Pistachios Grown in California; Establishment of Continuing Assessment Rate and Reporting Requirements

This rule establishes a continuing assessment rate for the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (Committee) for the 2004-05 and subsequent fiscal periods of $0.0014 per pound of pistachios received for processing and establishes assessment reporting requirements under the California pistachio marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California and is administered by the Committee. Authorization to assess pistachio handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal period began September 1 and ends August 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated. Requiring handlers to file annual reports with the Committee will facilitate the Committee's collection of handler assessments.