Amendments to Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order

This rule amends provisions of the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order) to reapportion membership of the Mushroom Council (Council) to reflect shifts in United States mushroom production as well as to add language to the powers and duties section of the Order allowing the Council the power to develop and propose good agricultural and handling practices and related activities for mushrooms. Section 10104 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) amended sections 1925(b)(2) and (c) of the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1990 (Act). Specifically, section 10104 changed the Act's requirements for geographic regions used to appoint producer members of the Council from four to three, and adjusted the pounds required by each region for Council membership, which reallocated Council member representation in two of the three producer geographic regions (Regions 1 and 2). Section 10104 also added language to the powers and duties section of the Act that authorizes the Council to develop and propose good agricultural practices and related activities for mushrooms. A referendum was held among eligible mushroom producers and importers and they voted in favor of the amendments. Therefore, this rule amends changes to the Order based on the amendments to the Act.