What must the director or commissioner issue if nursery stock is in violation?

If nursery stock is found to be in violation of established regulations or standards, the proper course of action for the director or commissioner is to issue a warning tag. This tag serves as an immediate notification to both the nursery owner and potential buyers that the stock does not meet the necessary legal or health requirements. It helps to ensure that any issues are addressed before the plants can be sold, thereby protecting consumers and maintaining industry standards.

The issuance of a warning tag signifies that corrective actions are needed and can prevent further distribution of non-compliant plants. It also serves as documentation that informs the nursery operator of the specific violation, allowing them to take appropriate steps to resolve the issue. By doing so, it fosters accountability and promotes compliance within the nursery industry.

In contrast, a sales permit would be issued for stock that is compliant and ready for sale; a compliance certificate indicates that regulations have already been met; and a health inspection report would typically be conducted to assess conditions rather than to signify a violation.