In lieu of requiring advance deposits for defraying administrative advertising, sales promotion, research or education expenses, the secretary is authorized to receive and disburse for such expense purposes contributions made by producers or others. Neither the council nor the secretary shall be held responsible for the repayment of such contributions. Whenever the marketing program accounts are sufficient to so warrant, the council shall recommend and the secretary shall authorize the repayment of contributions or authorize the application of such contributions to the assessment obligations of the persons who made the contributions.

L.1971, c. 308, s. 22, eff. Sept. 2, 1971.