Article 2. Investigation And Certification of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 16. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 2.

The department may investigate and certify to other states and countries, shippers, or other financially interested parties the analysis, classification, grade, quality, or condition of any fruit, vegetable, or other agricultural product, either raw or processed, under regulations that the department may adopt, including the payment of reasonable service charges, the frequency of payment of the service charges, the procedure for payment, the procedure for refunds, and the penalties for late payment. The department may accredit persons or business entities to conduct the investigation or certification, or both the investigation and certification.

Every certificate which relates to the analysis, classification, condition, grade, or quality of any agricultural product, either raw or processed, and every duly certified copy of such certificate, is prima facie evidence of the truth of the statements which are contained in it, if duly issued in accordance with any of the following:
  (a) By the director under authority of this code.
  (b) In cooperation between federal and state agencies, authorities, or organizations under authority of an act of Congress and an act of the legislature of any state.
  (c) Under authority of a federal statute. The presumption established by this section is a presumption affecting the burden of proof, but it does not apply in a criminal action.

Any certificate which is issued by the state pursuant to this chapter or by any person shall truly state the grade, quality, and condition of the product which is certified. A true copy of any such certificate shall be furnished to the director or to the commissioner of the county where the shipment originated, on demand which is made in writing.

The director may contract with the United States Department of Agriculture to provide inspection and certification service for eggs and egg products and poultry meat classification pursuant to United States Department of Agriculture standards. The director may also contract with commissioners to perform such inspection and certification services pursuant to such contracts with the United States Department of Agriculture and for the enforcement of egg and poultry meat classification standards of this state.

(a) There is hereby created in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund, the Analytical Laboratory Account, into which the residual balance of all reimbursements collected by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture for services rendered by the Center for Analytical Chemistry shall be deposited at the end of each fiscal year.
  (b) Notwithstanding Section 221, upon appropriation by the Legislature, funds deposited in the Analytical Laboratory Account shall be used to fund services rendered, laboratory equipment repair or replacement, make modifications or upgrades to existing facilities, or for other uses that maintain the laboratory infrastructure.