Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, et al.; Temporary Suspension of a Provision on Producer Continuance Referenda Under the Cranberry Marketing Order

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which temporarily suspended an order provision requiring a producer continuance referendum to be conducted on the marketing order during the month of May 1999. The industry currently is experiencing unsettled marketing conditions due to a surplus of product. The temporary delay in holding the continuance referendum is allowing the Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee) to finalize the development of a plan to improve the marketing situation, hold producer meetings throughout the production area to update them on the situation, and begin implementing the plan.