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

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which decreased 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 per pound to $0.00225 per pound. The interim final rule also decreased the assessment rate for cherries utilized for juice, juice concentrate, or puree from $0.00125 per pound to $0.001125 per pound. Both assessment rates are established for the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Committee) 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 began July 1 and ends June 30. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.