Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Decreased Assessment Rates

This rule decreases the assessment rate for cherries that are utilized in the production of tart cherry products other than juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.0025 to $0.00225 per pound. It also decreases the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00125 to $0.001125 per pound. Both assessment rates are established for the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) under Marketing Order No. 930 for the 1999-2000 and subsequent fiscal periods. The Board is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the production area. Authorization to assess tart cherry handlers enables the Board to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The fiscal period begins July 1 and ends June 30. The assessment rates will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.