (C) nominations for—
      - (i) 1 of the [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A) appointments shall be made by the American Floral Marketing Council or a successor entity; and
      - (ii) 2 of the [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A) appointments shall be made by traditional retail florist organizations, in accordance with regulations issued by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11);
    - (D) nominations for each appointment of a representative of [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who produce fresh [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and fresh [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) shall be made by the [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) through an election process, in accordance with regulations issued by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11); and
    - (E) in any case in which qualified wholesale handlers, [producers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i), [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i), [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who produce fresh [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and fresh [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii), or [retailers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A) fail to nominate individuals for an appointment to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) may appoint an individual to fill the vacancy on a basis provided in the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) or other regulations of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11).
  - (4) **Alternates—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide for the selection of alternate members of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) in accordance with procedures specified in the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
  - (5) **Terms; compensation—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that—
    - (A) each term of appointment to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall be for 3 years, except that, of the initial appointments, 9 of the appointments shall be for 2-year terms, 8 of the appointments shall be for 3-year terms, and 8 of the appointments shall be for 4-year terms;
    - (B) no member of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) may serve more than 2 consecutive terms of 3 years, except that any member serving an initial term of 4 years may serve an additional term of 3 years; and
    - (C) members of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for the expenses of the members incurred in performing duties as members of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7).
  - (6) **Executive committee—**
    - (A) **Establishment—**
      - (i) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall authorize the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) to appoint, from among the members of the Council, an executive committee of not more than 9 members.
      - (ii) **Initial membership—** The membership of the executive committee initially shall be composed of—
        - (I) 4 members representing qualified wholesale handlers;
        - (II) 2 members representing [producers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i);
        - (III) 2 members representing [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) that are [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i); and
        - (IV) 1 member representing traditional [retailers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A).
      - (iii) **Subsequent membership—** After the initial appointments, each appointment to the executive committee shall be made so as to ensure that the committee reflects, to the maximum extent practicable, the membership composition of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) as a whole.
      - (iv) **Terms—** Each initial appointment to the executive committee shall be for a term of 2 years. After the initial appointments, each appointment to the executive committee shall be for a term of 1 year.
    - (B) **Authority—** The [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) may delegate to the executive committee the authority of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) to hire and manage staff and conduct the routine business of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) consistent with such policies as are determined by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7).
- (c) **General responsibilities of PromoFlor Council—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall define the general responsibilities of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), which shall include the responsibility to—
  - (1) administer the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) in accordance with the terms and provisions of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5);
  - (2) make rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5);
  - (3) appoint members of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) to serve on an executive committee;
  - (4) [employ](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-10) such [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) as the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) determines are necessary, and set the compensation and define the duties of the [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6);
  - (5)
    - (A) develop budgets for the implementation of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) and submit the budgets to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) for approval under [subsection (d)](#d); and
    - (B) propose and develop (or receive and evaluate), approve, and submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) for approval under [subsection (d)](#d) plans and projects for [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), or related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9);
  - (6)
    - (A) implement plans and projects for [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), or related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9), as provided in [subsection (d)](#d); or
    - (B) contract or enter into agreements with appropriate [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) to implement the plans and projects, as provided in [subsection (e)](#e), and pay the costs of the implementation, or contracts and agreements, with funds received under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5);
  - (7) evaluate on-going and completed plans and projects for [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), or related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9);
  - (8) receive, investigate, and report to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) complaints of violations of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5);
  - (9) recommend to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) amendments to the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5);
  - (10) invest, pending disbursement under a plan or project, funds collected through assessments authorized under this chapter only in—
    - (A) obligations of the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13) or any agency of the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13);
    - (B) general obligations of any [State](/usc/7/6802.md?p=12) or any political subdivision of a [State](/usc/7/6802.md?p=12);
    - (C) any interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit of a [bank](/usc/7/27.md?p=a) that is a member of the Federal Reserve System; or
    - (D) obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13),

    except that income from any such invested funds may be used only for a purpose for which the invested funds may be used; and

  - (11) provide the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) such information as the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) may require.
