(a) In addition to all other complaint procedures provided for in this chapter, any aggrieved grower or licensee with a complaint that is not subject to the federal Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. Sec. 181 et seq.) or the federal Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 (7 U.S.C. Sec. 499a et seq.) and for which the claim for damages does not exceed thirty thousand dollars ($30,000), may file a verified complaint with the department, subject to expedited review and settlement. Informal complaints may be made for damages, but not for disciplinary action, although the department may issue a complaint pursuant to Section 56382 as the basis for disciplinary action. Informal complaints must be received by the department within nine months of when the claimant ought to have reasonably known of its existence, as required under Section 56446. (b) Complaints must be submitted to the department in writing and verified, and may be transmitted via United States mail, overnight delivery, or by facsimile transmission, setting forth the essential details of the transactions complained of, including the following: (1) The name and address of each party to the dispute, of the agent representing him or her in the transaction involved, if any, as well as the partyâs counsel, if any. (2) The quantity and quality or grade of each kind of produce shipped if a grade or quality is the basis of payment. (3) The date of shipment. (4) The carrier identification if a carrier was used. (5) The shipping and destination points. (6) If a sale, the date, sales price, and amount actually received. (7) If a consignment, the date, reported proceeds, gross, and net. (8) A precise estimate of the amount of damages claimed, if known. (9) A brief statement of material facts in dispute, including terms of applicable contracts. (10) The amount of damages being sought. (c) The complaint shall also, so far as practicable, be accompanied by true copies of all available papers relating to the transaction complained about, including shipping documents, letters, telegrams, invoices, manifests, inspection certificates, accountings, accounts of sale, and any special contracts or agreements. (d) The informal complaint shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable filing fee of one hundred dollars ($100) as required under Section 56382.5. (e) Upon confirmation that a complaint has been properly and timely filed, including the securing of a denial letter from the United States Department of Agriculture under the federal Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, or the federal Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, the department shall send a copy of the complaint to the respondent by certified mail and advise the respondent that it shall have 30 days from the departmentâs mailing of the complaint in which to answer the complaint. The answer shall contain a brief response to the complaint, including the respondentâs position with respect to the claimantâs description of matters in dispute, the relevant facts, and the remedy sought, together with a description of any claims it may have against the complainant, in the same manner as claims are to be set out in the complaint. The respondent shall also include any pertinent documentation relevant to its defense with its answer. (f) After receipt of the answer from the respondent, the department shall informally consult with the parties to clarify the nature of the dispute and to facilitate the exchange of information between the parties in order to assist the parties in reaching an expedited informal resolution of the dispute. The informal consultation process will last no longer than 60 days. The parties shall cooperate fully with the department and shall participate in the informal consultation process. (g) If the informal consultation process provided for in this section does not result in resolution of the dispute, the complainant may then pursue arbitration against the licensee and the complaint and any counter
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