Release No. 117-15
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2015 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a referendum on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order for table grapes grown in California.
The referendum is scheduled for Jan. 21 through Feb. 4, 2016, and will gauge voter support for two proposed amendments recommended by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee, and a third amendment recommended by the USDA. A proposed rule was published in the June 5, 2015, Federal Register. On Jan. 15, 2016, USDA will mail ballot materials to all known growers that produced table grapes in California between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2015.
If approved by voters, these proposed amendments would provide authority to:
- Increase the length of the term of office for committee members and alternates from one to four fiscal periods;
- Allow new members and alternates to agree to accept their nominations prior to selection; and,
- Conduct periodic continuance referenda.
The proposed amendments will become effective only if approved by either two-thirds of the growers voting in the referendum, or by those representing at least two-thirds of the volume of table grapes grown by those voting in the referendum.
Notice of the Referendum will be published in the Oct. 7, 2015 Federal Register.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will mail ballots and voting instructions to all eligible growers of record. Eligible growers who do not receive a ballot may contact Rose Aguayo or Kathie Notoro at USDA’s California Marketing Field Office, 2202 Monterey Street, Fresno, Calif. 93721; phone: (559) 487-5901; fax (559) 487-5906.
Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news or follow us on Twitter @USDA_AMS. You can also read about us on the USDA blog.
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