Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Reduced Assessment Rate

This interim final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Hazelnut Marketing Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 982 for the 1997-98 and subsequent marketing years. The Board is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of hazelnuts grown in Oregon and Washington. Authorization to assess hazelnut handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The 1997-98 marketing year covers the period July 1 through June 30. The assessment rate will continue until amended, suspended, or terminated.