Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Temporary Suspension of Continuing Assessment Rate

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which suspended the continuing assessment rate for the Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) under Marketing Order No. 925 for the 1998 fiscal period. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order, and recommended that no handler assessments be collected in 1998. It made this recommendation because it has enough reserve funds to cover 1998 fiscal year expenses and expenses expected during the first several months of fiscal year 1999, and to keep its operating reserve within the maximum permitted under the marketing order. The assessment rate will apply again during fiscal year 1999 to cover expenses and to replenish the Committee's reserve funds. That rate will continue in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.