In a civil suit for damages, a person is liable to a marketing association for an amount equal to three times the amount of actual damages proven for each offense if the person, or where the person is a corporation, if an officer or employee of the corporation:

1. (1) knowingly induces or attempts to induce a member of the association to breach the member's marketing contract with the association; or
2. (2) maliciously and knowingly spreads false reports concerning the finances or management of the association.

Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1113, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.