Subdivision 1. Penalties.
In a proceeding in which civil penalties are claimed from a party for a violation of section 17.943 , it is a defense to the claim that the party made a good faith and reasonable effort to comply with section 17.943 .
Subd. 2. Attorney's fees.
A party who has made a good faith and reasonable effort to comply with section 17.943 may not be assessed attorney's fees or costs of investigation in an action for violating section 17.943 .
Subd. 3. Class action attorney's fees.
In a class action or series of class actions that arise from the use by a contractor of an agricultural contract found to violate section 17.943 , the amount of attorney's fees and costs of investigation assessed against that contractor and in favor of the class or classes may not exceed $10,000.
Subd. 4. Limits on producer actions.
Violation of section 17.943 is not a defense to a claim arising from a producer's breach of an agricultural contract. A producer may recover actual damages caused by a violation of section 17.943 only if the violation caused the producer to not understand the rights, obligations, or remedies of the contract.
Subd. 5. Statute of limitations.
A claim that an agricultural contract violates section 17.943 must be raised within six years of the date the contract is executed by the producer.