Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Reduced Assessment Rate

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which decreased 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 the 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 in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.