Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Decreased Assessment Rate

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which decreases the assessment rate established for the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee) for the 1998-99 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.10 per 50-pound bag or equivalent to $0.07 per 50-pound bag or equivalent of Vidalia onions handled. The Committee is responsible for local administration of the marketing order which regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia. Authorization to assess Vidalia onion handlers enables the Committee to incur expenses that are reasonable and necessary to administer the program. The current fiscal period began September 16 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.