- (d) **Budgets; plans and projects—**
  - (1) **Submission of budgets—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall require the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) to submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) for approval budgets, on a fiscal year basis, of the anticipated expenses and disbursements of the Council in the implementation of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), including the projected costs of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), and related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9) plans and projects.
  - (2) **Plans and projects—**
    - (A) **Promotion and consumer information—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide—
      - (i) for the establishment, implementation, administration, and evaluation of appropriate plans and projects for advertising, sales [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), other [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), and [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1) with respect to [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii), and for the disbursement of necessary funds for the purposes described in this clause;
      - (ii) that any plan or project referred to in [clause (i)](#d-2-A-i) shall be directed toward increasing the general demand for [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) and may not make reference to a private brand or trade name, point of origin, or source of supply, except that this clause shall not preclude the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) from offering the plans and projects of the Council for use by commercial parties, under terms and conditions prescribed by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) and approved by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11); and
      - (iii) that no plan or project may make use of unfair or deceptive acts or practices with respect to quality or value.
    - (B) **Research—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide for—
      - (i) the establishment, implementation, administration, and evaluation of plans and projects for—
        - (I) [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) development [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9);
        - (II) [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9) with respect to the sale, distribution, marketing, or use of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii); and
        - (III) other [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9) with respect to [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) marketing, [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), or [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1);
      - (ii) the dissemination of the information acquired through the plans and projects; and
      - (iii) the disbursement of such funds as are necessary to carry out this subparagraph.
    - (C) **Submission to Secretary—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) for approval a proposed plan or project for [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), or related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9), as described in subparagraphs [(A)](#d-2-A) and [(B)](#d-2-B).
  - (3) **Approval by Secretary—** A budget, or plan or project for [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), or related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9) may not be implemented prior to approval of the budget, plan, or project by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11).
- (e) **Contracts and agreements—**
  - (1) **Promotion, consumer information, and related research plans and projects—**
    - (A) **In general—** To ensure efficient use of funds, the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), with the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11), may enter into a contract or an agreement for the implementation of a plan or project for [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), or related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9) with respect to [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii), and for the payment of the cost of the contract or agreement with funds received by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
    - (B) **Requirements—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that any contract or agreement entered into under this paragraph shall provide that—
      - (i) the contracting or agreeing party shall develop and submit to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) a plan or project, together with a budget that includes the estimated costs to be incurred for the plan or project;
      - (ii) the plan or project shall become effective on the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11); and
      - (iii) the contracting or agreeing party shall—
        - (I) keep accurate records of all of the transactions of the party;
        - (II) account for funds received and expended;
        - (III) make periodic reports to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) of activities conducted; and
        - (IV) make such other reports as the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) or the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) may require.
  - (2) **Other contracts and agreements—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) may enter into a contract or agreement for administrative services. Any contract or agreement entered into under this paragraph shall include provisions comparable to the provisions described in [paragraph (1)(B)](#e-1-B).
- (f) **Books and records of PromoFlor Council—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall require the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) to—
    - (A) maintain such books and records (which shall be available to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) for inspection and audit) as the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) may require;
    - (B) prepare and submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11), from time to time, such reports as the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) may require; and
    - (C) account for the receipt and disbursement of all funds entrusted to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7).
  - (2) **Audits—** The [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall cause the books and records of the Council to be audited by an independent auditor at the end of each fiscal year. A report of each audit shall be submitted to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11).
- (g) **Control of administrative costs—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall, as soon as practicable after the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) becomes effective and after consultation with the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) and other appropriate [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6), implement a system of cost controls based on normally accepted business practices that will ensure that the annual budgets of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) include only amounts for administrative expenses that cover the minimum administrative activities and personnel needed to properly administer and enforce the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), and conduct, supervise, and evaluate plans and projects under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
- (h) **Assessments—**
  - (1) **Authority—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that each [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) shall pay to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), in the manner provided in the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), an assessment on each sale of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) to a [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A) or an [exempt handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-B) (including each transaction described in [subparagraph (C)(ii)](#h-1-C-ii)), except to the extent that the sale is excluded from assessments under [section 6805(a) of this title](/usc/7/6805.md?p=a).
