Revision of User Fees for 1999 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is raising user fees for cotton producers for 1999 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act in accordance with the formula provided in the Uniform Cotton Classing Fees Act of 1987. The 1998 user fee for this classification service was $1.30 per bale. This final rule would raise the fee for the 1999 crop to $1.35 per bale. The increase in fees resulted from the significant drop in cotton production for the 1998 crop. The fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration, supervision, and development and maintenance of standards.