Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998jimmie.turner@ams.usda.govBilly Cox (202) 720-8998billy.cox@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued a proposed rule that amends the member provisions of the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order.
To reflect changes in the quantity of highbush blueberry imports in the past three years, the rule proposes to add two importer members and their alternates to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. The change was proposed by the council in accordance with the provisions of the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order, which is authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996.
The order requires that the Highbush Blueberry Council review the geographical distribution of U.S. production and the quantity of imports of highbush blueberries at least every five years. As a result of these changes, the total council membership would increase from 14 to 16 members and their alternates. In addition, this rule proposes to increase the quorum minimum from seven to nine members.
The proposed rule was published in the March 17, 2010, Federal Register. Comments on the rule, due by April 6, 2010, should be sent to USDA, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Stop 0244-Room 0634-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244; faxed: (202) 205-2800; or emailed: http://www.regulations.gov.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the Highbush Blueberry Council in accordance with the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The council administers an industry-funded national research and promotion program to maintain and expand markets for blueberries.
More information about the research and promotion programs can be found at www.regulations.gov.
Follow us on Twitter to receive the latest press releases, stories, and important updates about the Agricultural Marketing Service at: http://twitter.com/USDA_AMS_NEWS.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).