Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Increased Assessment Rate

This final rule increases the assessment rate established for the Hazelnut Marketing Board (Board) for the 2000-2001 and subsequent marketing years from $0.004 to $0.005 per pound of hazelnuts handled. The Board locally administers the marketing order, which regulates the handling of hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. Authorization to assess hazelnut handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The marketing year began July 1 and ends June 30. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.