U.S. Blackberry Marketing Order

WASHINGTON - Jan 6/04 - SNS -- Blackberry producers and processors in Oregon and Washington are being asked to comment on a proposed marketing order for the crop which would give the right to the USDA to set sales quotas and assess a market development checkoff.

The proposed marketing order was filed by the Oregon Washington Blackberry Proponent Committee, an industry group created to develop a proposed order. USDA will consider any additional alternatives or suggested revisions if received no later than Feb. 6.

The proposed marketing order would establish a producer allotment form of volume regulation and would allow for reserve pooling of excess processed blackberries. The proposal would authorize quality standards and allow for production and marketing research, and promotion, including paid advertising.

The proposal and justification may be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/moab.html.

After receipt of any alternatives or suggested revisions, USDA will consider holding a public hearing in the growing region to learn how the proposal could help the industry address its marketing problems. If USDA decides the establishment of a processed blackberry marketing order would fall within the scope of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, a recommended decision would be issued. Ultimately, a grower referendum would decide whether an order would be established.

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