Fresh Prunes Grown in Designated Counties in Washington and Umatilla County, Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate

This rule increases the assessment rate established for the Washington-Oregon Fresh Prune Marketing Committee (Committee) under Marketing Order No. 924 for the 1998-99 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to $1.00 per ton of fresh prunes handled. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of fresh prunes grown in designated counties in Washington and Umatilla County, Oregon. Authorization to assess fresh prune handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The 1998-99 fiscal period began April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.