Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998jimmie.turner@ams.usda.govBilly Cox (202) 720-8998billy.cox@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2010 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is withdrawing a proposal to amend the Blueberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order.
The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2009, would have increased the assessment rate annually from $12 to $24 per ton on growers who produce or import more than 2,000 pounds of highbush blueberries. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council recommended increasing the assessment rate to expand its promotional and research activities to bridge the potential gap between demand and future supply.
Several comments were received in opposition to the proposed increase in the assessment rate, so the proposal is being withdrawn.
This withdrawal rule will be published in the Feb. 23, 2010, Federal Register. Copies of the withdrawal rule may be requested in writing to: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Research and Promotion Branch, Stop 0244, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 0632, Washington, DC 20250-0244; or faxed to (202) 205-2800. The withdrawal rule is also available on www.regulations.gov or AMS’s Web site at www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operations of the U.S. 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 highbush blueberries.
More information about research and promotion programs can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion.
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).