Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Increased Assessment Rate

This rule increases the assessment rate for tart cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products other than juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00175 to $0.0019 per pound. It also increases the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.000875 to $0.0019 per pound. The single assessment rate for all assessable tart cherries was recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 930 for the 2002-2003 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, 2002, and ends June 30, 2003. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.