What Does Responsibly Connected Mean in the Agricultural Marketing Service?

Definition & Meaning

The term "responsibly connected" refers to individuals or entities that have a significant ownership or managerial role in a business, particularly in the context of agricultural marketing. Specifically, it includes anyone who is an individual owner, partner in a partnership, member or manager of a limited liability company, officer or director of a corporation, or holds more than a ten percent ownership stake in any of these entities. This definition is crucial for understanding eligibility and compliance under various regulations, especially those concerning the marketing of perishable agricultural commodities.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A person who owns fifteen percent of a corporation that sells agricultural products is considered responsibly connected. This means they must adhere to specific regulations under PACA.

Example 2: A partner in a farming partnership who manages day-to-day operations is also classified as responsibly connected and must comply with relevant agricultural marketing standards.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Affiliated Having a connection or relationship with a business. Broader than "responsibly connected," which specifies ownership stakes.
Owner Someone who holds legal title to a business or property. All responsibly connected individuals are owners, but not all owners are necessarily "responsibly connected" under PACA.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are "responsibly connected" to an agricultural business, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under PACA. Consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in agricultural law to ensure compliance. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates and resources to assist you in managing your business obligations effectively.

Quick facts

  • Typical ownership threshold: More than ten percent.
  • Relevant law: Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
  • Key roles: Owner, partner, member, officer, or director.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It refers to individuals with significant ownership or managerial roles in a business, particularly in agricultural contexts.