§ 2711. Exempted egg producers and breeding hen flocks; conditions and procedures
(a)
In general
The following shall be exempt from the specific provisions of this chapter under such conditions and procedures as may be prescribed in the order or rules and regulations issued thereunder:
(b)
Number of laying hens
(1)
In general
For purposes of subsection (a)(1) of this section, the aggregate number of laying hens owned by an egg producer shall include—
(A)
in cases in which the producer is an individual, laying hens owned by such producer or members of such producer’s family that are effectively under the control of such producer, as determined by the Secretary;
(B)
in cases in which the producer is a general partnership or similar entity, laying hens owned by the entity and all partners or equity participants in the entity; and
(C)
in cases in which the producer holds 50 percent or more of the stock or other beneficial interest in a corporation, joint stock company, association, cooperative, limited partnership, or other similar entity, laying hens owned by the entity.
Ownership of laying hens by a trust or similar entity shall be considered ownership by the beneficiaries of the trust or other entity.
(2)
Stock or beneficial interests
For purposes of paragraph (1)(C), stock or other beneficial interest in an entity that is held by—
(B)
a general partnership or similar entity in which the producer is a partner or equity participant;
(D)
a corporation, joint stock company, association, cooperative, limited partnership, or other similar entity in which the producer holds 50 percent or more of the stock or other beneficial interests,
shall be considered as held by the producer.