Kiwifruit Producers to Vote
On Marketing Order
The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that kiwifruit producers will
conduct a referendum on proposed amendments to the Federal Marketing Order for
kiwifruit grown in California.
The
referendum, scheduled for August 26 to September 6, 2013, will gauge voter
support for five proposed amendments recommended by the Kiwifruit
Administrative Committee (Committee). A proposed rule was issued in the Federal
Register on August 2, 2013. Beginning August 19, USDA will mail ballot
materials to all known growers who produced kiwifruit in California between
August 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013.
If approved
by voters, the proposed amendments would provide authority to: recommend and
conduct production and postharvest research; recommend and conduct market
research and development projects; receive and expend voluntary contributions;
specify that recommendations for production research and market development be
approved by eight members of the Committee; and update provisions regarding
alternate members' service
on the
Committee.
The
amendments will become effective if either two-thirds of the growers voting, or
producers accounting for two-thirds of the volume of kiwifruit represented in the
referendum, vote to approve the amendments.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will mail ballots
and voting instructions to all eligible growers of record. Eligible growers who
do not receive a ballot may contact Rose Aguayo or Kathie Notoro at USDA's
California Marketing Field Office, 2202 Monterey Street, Fresno, Calif. 93721;
phone: (559) 487-5901.Labels: Aug.26 to Sept. 6. Ag Marketing Service, California Kiwifruit, Kathie Notoro, Kiwi Fruit Referedum, Kiwifruit Administrative Committee. Rose Aguayo, Nick Matteis, USDA