Gwen Sparks,(202) 260-8210gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2012 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture has filed a complaint against Baker Walnut, Inc. for alleged marketing order violations.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has determined that the Modesto, Calif., company failed to pay $9,242.18 in assessments to the California Walnut Board for the 2010 - 2011 crop year. This action is in direct violation of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and the federal marketing order for California-grown walnuts. AMS, which oversees federal marketing orders, is seeking payment of the past due assessments and unspecified civil penalties.
Baker Walnut, Inc. will have an opportunity to file a written answer and request an oral hearing.
Authorized by Congress through the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, marketing orders collect assessment fees to cover operational and administrative costs. Marketing orders are implemented through a formal USDA-conducted rulemaking process at the request of industry representatives. Currently, 30 active fruit, vegetable or specialty crop marketing orders are administered by local committees of growers and handlers.
For further information, contact Candice Spalding, Compliance and Enforcement Branch Chief, via phone at (202) 720-6585, fax: (202) 720-5698, or e-mail: candice.spalding@ams.usda.gov .
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