Walnuts Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate

This interim final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the Walnut Marketing Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 984 for the 1997-98 and subsequent marketing years. The Board is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California. Authorization to assess walnut handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The 1997-98 marketing year covers the period August 1 through July 31. The assessment rate will continue in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.