Licenses Required for

Licenses Required for

Vegetable Sellers

Effective July 1, 1968, Virginia law will require that dealers in vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes, melons, berries, cucumbers, and other produce must be licensed and bonded.

“This new legislation passed by the General Assembly at its last session will effect about 50 percent of the people currently buying produce from farmers,” said J. F. Lyles, supervisor of weights and measures for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

There have been cases in the past of dealers contracting for the purchase of farm commodities, taking them and then not making payment to the farmer. This law is designed to protect the vegetable grower from this practice.

Lyles said there were some exceptions to the law and that these include: licensed commission merchants, wholesale merchants, brokers and farm groups selling agricultural products. Dealers will be required to pay an annual fee of $10 and establish a $1,000 minimum bond. Records showing the handling and sale of these agricultural products must also be kept and are subject to inspection by the Commission upon complaint of any producer. The law states that violations could lead to a maximum fine of $500 or six months in jail or both for a first offense. Any farmer who claims to be injured by non-payment, fraud, deceit or negligence of a dealer can file a complaint with VDAC for investigation and settlement under terms of the board.

Further information concerning this new law is available by writing: Weights and Measures, Division of Regulatory Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Commerce, 1436 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

Church Sponsors Tour

The public is invited to tour the Martens Gilnockie home and gardens at Ha y wood on Sunday, June 30, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The house originally was the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Armstrong. In addition to the beauty of the house and grounds, many of the furnishings are of particular interest. Some are of Chinese origin, such as a Kang Tao table; Oriental Tree of Life rug; figurines, and oil paintings.

The tour is sponsored by the Ladles Aid of the Mt. Carmel Church. A silver offering will be received for the benefit of the Parsonage Fund. Refreshments will be served.

The Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, which was a gift to the community, by the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Armstrong, will also be open to visitors during the same hours. For additional information, call Criglersville 923-425 L