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June 1, 2001

Comments sought on watermelon checkoff

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comments on a proposal to amend the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan.

Under the proposed amendment, watermelon wholesalers, fresh-cut processors, and anyone who arranges the sale or transfer of watermelons would be required to pay assessments to the National Watermelon Promotion Board in addition to the producers, first handlers, and importers who already pay assessments under the program.

The assessment would be 2 cents per hundredweight of watermelons handled, including any watermelons handled domestically after their importation.

The purpose of the proposed amendment is to treat all handlers of watermelons equally, to decrease administrative costs under the program, and to increase assessment income.

AMS will conduct a national referendum after receiving and reviewing comments.

Individuals who are currently covered by the plan and those proposed to be covered by the plan will be eligible to vote in the referendum. Currently, watermelon producers of 10 or more acres, first handlers, and importers of 150,000 pounds or more of watermelons annually are covered by the plan.

A proposed rule containing the amendment was published in the April 30 Federal Register.

Comments must be received by June 29, 2001 and should be mailed in triplicate to the Docket Clerk, USDA/AMS Stop 0244, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0244; telephone (888) 720-9917 (toll free); fax (202) 205-2800; or e-mail: malinda.farmer@usda.gov.