3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 46

in effect

3 Pa.C.S. § 4601 Short title of chapter.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Pennsylvania Preferred Act.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4602 Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Agricultural commodity." Any of the following: (1) Agricultural, apicultural, aquacultural, horticultural, floricultural, silvicultural, viticultural and dairy products. (2) Livestock and the products thereof. (3) Ranch-raised furbearing animals and the products thereof. (4) Poultry and the products of poultry. (5) Products commonly raised or produced on farms which are: (i) intended for human consumption; or (ii) transported or intended to be transported in commerce. (6) Processed or manufactured products of products commonly raised or produced on farms which are: (i) intended for human consumption; or (ii) transported or intended to be transported in commerce. "Department." The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth. "FDA." The Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States. "Licensee." A qualified entity that is subject to a Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark license agreement with the department. "Organic agricultural commodity." An agricultural commodity that meets the definition of "organically produced" under 7 U.S.C. Ch. 94 (relating to organic certification). "Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark." One or more trademarks that consist of the phrase "Pennsylvania Preferred Organic" or "PA Preferred Organic," and that may include specific graphic designs or artwork as part of the trademark registration and which is used to identify a Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodity. "Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark." One or more trademarks that consist of the phrase "Pennsylvania Preferred" or "PA Preferred," and that may include specific graphic designs or artwork as part of the trademark registration. "Person." An individual, partnership, corporation, association or any other legal entity. "Qualified entity." A person that produces, processes, prepares, sells, offers for sale, markets, promotes or is involved with any aspect of production, processing, preparation, promotion, marketing, sale or offering for sale of a Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodity or Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodity. "Qualified veteran." A qualified entity that: (1) is a veteran of one or more of the armed forces of the United States, including the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force or the United States Coast Guard; and (2) has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. "Qualified veteran business entity." A qualified entity to which: (1) The entity is a corporation, partnership, association or other business organization. (2) Qualified veterans make up 50% or more of the entity's ownership and a minimum of 50% of the entity's management control. "USDA." The United States Department of Agriculture. (Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2023 Amendment. Act 21 amended the defs. of "licensee" and "qualified entity" and added the defs. of "organic agricultural commodity," "Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark," "qualified veteran" and "qualified veteran business entity."

3 Pa.C.S. § 4611 Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark and Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark.

The department may take all actions necessary and appropriate to acquire, create, establish, register, maintain, license, promote and protect a Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark for use on or in connection with the sale, marketing or promotion of a Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodity or a Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodity. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days)

3 Pa.C.S. § 4612 Licensee qualification.

A qualified entity shall meet at least one of the following requirements to become a licensee: (1) Be a person that produces an agricultural commodity or an organic agricultural commodity: (i) that is entirely harvested from a Pennsylvania location or is grown at a Pennsylvania location for at least 75% of the commodity's production cycle; and (ii) that, if inspected by the department, the USDA, the FDA or an independent certifying agency approved by the department, is approved by the inspecting authority as meeting all applicable quality, sanitation, safety and labeling standards of that inspecting authority. (2) Be a person that processes an agricultural commodity or an organic agricultural commodity: (i) in whole or in part at a facility which is located within this Commonwealth; and (ii) in whole or in part at a facility, which, if the agricultural commodity or organic agricultural commodity is intended for human consumption, is in compliance with Subchapter B of Chapter 57 (relating to food safety) and all applicable Federal and State food quality, sanitation, safety and labeling standards regulations; and (iii) which is comprised of at least 75% of a Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodity or a Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodity. (3) Be a person that promotes or markets an agricultural commodity or an organic agricultural commodity from a person that meets the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2). (4) Be a public eating and drinking place licensed under and in compliance with Subchapter A of Chapter 57 (relating to retail food facility safety) or under the act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local Health Administration Law, which offers a menu item that includes an agricultural commodity or an organic agricultural commodity from a person that meets the provisions of paragraph (1) or (2). (5) Be a person approved by the department to use and promote the use of the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark to constituencies in furthering the purposes of this chapter. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days)

