Article 2. Proof Of Ownership of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 8. >> Article 2.

For lots of over 25 pounds of any fruits, nuts, or vegetables that are the food product of any tree, vine, or plant, or for lots of over 200 pounds of any burl wood from a walnut tree, living or dead, and that are marketed for commercial purposes, all of the following apply:
  (a) Every person who sells the commodity for resale, processing, or further distribution through any commercial or nonprofit enterprise shall provide the buyer or transporter with a record of proof of ownership for each lot of the commodity.
  (b) Every person who buys the commodity for resale, processing, or further distribution through any commercial or nonprofit enterprise shall obtain from the previous buyer or from the transporter a record of proof of ownership for each lot of the commodity.
  (c) Every person who transports for commercial purposes shall possess a record showing proof of ownership for each lot of the commodity during transportation.

Upon probable cause to believe any fruits, nuts, vegetables, or walnut burl regulated pursuant to this chapter is in unlawful possession, proof of ownership shall be made available for inspection upon request of the secretary, the commissioner, or by any peace officer. If the secretary or the commissioner has probable cause to believe that any fruits, nuts, vegetables, or walnut burl regulated pursuant to this chapter is in unlawful possession, he or she may request a peace officer to stop the vehicle pursuant to Section 881 for inspection. The record shall contain the following information:
  (a) Name, address, telephone number, and signatures of the seller or the seller's authorized representative.
  (b) Name, address, and telephone number of the buyer or consignee if not sold.
  (c) Common or generic name and quantity of the commodity involved.
  (d) Date of transaction and date of commencement of transportation.

A bill of lading, bill of sale, certified farmers certificate, data obtainable by electronic transmission which is accessible to a common carrier, or a similar type document shall be considered proof of ownership for purposes of this chapter.

It is unlawful for any person to knowingly falsify or cause to be falsified any information in a record intended to show proof of ownership.

A copy of the record shall be retained by the buyer and seller for a period of 60 days after delivery.

This chapter establishes minimal requirements for the transportation and identification of agricultural commodities. A county may, by ordinance, impose additional requirements regarding this transportation and identification.