The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced a referendum of eligible producers of raspberries for processing and importers of processed raspberries to determine whether to continue the Processed Raspberry Research and Promotion Program. The vote will take place from Sept. 10 through Oct. 5, 2018.
The program will continue if it is favored by a majority of those eligible to vote. Eligible producers and importers:
- must have produced 20,000 pounds or more of raspberries for processing in the United States; or
- imported 20,000 pounds or more of processed raspberries into the United States between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017; and
- must have been subject to assessments during that period.
Ballots and voting instructions will be mailed to all known eligible producers and importers. Participants will have the option of submitting ballots by mail or electronically. Any eligible producer or importer who does not receive a ballot by Sept. 28, 2018, should contact referendum agent Hakim Fobia at (202) 720-4835 or (202) 720-9915 or Hakim.Fobia@ams.usda.gov.
Ballots submitted by mail must be postmarked by October 5. Ballots delivered via express mail or email must be delivered by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) Oct. 5, 2018.
Notice of the referendum was published in the Federal Register July 25, 2018.
The Processed Raspberry Promotion, Research and Information Order requires USDA to conduct a continuance referendum every seven years. A referendum may also be held by request of 10 percent or more of all the eligible producers and importers, by request of the National Processed Raspberry Council, which administers the program, or when the Secretary of Agriculture deems it necessary. In March 2018, USDA received a petition for a referendum supported by more than the required 10 percent of eligible producers and importers. More information about referenda and voting procedures is in section 1208.71 and Subpart B of the order.
The Processed Raspberry Research and Promotion Program was developed to maintain and expand existing markets and develop new markets for processed raspberry products and is administered by the National Processed Raspberry Council. More information about the council is available on AMS’ National Processed Raspberry Council webpage.
Since 1966, Congress has authorized 22 industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender