Section 1487.19 - Ethical conduct(a) The Participant shall maintain written standards of conduct governing the performance of its employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts.(b) A Participant shall conduct its business in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country(s) in which each activity is carried out and in accordance with applicable U.S. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations. A Participant shall conduct its business in the United States in accordance with applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations.(c) Neither a Participant nor its affiliates shall make export sales of U.S. agricultural commodities covered under the terms of an agreement. Neither a Participant nor its affiliates shall charge a fee for facilitating an export sale. A Participant may collect check-off funds and membership fees that are required for membership in the Participant's organization.(d) The Participant shall not use program activities or project funds to promote private self-interests or conduct private business.(e) A Participant shall not limit participation in its TASC activities to members of its organization. Participants shall ensure that their TASC-funded programs and activities are open to all otherwise qualified individuals and entities on an equal basis and without regard to any non-merit factors.(f) A Participant shall select U.S. agricultural industry representatives to participate in activities based on criteria that ensure participation on an equitable basis by a broad cross section of the U.S. industry. If requested by CCC, a Participant shall submit such selection criteria to CCC for approval.(g) The Participant must report any actions or circumstances that may have a bearing on the propriety of program activities to the appropriate Attache/Counselor, and the Participant's U.S. office shall report such actions or circumstances in writing to CCC.(h) The officers, employees, board members, and agents of the Participant shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, sub-contractors, or parties to sub-agreements. However, Participants may set standards for situations in which the financial interest is not substantial, or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The standards of conduct shall provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, board members, or agents of the Participant.