Raspberry Growers To Vote On Marketing Order

The USDA is seeking comments on a proposal for a new national Processed Raspberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order. A 13-member council, and their alternates, would administer the proposed order. The council would be responsible for carrying out activities intended to strengthen the position of the processed raspberry industry in the marketplace, and to develop, maintain, and expand domestic and foreign markets for processed raspberries. Producers of raspberries for processing and importers of processed raspberries would pay an assessment of up to 1¢ per pound, with the initial assessment rate being 1¢ per pound. Producers and importers of less than 20,000 pounds per year of raspberries for processing and processed raspberries would be exempt from paying assessments.

The proposed rule was published in the April 9, 2009, Federal Register. Comments must be received by June 8, 2009, and should be mailed, in triplicate, to the Research and Promotion Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, Stop 0244, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244. Growers can also call 888-720-9917 or fax to 202-205-2800. You can also submit comments online by going to www.regulations.gov and typing in “raspberry” in the search box.