First Handlers, commonly known as Pecan Buyers are required by law to collect the assessment from growers that sell pecans and are required to collect and remit the assessment to the Texas Pecan Board by the 10th day of each month.

 

First Handlers of pecans collect 1/2¢ on every pound of pecans sold and then deliver those assessments to the Texas Pecan Board. It does not matter if the grower asks the First Handler to take out the assessment, the First Handler is expected and required by Texas law to deduct the assessment from each pound of pecans sold. All growers that have more than 500 pecan trees on15 acres are required to pay the assessment.

 

If any grower does not wish to participate in the Texas Pecan Checkoff program then they must first pay the assessment to the buyer and then the grower must send in a request to the Board for a refund.  Growers are required to pay their assessment to the buyer even though they will be requesting a refund.  If you are a pecan buyer, paying their assessment will remove your liability to the program and to the State of Texas even if they request a refund.

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Any First Handler that buys pecans from an Exempt Grower must get an Exempt Pecan Grower Form signed by the grower and submit with the First Handler Report Form.