    - (B) **Published lists—** To facilitate the payment of assessments under this paragraph, the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall publish lists of [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) required to pay assessments under the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) and [exempt handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-B).
    - (C) **Making determinations—**
      - (i) **Qualified handler status—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall contain provisions regarding the determination of the status of a [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) as a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) or [exempt handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-B) that include the rules and requirements specified in sections [6802(4)](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4) and [6805(b)](/usc/7/6805.md?p=b) of this title.
      - (ii) **Certain covered transactions—**
        - (I) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that each non-sale transfer of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) to a [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A) from a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) that is a distribution center (as described in [section 6802(4)(A)(ii)(II) of this title](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-ii-II)), and each direct sale of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) to a consumer by a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) that is an [importer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) or a [producer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb) (as described in [section 6802(4)(A)(iii) of this title](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii)), shall be treated as a sale of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) to a [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A) subject to assessments under this subsection.
        - (II) **Amount of sale in the case of non-sale transfers and direct sales by importers—** Subject to [subclause (IV)](#h-1-C-ii-IV), in the case of a non-sale transfer of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) from a distribution center, or a direct sale to a consumer by an [importer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa), the amount of the sale shall be equal to the sum of—
          - (aa) the price paid by the distribution center or [importer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa), respectively, to acquire the [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii); and
          - (bb) an amount determined by multiplying the acquisition price referred to in [item (aa)](#h-1-C-ii-II-aa) by a uniform percentage established by the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) to represent the mark-up of a wholesale handler on a sale to a [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A).
        - (III) **Direct sales by producers—** Subject to [subclause (IV)](#h-1-C-ii-IV), in the case of a direct sale to a consumer by a [producer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-bb), the amount of the sale shall be equal to an amount determined by multiplying the price paid by the consumer by a uniform percentage established by the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) to represent the cost of producing the article and the mark-up of a wholesale handler on a sale to a [retailer](/usc/7/6802.md?p=10-A).
        - (IV) **Changes in uniform percentages—** Any change in a uniform percentage referred to in subclause [(II)](#h-1-C-ii-II) or [(III)](#h-1-C-ii-III) may become effective after—
          - (aa) recommendation by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7); and
          - (bb) approval by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) after public notice and opportunity for comment in accordance with [section 553 of title 5](/usc/5/553.md) and without regard to sections [556](/usc/5/556.md) and [557](/usc/5/557.md) of such title.
  - (2) **Assessment rates—** With respect to assessment rates, the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall contain the following terms:
    - (A) **Initial rate—** During the first 3 years the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) is in effect, the rate of assessment on each sale or transfer of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) shall be ½ of 1 percent of—
      - (i) the [gross sales price](/usc/7/6802.md?p=3) of the [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) sold; or
      - (ii) in the case of transactions described in [paragraph (1)(C)(ii)](#h-1-C-ii), the amount of each transaction calculated as provided in [paragraph (1)(C)(ii)](#h-1-C-ii).
    - (B) **Changes in the rate—**
      - (i) **In general—** After the first 3 years the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) is in effect, the uniform assessment rate may be increased or decreased annually by not more than .25 percent of—
        - (I) the [gross sales price](/usc/7/6802.md?p=3) of a product sold; or
        - (II) in the case of transactions described in [paragraph (1)(C)(ii)](#h-1-C-ii), the amount of each transaction calculated as provided in [paragraph (1)(C)(ii)](#h-1-C-ii),

      except that the assessment rate may in no case exceed 1 percent of the [gross sales price](/usc/7/6802.md?p=3) or 1 percent of the transaction amount.

      - (ii) **Requirements—** Any change in the rate of assessment under this subparagraph—
        - (I) may be made only if adopted by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) by at least a ⅔ majority vote and approved by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) as necessary to achieve the objectives of this chapter (after public notice and opportunity for comment in accordance with [section 553 of title 5](/usc/5/553.md) and without regard to sections [556](/usc/5/556.md) and [557](/usc/5/557.md) of such title);
        - (II) shall be announced by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) not less than 30 days prior to going into effect; and
        - (III) shall not be subject to a vote in a referendum conducted under [section 6806 of this title](/usc/7/6806.md).
