30-14-214. Fair price for agricultural products. (1) The following method shall be used in determining fair prices for agricultural products sold on local markets in a trade area, district, or city in which the major portion of an agricultural commodity or product is produced within or adjacent to the trade area, city, or district:

(a) When 75% of the producers of an agricultural product or commodity marketing those products or commodities within a trade area, district, or city determine what is a fair price based upon competitive and other factors for their product or commodity, it shall be the fair price for that product or commodity under the terms of this part.

(b) Those producers through their agents shall file with the department the fair price and request a hearing for the establishment of fair prices to jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers of the agricultural products or commodities. An organization representing consumers may not be denied representation at the hearing.

(2) After the establishment of a schedule of fair prices for the agricultural products or commodities, it is a violation of this part for a producer, jobber, wholesaler, or retailer to sell or buy an agricultural commodity or product below the price established by the department. Such action is punishable under the terms provided in this part.

History: En. Sec. 5-A, Ch. 80, L. 1937; amd. Sec. 120, Ch. 431, L. 1975; Sec. 51-106, R.C.M. 1947; amd. and redes. 51-514 by Sec. 14, Ch. 518, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 51-514.