AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY DEPOSITORS FUND

Some confusion over remittance of cent per bushel fee

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is in the implementation phase of re-instating the cent per bushel fee for the Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund. ODA has notified all licensed handlers via mail explaining the process which starts with the July 1, 2004 quarter. The first remittance is due to ODA not later then November 1, 2004.

Since the fee has not been collected for over 20 years there are a number people who have no experience with the process. As such there is some confusion over a few minor points.

• The cent per bushel is applicable to all inbound grain from producers, including grain bank and DP, and all inbound grain from other licensed handlers when a warehouse receipt is issued. The fee is figured on net bushels.
  
• Grain delivered from out-of-state to an Ohio licensed handler is subject to the fee.
  
• Quarterly remittance of the fee from licensed handlers to ODA is required for ALL applicable grain delivered during each quarter.
  
• The fee may be passed to the producer in any manner the licensed handler determines to best fit their system. It can be collected at time of delivery, at settlement, or not at all. We suggest individual handlers adopt a uniform policy.