  - (3) **Timing of submitting assessments—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that each [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) required to pay assessments under this subsection shall remit, to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), the assessment due from each sale by the [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) or [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) that is subject to an assessment within such time period after the sale (not to exceed 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale took place) as is specified in the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
  - (4) **Refunds from escrow account—**
    - (A) **Establishment of escrow account—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall—
      - (i) establish an escrow account to be used for assessment refunds, as needed; and
      - (ii) place into the account an amount equal to 10 percent of the total amount of assessments collected during the period beginning on the date the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) becomes effective, as provided in [section 6803(b)(3)(B) of this title](/usc/7/6803.md?p=b-3-B), and ending on the date the initial referendum on the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) under [section 6806(a) of this title](/usc/7/6806.md?p=a) is completed.
    - (B) **Right to receive refund—**
      - (i) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that, subject to [subparagraph (C)](#h-4-C) and the conditions specified in [clause (ii)](#h-4-B-ii), any [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) shall have the right to demand and receive from the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) out of the escrow account a one-time refund of any assessments paid by or on behalf of the [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) during the time period specified in [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#h-4-A-ii), if—
        - (I) the [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) is required to pay the assessments;
        - (II) the [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) does not support the program established under this chapter;
        - (III) the [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) demands the refund prior to the conduct of the referendum on the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) under [section 6806(a) of this title](/usc/7/6806.md?p=a); and
        - (IV) the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) is not approved by [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) in the referendum.
      - (ii) **Conditions—** The right of a [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) to receive a refund under [clause (i)](#h-4-B-i) shall be subject to the following conditions:
        - (I) The demand shall be made in accordance with regulations, on a form, and within a time period specified by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7).
        - (II) The refund shall be made only on submission of proof satisfactory to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) that the [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) paid the assessment for which the refund is demanded.
        - (III) If the amount in the escrow account required under [subparagraph (A)](#h-4-A) is not sufficient to refund the total amount of assessments demanded by all [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) determined eligible for refunds and the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) is not approved in the referendum on the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) under [section 6806(a) of this title](/usc/7/6806.md?p=a), the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall prorate the amount of all such refunds among all eligible [qualified handlers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) that demand the refund.
    - (C) **Program approved—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that, if the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) is approved in the referendum conducted under [section 6806(a) of this title](/usc/7/6806.md?p=a), there shall be no refunds made, and all funds in the escrow account shall be returned to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) for use by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) in accordance with the other provisions of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
  - (5) **Use of assessment funds—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that assessment funds (less any refunds expended under the terms of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) required under [paragraph (4)](#h-4)) shall be used for payment of costs incurred in implementing and administering the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), with provision for a reasonable reserve, and to cover the administrative costs incurred by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) in implementing and administering this chapter.
  - (6) **Postponement of collections—**
    - (A) **Authority—**
      - (i) **In general—** Subject to the other provisions of this paragraph and notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) may grant a postponement of the payment of an assessment under this subsection for any [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) that establishes that the handler is financially unable to make the payment.
      - (ii) **Requirements and procedures—** A handler described in [clause (i)](#h-6-A-i) shall establish that the handler is financially unable to make the payment in accordance with application and documentation requirements and review procedures established under rules recommended by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), approved by the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11), and issued after public notice and opportunity for comment in accordance with [section 553 of title 5](/usc/5/553.md) and without regard to sections [556](/usc/5/556.md) and [557](/usc/5/557.md) of such title.
    - (B) **Criteria and responsibility for determinations—** The [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) may grant a postponement under [subparagraph (A)](#h-6-A) only if the handler demonstrates by the submission of an opinion of an independent certified public accountant, and by submission of other documentation required under the rules established under [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#h-6-A-ii), that the handler is insolvent or will be unable to continue to operate if the handler is required to pay the assessment when otherwise due.
