Fresh Bartlett Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Reduced Assessment Rate

This interim final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Northwest Fresh Bartlett Pear Marketing Committee (Committee) under Marketing Order No. 931 for the 1997-98 and subsequent fiscal periods. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of fresh Bartlett pears grown in Oregon and Washington. Authorization to assess fresh Bartlett pear handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The 1997-98 fiscal period for this marketing order covers the period July 1 through May 31. The assessment rate will continue until amended, suspended, or terminated.