In the September 12, 2016, Federal Register, USDA's AMS announced that the comment period on the proposed rule to increase the assessment rate for California almonds under Marketing Order No. 981 is reopened until October 12, 2016. The proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Almond Board of California to increase the assessment rate established for the 2016–17 through the 2018–19 crop years from $0.03 to $0.04 per pound of almonds handled under the marketing order. Of the $0.04 per pound assessment, 60 percent (or $0.024 per pound) would be available as credit-back for handlers who conduct their own promotional activities. Comments are due October 12, 2016.

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