Grading of Tobacco

(1) In auction sales of flue-cured tobacco, warehouse operators shall collect or pay applicable grading fees and remit directly to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for service, or to whom the USDA directs. In non-auction sales of flue-cured tobacco, receiving station operators shall collect or pay applicable grading fees and remit to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (Department) or to whom the Department directs. In the event that the USDA certifies in writing to the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture that its graders are not available, the Georgia Federal-State Shipping Point Inspection Service, Inc. is authorized to provide such service. (2) Grading must occur at the point of delivery and/or sale and follow established USDA guidelines for the grading of flue-cured tobacco. Warehouse and receiving station operators must provide accurate information regarding dates and hours of operation and locations of sales or delivery points to grading personnel before any sales, purchasing, or delivery takes place. Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 10-4-6 et seq. History. Original Rule entitled "Grading of Tobacco" adopted. F. July 5, 2001; eff. July 25, 2001.