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

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2003-04 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.005 to $0.006 per \4/5\ bushel carton of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos 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 August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.