Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin; Assessment Rate and Establishment of Late Payment and Interest Charges on Delinquent Assessments

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, with modifications, the provisions of an interim final rule that established an assessment rate for the 1997-98 and subsequent fiscal periods to cover expenses incurred by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 930. That rule also established an interest rate and late payment charge on delinquent assessments owed by handlers under the tart cherry marketing order. The Board is responsible for local administration of the marketing order. Authorization to assess tart cherry handlers will enable the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The interest rate and late payment charges will contribute to the efficient operation of the program by ensuring adequate funds are available to cover budgeted expenses incurred under the marketing order. The 1997-98 fiscal period covers the period July 1, through June 30. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.