Avocados Grown in South Florida; Increased Assessment Rate

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2002-03 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.19 to $0.20 per 55-pound bushel container or equivalent of avocados handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of avocados grown in South Florida. Authorization to assess avocado handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal period began April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.