, 1935-03-17

TONTRODUCE
/ TOMATO BILL

A bill rs expected 10 be introduc-
Cd into the legislature shortly by
Representative Augustine Celaya Of
Cameron county providing for the
Standardization Of potatoes. toma-
toes and other vegetables that may
De designated, 1t was learned Sat-
urday.
The proposed measure would take
the place Of one offered by N east
Texas representative intended to cov-
or tomatoes. The east Texan, COM
initted in his platform to do
something for the tomato industry,
merely took the citrus standardiza-
tion act and wrote In the word to
matos in the place OF citrus. This
Is regarded as entirely unavoidable
because Of the great difference be-
tween the commodities.
The new bill to be introduced BY
Celaya also would take the place OF
the present potato grading law
which is optional with the counties
desiring II.
The bill would provide for the in
spection and classification Of grades
Of whatever vegetables the coun-
ties elect TO come under provisions
Of the measure. The law will apply
In any county II the county COM
missioners' court petitions the state
commissioner Of agriculture 70 in
clude such county within the terms
of this act. Such action by the COM
missioners shall be taken when the
court Is p~etitioned by the majority
representatives Of the growers Of po-
tatoes, tomatoes or other designated
vegetable.
The law could be suspended in an
emergency and the commissioners
have been petitioned by the growers
to do %. The commissioner OF agri-
culture would have the right 70 sus-
PEND the Law In such counties with
IN Is days after receipt Of such petit
ton from the commissioners court.
Enforcement Of the Law would DC
m hands Of the state commissioner
Of agriculture who would DO en-
powered to enter into cooperative
agreements with the u. 8. Depart
ment Of Agriculture for the tnspec-
ton of designated vegetables In the
same way that an agreement was
entered or citrus.
The commissioner would have the
power TO promulgate rules. and reg
inlations regarding the grading,
packing, punching and marking
certain vegetables as set out IN the
Law. Such rules r 70 be published
and hearings held when there are
protests.
The commissioner would have the
power to regulate proper marking
Of containers. issuance OF certifi-
Gates Of inspection, etc.
Grading becomes compulsory
whenever q county invokes this law.
Advance notice OF shipment must
be given inspectors OF the depart
ment Of agriculture.
Certificates OF inspection would be
issued giving grade Of the commo-
dity inspected. The law provides Tor
the refuse Of containers only when
previous markings have been oblit-
Grated unless they accurately apply
to the products repacked In the con-
tainer.
The commissioner would be au-
thOrized 70 Tx y assess ices loL
inspections. Fees shall not exceed
$500 a a on potatoes moi $500 on
other vegetables.
The law prohibits the use OF a de-
ceptive pack. load. arrangement or
display Of vegetables. 70 mislabel
anv %container. A deceptive pack Is
defined as one so arranged as TO
conceal the true grade Of the vege-
table contained.
Growers would be able TO sell his
product to the shipper or canning
plant without coming under provls-
ions OF the act provided that the
amount Is less than 500 pounds
Vegetables in amounts greater than
500 pounds would be regarded as
commercial.
Responsibility Of the carrier Is
fixed In this bill and II would ap-
DIV 70 trucks as well as railroads.
The present potato act covers only
railroad shipments. .
Penalties provided IN the bill call
for a fine Of not more tran $500 ana
not more than 90 days In jail.
The bill would become effective
immediately under. an emergency
.fur4mo