Dried Prunes Produced in California; Increased Assessment Rate

This interim final rule increases the assessment rate for the Prune Marketing Committee (Committee) under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 1997-98 and subsequent crop years. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California. Authorization to assess prune handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The 1997-98 crop year covers the period August 1 through July 31. The assessment rate will continue in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.