Almonds Grown in California; Order Amending the Marketing Order

This final rule amends the marketing order (order) for California almonds. The amendments change order provisions regarding: five existing definitions in the order; Almond Board of California (Board) nomination procedures, terms of office, qualification procedures, eligibility requirements, voting and tenure requirements; modifying creditable advertising provisions; revising volume control procedures; requiring handlers to maintain records in the State of California; authorizing interest or late payment charges on assessments paid late; providing for periodic continuance referenda; and making necessary conforming changes. These changes were favored by California almond producers in a mail referendum. The amendments will improve the administration, operation and functioning of the California almond marketing order program.