Onions Grown in South Texas; Decreased Assessment Rate

This interim final rule decreases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee) under Marketing Order No. 959 for the 1997-98 and subsequent fiscal periods. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. Authorization to assess Texas onion handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The 1997-98 fiscal period began August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will continue in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.