Purchase of citrus by processors

(1) No processor shall purchase or take delivery of any citrus except from a producer and in accordance with the terms and conditions of such producer’s licence. (2) No person shall sell or deliver any citrus to a processor other than a producer in accordance with the terms and conditions of his licence. (3) Every processor shall, during every year of operation, accept and pay for in accordance with the provisions of this Act, including any contract made hereunder, all mature and merchantable citrus delivered to him by producers holding valid licences to deliver citrus to him; provided that a processor may be exempted from the provisions of this subsection if, owing to any disaster of nature, major breakdown of equipment, unfavourable market trend, circumstances caused by crop failure or shortage, inability to procure packing and/or shipping or supplies, act of God, war or war conditions, embargo, fire, flood, accident, strike, riot, transportation difficulties or any other cause or considerations beyond the control of the processor, the Board, after consultation with the Association, permits him to declare a temporary shutdown or that his year of operation has come to an end. (4) Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence, and any processor or producer on conviction by a court of summary jurisdiction shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, be liable to have his Citrus (Processing and Production) [CAP. 277 9 licence cancelled by the Board or Association, as the case may be, or suspended for such period as the Board or Association may determine