    - (C) **Period of postponement—**
      - (i) **In general—** The time period of a postponement and the terms and conditions of the payment of each assessment that is postponed under this paragraph shall be established by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), in accordance with rules established under the procedures specified in [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#h-6-A-ii), so as to appropriately reflect the demonstrated needs of the [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i).
      - (ii) **Extensions—** A postponement may be extended under rules established under the procedures specified in [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#h-6-A-ii) for the grant of initial postponements.
- (i) **Prohibition—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall prohibit the use of any funds received by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) in any manner for the purpose of influencing legislation or government action or policy, except that the funds may be used by the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) for the development and recommendation to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) of amendments to the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
- (j) **Books and records; reports—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that each [qualified handler](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-i) shall maintain, and make available for inspection, such books and records as are required by the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) and file reports at the time, in the manner, and having the content required by the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), to the end that such information is made available to the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) and the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) as is appropriate for the administration or enforcement of this chapter, the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), or any regulation issued under this chapter.
  - (2) **Confidentiality requirement—**
    - (A) **In general—** Information obtained from books, records, or reports under [paragraph (1)](#j-1) or [subsection (h)(6)](#h-6), or from reports required under [section 6805(b)(3) of this title](/usc/7/6805.md?p=b-3), shall be kept confidential by all officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture and by the staff and agents of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7).
    - (B) **Suits and hearings—** Information described in [subparagraph (A)](#j-2-A) may be disclosed to the public only—
      - (i) in a suit or administrative hearing brought at the request of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11), or to which the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) or any officer of the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13) is a party, involving the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5); and
      - (ii) to the extent the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11) considers the information relevant to the suit or hearing.
    - (C) **General statements and publications—** Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit—
      - (i) the issuance of general statements, based on the reports, of the number of [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) subject to the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) or statistical data collected from the reports, if the statements do not identify the information furnished by any [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6); or
      - (ii) the publication, by direction of the [Secretary](/usc/7/6802.md?p=11), of the name of any [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) who violates the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5), together with a statement of the particular provisions of the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) violated by the [person](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6).
  - (3) **Lists of importers—**
    - (A) **Review—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the staff of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) shall periodically review lists of [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) to determine whether [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) on the lists are subject to the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5).
    - (B) **Customs service—** On the request of the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), the Commissioner of the [United States](/usc/7/6802.md?p=13) Customs Service shall provide to the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) lists of [importers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=4-A-iii-III-aa) of [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii).
- (k) **Consultations with industry experts—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall provide that the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7), from time to time, may seek advice from and consult with experts from the production, import, wholesale, and retail segments of the [cut flowers](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-i) and [cut greens](/usc/7/6802.md?p=2-A-ii) industry to assist in the development of [promotion](/usc/7/6802.md?p=8), [consumer information](/usc/7/6802.md?p=1), and related [research](/usc/7/6802.md?p=9) plans and projects.
  - (2) **Special committees—**
    - (A) **In general—** For the purposes described in [paragraph (1)](#k-1), the [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall authorize the appointment of special committees composed of [persons](/usc/7/6802.md?p=6) other than [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7) members.
    - (B) **Consultation—** A committee appointed under [subparagraph (A)](#k-2-A)—
      - (i) may not provide advice or recommendations to a representative of an agency, or an officer, of the Federal Government; and
      - (ii) shall consult directly with the [PromoFlor Council](/usc/7/6802.md?p=7).
- (l) **Other terms of order—** The [order](/usc/7/6802.md?p=5) shall contain such other terms and provisions, consistent with this chapter, as are necessary to carry out this chapter (including provision for the assessment of interest and a charge for each late payment of assessments under [subsection (h)](#h) and for carrying out [section 6805 of this title](/usc/7/6805.md)).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 103–190, § 5, Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2272.)

## Notes

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury, including functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6. For establishment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, treated as if included in Pub. L. 107–296 as of Nov. 25, 2002, see section 211 of Title 6, as amended generally by Pub. L. 114–125, and section 802(b) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6.