80-3-311. Standard grades for produce. (1) Unless a Montana grade standard has been established, the standard grades for produce:
     (a) are limited to the U.S. grades governing the produce;
     (b) must conform in all respects and be identical with the most recent standards established by the U.S. department of agriculture for the produce; and
     (c) when conforming, must be accepted as the legal standards for this state.
     (2) The department may by rule establish state grades for produce grown in Montana when the amount grown reaches a volume rendering it of market importance or when requested by the industry. State produce grades must be established in consultation with representatives of the various components of the produce industry, including growers, sellers, buyers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.
     (3) The grade "Montana unclassified" must contain at least 50% of produce that would grade U.S. No. 2 or better.
     (4) Produce not conforming to established grades may be sold if it is marked in the same manner as graded produce, except that in place of specifying the grade, the word "ungraded" or "unclassified" must be used.

     History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 553, L. 1993.