NC H377

Establishes a voluntary assessment program for North Carolina Grade "A" dairy producers administered by the North Carolina Dairy Producers Association.

Allows the Association to conduct a referendum among dairy producers; assessment requires approval by more than half of votes cast and cannot exceed 5 cents per hundredweight of Grade "A" milk produced.

Milk handlers and dairy cooperatives must collect assessments by deducting from milk sale proceeds and remit to the Department by the 20th day following each month; producers who market directly to consumers must pay assessments directly.

Assessed funds must be remitted to the Association at least quarterly for research, marketing, and reasonable administrative expenses related to promoting the dairy industry.

Dairy producers may request annual refunds between December 15-31 by completing a refund form and providing proof of payment; assessment can be terminated if 50% of producers petition for a new referendum.