The Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, through any designated division of the state Department of Agriculture and Industries, shall be charged with the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article, and for that purpose he shall have the power and authority to:
(1) Enter and inspect personally, or through any authorized agent, inspector or employee, every place within the State of Alabama where fresh fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, stored, shipped, sold or offered for sale, and it shall be unlawful for any person to resist, prevent or refuse to allow such entrance or inspection;
(2) Issue to growers, packers, shippers and others certificates of inspection certifying the grade, quality, classification or condition of fruits and vegetables as provided in this article;
(3) Charge reasonable fees designed to cover the cost of these services, which fees, together with all moneys collected in the enforcement of this article, including fines collected under the penalty provisions, shall be deposited in the Shipping Point Inspection Fund of the State Treasury to be reexpended in carrying out the provisions of this article; provided, that the amount of inspection fee charges shall be approved by the State Board of Agriculture and Industries.
Last modified: May 3, 2021