Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, CA; Proposed Amendments to Marketing Order 987 and Referendum Order

This rule proposes seven amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order No. 987 (order), which regulates the handling of domestic dates produced or packed in Riverside County, California, and provides growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. Five amendments were proposed by the California Date Administrative Committee (CDAC or committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. These proposed amendments are intended to improve administration of and compliance with the order and reflect current industry practices. In addition to the committee's proposals, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes two amendments that would provide for a continuance referendum every six years, and would establish term limits of up to six consecutive years for committee members. These proposals would allow producers to indicate continued support for the order and provide all interested industry members the opportunity to serve on the committee.