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

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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.