3 Pa.C.S. § 4613 Duties and authority of department.

(a) Department authority to enter into trademark license agreements.-- (1) The department may enter into a trademark license agreement with a qualified entity. (2) The department shall establish the terms and conditions under which a person may be licensed to use the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark. Terms and conditions shall require a licensee to produce, process, promote or market an agricultural commodity or an organic agricultural commodity in a manner acceptable to the department which protects the reputation of the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark. (3) The department may periodically review a licensing agreement to determine if the terms are being met. (b) Cooperative activities.--The department may engage in cooperative activities to implement and advance the purposes of this chapter. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2023 Amendment. Act 21 amended subsec. (a)(2). 2019 Amendment. Act 36 renumbered former section 4605 to present section 4613.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4614 Trademark license agreement, application and licensure process.

(a) General rule.-- (1) A qualified entity may apply to be licensed to use the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark. (2) An application shall be on a form prepared by the department and shall require identification information and other information the department deems necessary to determine if an applicant is a qualified entity. (3) The application form shall be provided by the department upon request. (4) The department shall have the discretion to determine whether a person is a qualified entity for purposes of this chapter. (5) If the department determines that an applicant is a qualified entity, it shall offer that qualified entity a trademark license agreement. (6) A trademark license agreement under this chapter shall be effective for one year from the date upon which an agreement is executed and may be renewed. An agreement shall contain provisions allowing for the termination of the license agreement by the department or a licensee upon 60 days' advance written notice to the other party. (b) Preexisting trademark license agreements.--A trademark license agreement that is in effect prior to the effective date of this section and that authorizes the use of a Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark shall remain in effect until it is terminated or until the end of the current contract year, whichever occurs first. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2023 Amendment. Act 21 amended subsec. (a)(1). 2019 Amendment. Act 36 renumbered former section 4606 to present section 4614.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4615 Costs.

Reimbursement of costs are as follows: (1) The department may charge a licensee for costs incurred by the department in connection with that licensee's participation in any activity, trade show, exhibition or other promotional event conducted or facilitated by the department. A charge shall reasonably reflect the costs incurred by the department in facilitating the licensee's participation and may include such costs as proportional shares of event registration fees, equipment rental fees, display area rental fees and related costs. (2) The department may charge a licensee for costs of Pennsylvania Preferred® or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® promotional materials provided by the department at the request of the licensee. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2023 Amendment. Act 21 amended par. (2). 2019 Amendment. Act 36 renumbered former section 4607 to present section 4615. Cross References. Section 4615 is referred to in section 4616 of this title.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4616 Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark and Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® Trademark Licensing Fund.

(a) Establishment.--There is established in the State Treasury a special fund which shall be an interest-bearing restricted revenue account to be known as the Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark and Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® Trademark Licensing Fund. The following money shall be deposited into the fund: (1) Money as is appropriated, given, granted or donated for the purpose established under this chapter by the Federal Government, the Commonwealth or any other government or private agency or person. (2) Funds derived from the costs established under section 4615 (relating to costs). (3) Funds derived from civil penalties collected by the department under section 4617 (relating to civil penalties). (b) Appropriation.--Money in the fund is appropriated on a continuing basis to the department for the purpose of administering this chapter. All interest and earnings received from investment or deposit of the money in the fund shall be paid into the account for the purpose authorized by this section. Any unexpended money and any interest or earnings on the money in the fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund, but shall remain in the account to be used by the department for the purpose specified under this section. (c) Use.--Money deposited in the fund shall be used as follows: (1) To promote the licensure and use of the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark with respect to Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodities or Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodities. (2) To promote the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark and the Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark as an identification of origin and quality. (3) To promote Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodities with respect to which the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark is used and increase the number of qualified entities which use the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark. (3.1) To promote Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodities with respect to which the Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark is used and increase the number of qualified entities that use the Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark. (4) To pay costs associated with monitoring the use of the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark and Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark, prohibiting the unlawful or unauthorized use of the trademarks and enforcing rights in the trademarks. (4.1) To promote participation under this chapter by qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities. (4.2) To promote, encourage and facilitate cooperation by the department with military, government or private sector marketing efforts that identify, emphasize and encourage the production and marketing of Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodities or Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodities by qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities. (5) To otherwise fund the department's costs in administering and enforcing this chapter. (d) Definitions.--(Deleted by amendment). (e) Grants.--The department may use money deposited into the Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark and Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® Trademark Licensing Fund to promote one or more of the funding objectives under subsection (c) through the awarding of grants. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2025 Partial Repeal. Section 48(17) of Act 45 of 2025 provided that section 4616 is repealed insofar as it is inconsistent with the addition of section 1931-A of the act of April 9, 1929, P.L.343, No.176, known as The Fiscal Code.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4617 Civil penalties.

