Court Opinion

ID: 9552408
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 19:10:07.034797+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:26:18.651489
License: Public Domain

Dimmick, J.
(concurring) — I am constrained by the present state of the law to concur in the majority's holding. Unfortunately, respondent has no cause of action under these circumstances due to the operation and effect of the Capper-Volstead Act and federal agricultural marketing laws.
*182Those laws, including federal marketing orders, have a strong historical basis. However, in today's market they are criticized in all quarters and should be reevaluated. For example, the Capper-Volstead Act provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may take action against an association if the "price of any agricultural produce is unduly enhanced" by reason of a monopoly or restraint of trade. Washington's "little Capper-Volstead Act" places this responsibility on the Attorney General. As noted by the majority, neither official has ever taken any such action. These decisions not to act are based upon a variety of reasons, i.e., inadequate resources, lack of knowledge, etc.
Practices never intended by the present laws are occurring and apparently being tacitly sanctioned. In addition, the public is becoming more aware of such practices through media criticism. Accordingly, it may be time for Congress to reappraise the federal agricultural marketing laws and their effect, allowing our state Legislature to do the same.
Reconsideration denied April 5, 1982.