California Seed Law: annual registration fee.

Existing law, the California Seed Law, regulates seed sold in California and requires every labeler of agricultural or vegetable seed offered for sale in this state or any persons who sell seed in this state, as provided, to annually register with the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to obtain authorization to sell the seed, except as provided. Existing law requires each application for annual registration to be accompanied by a payment of a $40 fee for each fiscal year or portion of a fiscal year beginning on July 1. This bill would authorize the secretary, after consulting with the Seed Advisory Board, to increase that fee to $100. The bill would authorize the secretary, on and after January 1, 2028, to, after consulting with the board, annually increase the fee by up to $50, but not to exceed $300 total, for each fiscal year or portion of a fiscal year beginning July 1. Under existing law, the moneys collected pursuant to the seed law, including registration fees, assessments, and penalty revenues, are continuously appropriated to the Department of Food and Agriculture to carry out its provisions. By authorizing the secretary to increase the amount of the annual registration fee, this bill would make an appropriation.