Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998jimmie.turner@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2010 – California nectarine, pear and peach growers will vote Jan. 12 through Feb. 2, 2011, on whether to continue their federal marketing orders with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The marketing orders require that continuance referenda be held every four years. To be eligible to vote, growers must have produced nectarines, pears or peaches in California during the period April 1 to Nov. 30, 2010.
For the orders to continue, at least two-thirds of the growers voting in the referenda or growers representing at least two-thirds of the volume of nectarines, pears and peaches represented in the referenda must vote in favor of the order.
Notice of the referenda will be published in the Dec. 13, 2010, Federal Register.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will mail ballots and voting instructions to all growers of record. Eligible growers not receiving ballots may request them in writing from Jerry L. Simmons: USDA, AMS, 2202 Monterey Street, Suite 102B, Fresno, CA 93721-3129; by calling (559) 487-5901; or faxing (559) 487-5906.
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