The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the first meeting of the American Pecan Council will be held on Nov. 16 and 17, 2016, at the Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental, 18700 John F. Kennedy Blvd. in Houston, Texas. The meeting is open to the public.
The members of the new council are tasked with guiding its start-up and operation, formulating its budget and developing a marketing policy and related handling regulations for pecans grown in the 15-state production area. The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 authorizes the council to locally administer the Federal marketing order. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight.
The council consists of 17 members, including nine grower members, six sheller members, an at-large seat allocated for an accumulator member, and an at-large seat allocated for a public member. Each member has an alternate. Members of the council are nominated by the industry and appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
More information about the council, including the full roster of members is available at https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/moa/986-pecans. Details about the meeting agenda will also be available on the website. For more information on Federal marketing orders, contact the Marketing Order and Agreement Division by phone: (863) 324-3375.
Individuals who wish to arrange for special accommodations should contact Jennie Varela at (863) 324-3375 or jennie.varela@ams.usda.gov.