(a) The commissioner is authorized to: (1) receive complaints against any person dealing in, shipping, transporting, storing, or selling perishable farm products; (2) make any and all necessary investigations relative to the handling of, or storing, shipping, or dealing in perishable farm products; and (3) enter with reasonable notice all buildings, yards, warehouses, storage and transportation facilities in which perishable farm products are kept, stored, handled or transacted.
(b) The commissioner may: (1) issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses before the commissioner, with books, papers, and other documents, articles, or instruments; (2) compel the disclosure by such witnesses of all facts known to them relative to a matter under investigation; and (3) administer oaths and take testimony.
(c) The commissioner must provide a complainant a written report of the investigation conducted under this section. The report is prima facie evidence of the matters contained in the report. A party violating a commissioner's order or subpoena is guilty of contempt as in proceedings in district courts of the state and may be punished in like manner.
(6240-18 1/2l) 1931 c 394 s 13; 1955 c 232 s 2; 1961 c 113 s 1; 1961 c 163 s 6; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 12; 2020 c 89 art 1 s 12
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 17 - 43 — Agriculture
Chapter 27 — Farm Products Dealers
Section 27.001 — Public Policy.
Section 27.03 — Dealer Regulation.
Section 27.0405 — Investigations.
Section 27.06 — Complaints To Commissioner, Hearing; Sales Contract.
Section 27.069 — Definition Of Produce.
Section 27.07 — Grades Established; Inspection.
Section 27.08 — Filing Brand Or Label; Permit.
Section 27.10 — Perishable Farm Products Examination.
Section 27.11 — Shipments On Consignment.
Section 27.12 — Shipper May Complain To Commissioner.
Section 27.13 — Investigation Of Complaints.
Section 27.131 — Mediation And Arbitration.
Section 27.133 — Parent Company Liability.