In addition to any other remedy available at law or in equity for a violation of a provision of this chapter or a trademark license agreement established under this chapter, the department may assess a civil penalty upon the person responsible for the violation. The civil penalty assessed shall not exceed $10,000 and shall be payable to the Commonwealth and collectible in any manner provided under law for the collection of debt. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days) 2019 Amendment. Act 36 renumbered former section 4609 to present section 4617. Cross References. Section 4617 is referred to in sections 4616, 4618 of this title.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4618 Injunctive relief.

In addition to any other remedies provided for under this chapter, the department or the Attorney General, at the request of the department, may initiate, in the court of common pleas in Dauphin County, an action in equity for an injunction to restrain violations of this chapter or a trademark license agreement. In the proceeding, the court shall, upon motion of the Commonwealth, issue a preliminary injunction if it finds that the defendant is engaging in unlawful conduct under this chapter or is engaging in conduct which is causing immediate or irreparable harm to the public. The Commonwealth shall not be required to furnish bond or other security in connection with the proceedings. In addition to an injunction, the court, in equity proceedings, may levy civil penalties as provided under section 4617 (relating to civil penalties). (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days)

3 Pa.C.S. § 4619 Rules and regulations.

The department shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to promote the efficient, uniform and Statewide administration of this chapter. For two years from the effective date of this section, the department shall have the power and authority to promulgate, adopt and use guidelines to implement the provisions of this chapter. The guidelines shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin but shall not be subject to review under section 205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.769, No.240), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law, sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L.950, No.164), known as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, or the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act. All guidelines shall expire no later than December 31, 2025, and shall be replaced by regulations which shall have been promulgated, adopted and published as provided under law. (July 1, 2019, P.L.255, No.36, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days)

3 Pa.C.S. § 4631 Purpose.

The purpose of this subchapter is to: (1) Benefit qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities that are licensed by the department under Subchapter B (relating to Pennsylvania Preferred® Program) by allowing and encouraging the use of other trademarks or descriptive labels, packaging or advertisement information to inform consumers that agricultural commodities or organic agricultural commodities were produced by veterans of the armed forces of the United States. (2) Encourage qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities to avail themselves of marketing opportunities for Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodities or Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodities through licensure under Subchapter B and partnership with organizations such as the Farmer Veteran Coalition Homegrown By Heroes program and similar programs intended to encourage veterans to farm or to otherwise benefit farmers who are veterans. (Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days)

3 Pa.C.S. § 4632 Definitions (Repealed).

2023 Repeal. Section 4632 was repealed November 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, effective in 60 days.

3 Pa.C.S. § 4633 Qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

(a) Encouragement of participation.--The department shall promote participation under this subchapter by qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities and shall conduct outreach and education efforts to encourage and facilitate veteran participation. (b) Coordination of effort.--The department shall cooperate with military, government or private sector marketing efforts that identify, emphasize and encourage the production and marketing of Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodities or Pennsylvania-produced organic agricultural commodities by qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities and may allow the use of the Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark or Pennsylvania Preferred Organic® trademark in a cooperative effort. (Nov. 1, 2023, P.L.148, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2023 Amendment. Act 21 amended subsec. (b).

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=03Fetched: 10/16/2026