CA AB547

Beginning January 1, 2015, the annual commercial feed license fee is set at $100 per location, replacing the variable fee structure (minimum $100, maximum $600) that was in effect from January 1, 2010.

License fee revenues must first replenish feed inspection program reserves to a minimum of 25 percent of program expenditures, after which remaining revenues may be used to reduce feed inspection tonnage taxes upon Feed Inspection Advisory Board recommendation.

Extends authority for the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to designate 15 percent of tonnage taxes collected (or $200,000, whichever is greater) for research and education on safe manufacture, distribution, and use of commercial feed until January 1, 2015.

Inspection tonnage tax rate remains capped at $0.15 per ton of commercial feed sold (excluding whole grains and unmixed whole hays), with specific rates determined by the Secretary based on Feed Inspection Advisory Board recommendations.

All revenues collected from license fees and inspection tonnage taxes are deposited into the continuously appropriated Food and Agriculture Fund.