Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 946

This rule amends the marketing order (order) for Irish potatoes grown in Washington. Irish potato growers, voting in a mail referendum held March 18 through April 8, 2005 voted on seven amendments proposed by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order, and two amendments proposed by the Agricultural Marketing Service of USDA. Of the nine amendments proposed, seven were favored, including: Adding authority for container and marking regulations; requiring Committee producer members to have produced potatoes for the fresh market in at least 3 out of the last 5 years prior to nomination; updating order provisions pertaining to establishment of districts and apportionment of Committee membership among those districts; allowing for nominations to be held at industry meetings or events; adding authority to change the size of the Committee; adding authority to allow temporary alternates to serve when a Committee member and that member's alternate are unable to serve; and, requiring continuance referenda to be conducted every six years. The two amendments that failed include: requiring Committee nominees to submit a written background and acceptance statement prior to selection by USDA and establishing tenure limitations for Committee members.