Almonds Grown in California; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Further Amendment of Marketing Agreement and Order No. 981

Résumé

This decision proposes amendments to the subject marketing agreement and order (order) and provides almond producers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments were submitted by the Almond Board of California (Board) and five additional persons. The proposed changes would: change five existing definitions in the order; revise Board representation, nomination procedures, terms of office, quorum and qualification procedures, voting and tenure requirements; modify creditable advertising provisions; revise volume control procedures; require handlers to maintain records in the State of California; authorize interest or late payment charges on assessments paid late; provide for periodic continuance referenda; authorize exemptions for organic almonds from certain program requirements; and make necessary conforming changes. These changes are being proposed to improve the administration, operation and functioning of the California almond marketing order program.