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Assessment Increase Approved by USDA

AMS No. 207-07
Jimmie Turner (202) 720-6179
jimmie.turner@usda.gov
Billy Cox (202) 720-8998
billy.cox@usda.gov

USDA ANNOUNCES AN INCREASE IN THE ASSESSMENT RATE FOR WATERMELONS

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is increasing the assessment rate on watermelons for producers, handlers and importers to fund promotional activities. USDA is adopting, as a final rule, a proposal to increase the assessment rate from 4 to 6 cents per hundredweight total. Handlers and producers of 10 acres or more will split the costs by paying 3 cents each. Importers of 150,000 pounds or more of watermelons will pay 6 cents per hundredweight annually. (press release continues)

View the USDA NEWS RELEASE here (Word).

USDA FINAL RULE: As of Monday, October 29, the Secretary of Agriculture has approved the watermelon assessment increase recommendation. USDA has posted the final rule on its website. View the USDA final rule on the watermelon assessment increase here (PDF).

The assessment increase will become effective January 1, 2008.

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