Section 55527.6 Of Article 5. Processor’s License From California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 20. >> Chapter 6. >> Article 5.
55527.6
. (a) Licensees or applicants for a license shall be
required to furnish and maintain an irrevocable guarantee in a form
and amount satisfactory to the secretary if, within the preceding
four years, the secretary determines that they have done any of the
following:
(1) Engaged in conduct which demonstrates a lack of financial
responsibility, including, but not limited to, delinquent accounts
payable, judgments of liability, insolvency, or bankruptcy.
(2) Failed to assure future financial responsibility unless an
irrevocable guarantee is provided.
(3) Otherwise violated this chapter which resulted in license
revocation.
(b) The irrevocable guarantee may include a personal or corporate
guarantee, a certificate of deposit, a bank letter of credit, or a
surety bond, as determined to be appropriate by the secretary.
(c) The guarantee shall not be less than ten thousand dollars
($10,000) or 20 percent of the annual dollar volume of business based
on farm product value returned to the grower, whichever is greater,
as assurance that the licensee's or applicant's business will be
conducted in accordance with this chapter and that the licensee or
applicant will pay all amounts due farm products creditors.
(d) The secretary, based on changes in the nature and volume of
business conducted by the licensee, may require an increase or
authorize a reduction in the amount of the guarantee, but in no case
shall the guarantee be reduced below ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
A licensee who is notified by the secretary to provide a guarantee in
an increased amount shall do so within a reasonable time as
specified by the secretary. If the licensee fails to do so, the
secretary may, after a notice and opportunity for a hearing, suspend
or revoke the license of the licensee.