USA: USDA to hold a public hearing in February on proposed amendments to the California raisins marketing order

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order for California raisins Feb. 13-14, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT at the Raisin Administrative Committee offices in Fresno, California. The committee, which locally administers the marketing order, recommended the following amendments: Reduce membership from 47 to 21. Eliminate the designated cooperative bargaining association member seat. Lower quorum requirements from 25 to 14. Remove producer district representation. Remove the requirement for separate member and alternate nominations for independent or small cooperative producers. Remove two factors for establishing marketing policy. Add language to clarify the quality of reconditioned raisins. Add authority to accept voluntary contributions. Add language regarding ownership of intellectual property. The hearing will continue, if necessary, until all amendments have been addressed. USDA ...