AB 996 Summary

• Creates Chapter 9 establishing criminal penalties (up to 6 months jail and/or $2,500 fine) and civil penalties ($500-$5,000) for intentionally making false, deceptive, or misleading statements about agricultural products' area of production, producer identity, or production methods

• Makes fraudulent use of "California grown" terms subject to the same criminal and civil penalties, and allows Secretary of Food and Agriculture or county agricultural commissioners to modify or revoke licenses/permits instead of prosecution

• Establishes Direct Agricultural Marketing Penalty Account in Department of Food and Agriculture Fund (continuously appropriated) to fund investigations and enforcement; requires county-collected penalties be paid to county treasurer

• Redefines certified farmers' markets as registered point-of-sale locations where only producers or authorized representatives may sell; requires vendors post signage with farm name/location and statements like "We Grew What We Are Selling"

• Requires California producers to register with the department, obtain certified producer's certificates with registration numbers, and submit information about production facilities; implements quarterly vendor participation reporting and investigation/enforcement fees ($0.50-$1.00 per vendor per market day) through January 1, 2016