Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Decreased Assessment Rates

<RM>The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate for cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products other than juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.0017 to $0.0012 per pound. It also decreased the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00085 to $0.0006 per pound. Both assessment rates were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 930 for the 2000-2001 and subsequent fiscal periods. The Board is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the production area. Authorization to assess tart cherry handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal period began July 1 and ends June 30. The assessment rates continue to remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.