Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 720-2739 Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2010--The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently seeking comments on proposed procedures for the upcoming referendum on the continuation of the Sorghum checkoff program.
The Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order), authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 requires a referendum occur within three years after assessments first begin to determine whether to continue the Order.
USDA proposes to conduct the referendum through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Ballots may be obtained from county FSA offices in person, by mail, by facsimile, or via the Internet. USDA proposes holding the referendum during a four week period to be announced by the Secretary. Persons engaged in production, or importation of sorghum anytime from July 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010, would be eligible to vote provided they present documentation such as a sales receipt or a remittance form verifying production or importation.
The 13 member Board is authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. The mandatory program is funded at the rate of 0.6 percent of the net market value on grain sorghum and 0.35 percent of the net market value of sorghum forage. The program is intended to be a national, coordinated, self-help marketing program designed to strengthen the position of sorghum in the marketplace, maintain and expand existing domestic and foreign markets and uses for sorghum, and to develop new markets and uses for sorghum. Assessments began July 1, 2008.
The proposed procedures were published in the July 16, 2010, Federal Register. Comments must be received by close of September 14, 2010. Comments must be posted online at www.regulations.gov or sent to Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2628-S, STOP 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; Telephone: (202) 720-1115; Fax: (202) 720-1125. All comments should reference the docket number, Docket No. AMS-LS-10-0003; the date, and the page number of this issue of the Federal Register.
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