Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2001-02 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.0055 to $0.005 per 4/5 bushel carton of Florida citrus handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida. Authorization to assess Florida citrus handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal period began on August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.