Almonds Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Almond Board of California (Board) for the 2004-05 and subsequent crop years from $0.020 to $0.025 per pound of almonds received. Of the $0.025 per pound assessment, $0.014 is available as credit-back for handlers who conduct their own promotional activities. The Board locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California. Authorization to assess almond handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The crop year begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.