Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington; Hearing on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Agreement and Order No. 946

Résumé

Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on nine proposed amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order No. 946, which regulate the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington. Seven amendments are proposed by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These are: adding the authority to establish container and marking regulations; requiring Committee producer members to have produced potatoes for the fresh market in at least 3 out of the last 5 years prior to nomination; incorporating language currently existing in the Rules and Regulations subpart pertaining to selection and establishment of districts; requiring Committee nominees to submit a signed acceptance letter prior to appointment by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); allowing for nominations to be held at large industry meetings; adding the authority to change the size of the Committee; and adding the authority to allow for additional alternates to serve when a Committee member and that member's alternate are unable to serve. AMS proposed two additional amendments to establish tenure limitations for Committee members and re