The commissioner may establish and enforce such grades, grading rules, and regulations in addition to those established by this article 23, in no event less than the minimum requirements prescribed by this article 23, as the commissioner may deem necessary on fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products, which shall not conflict with this article 23, after a thorough investigation has been made of the needs of the particular fruit, vegetable, or other agricultural product for which grades, grading rules, and regulations are contemplated; but, whenever it is deemed advisable by the commissioner, such grades shall be the same as the grades promulgated by the United States department of agriculture. Such grades, grading rules, and regulations, before they become effective, shall be submitted for approval at one or more public meetings called for that purpose and attended by representative growers and shippers of the localities interested in the industry affected. Such meetings shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper published in such localities, one week or more prior to the meeting. Each meeting shall be presided over by the commissioner or any of the commissioner's duly authorized deputies and, insofar as possible and practicable, shall be conducted at such places as can be conveniently reached by representatives of the affected industry. Grades, grading rules, and regulations, established in accordance with this section, shall not be modified during the current shipping season of the fruit, vegetable, or other agricultural product for which they are established. In like manner the commissioner may provide for standard packages for all fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products, but standard packages shall not be eliminated or changed without two years' notice to the industry involved.

Source: L. 31: p. 371, § 6. CSA: C. 69, § 65. CRS 53: § 7-6-6. C.R.S. 1963: § 7-5-6. L. 71: p. 156, § 5. L. 2025: Entire section amended, (HB 25-1084), ch. 24, p. 111, § 66, effective August 6.

Cross references: For rule-making procedures, see article 4 of title 24.