Bill > HB4065

This bill strengthens protections for producers and growers who enter into contracts with seed dealers for the sale of agricultural and grass seed by clarifying and enhancing the process for addressing late payments. If a seed dealer fails to pay a producer or grower on time, the producer or grower can notify the State Department of Agriculture, which will then investigate. If the department confirms a late payment, it will issue a written notice to the seed dealer requiring them to pay all overdue amounts plus interest, calculated at one percent above the bank prime loan interest rate per month, within 30 days of the notice. The seed dealer must also provide the department with proof of payment within this 30-day period. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to the suspension of the seed dealer's license until all payments are current, and the producer or grower is authorized to sell any remaining seed in their possession in a commercially reasonable manner. The bill also adjusts the fees the department can charge for its services related to these late payment investigations and notifications, and it declares an emergency, meaning the law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4065