Federal Register #Doc. No. AMS-SC-24-0080

Final Rule: Decreased Assessment Rate for Walla Walla Sweet Onions

This final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) updates the assessment rate for Walla Walla sweet onions: - Government Buyer: - Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture - Specialty Crops Program, Market Development Division, Northwest Region Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action affecting agricultural producers and handlers - Products/Services Requested: - Product: Walla Walla sweet onions - Assessment rate set at $0.17 per 50-pound bag or equivalent for the 2025 fiscal period and subsequent periods - Estimated 222,950 50-pound bags handled in 2025 - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Applies to all handlers of Walla Walla sweet onions under Marketing Order No. 956 - Affects approximately 12 producers and 8 handlers, all classified as small entities - Assessment funds are used to administer the marketing order and align reserve funds with authorized levels - The rule remains in effect until further modification, suspension, or termination - Place of Performance: - Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon

Description

This final rule implements a recommendation from the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee to decrease the assessment rate for sweet onions grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon. The assessment rate is reduced from $0.20 to $0.17 per 50-pound bag or equivalent for the 2025 fiscal period and subsequent periods. The rate will remain in effect indefinitely until modified, suspended, or terminated. The rule aims to adjust the assessment to better align with budgeted expenditures and reserve fund levels.

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