Section 571.015 - Policy; department to maintain nursery service; duties(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that the propagation and raising of nursery stock is an agricultural pursuit that should be regulated and assisted by the State Department of Agriculture. A nursery service shall be maintained within the department for the purpose of carrying out and enforcing the provisions of ORS 564.040, 564.991, 571.005 to 571.230 and 571.991.(2) The department may: (a) Inspect the nursery stock of growers, dealers and other persons and places of business provided for under ORS 564.040, 564.991, 571.005 to 571.230 and 571.991.(b) Establish certification standards, issue certificates and permits and check the license and licensing of persons affected by ORS 564.040, 564.991, 571.005 to 571.230 and 571.991. In establishing certification standards under this paragraph, the department shall give consideration to any certification standards adopted by the federal government, another state or a national association for nurseries.(c) Establish an expedited permitting process for persons affected by ORS 564.040, 564.991, 571.005 to 571.230 and 571.991that participate in a department certification program and meet department certification standards.(d) Investigate violations of ORS 564.040, 564.991, 571.005 to 571.230 and 571.991.(e) Disseminate information among growers relative to treatment of nursery stock for both prevention and elimination of attacks by plant pests and diseases.(f) Carry out any other duties or responsibilities that are of service to the nursery industry or that may be necessary for the protection of the nursery industry.Amended by 2015 Ch. 533,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2016.1953 c.461 §4; 1983 c.730 §4