The USDA has implemented a recommendation from the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2018-2019 and subsequent fiscal periods. 

The assessment rate, which went into effect Jan. 25, will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated. This action, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, amends regulations issued to carry out a marketing order as defined in 7 CFR 900.2(j). This rule is issued under Marketing Agreement and Order No. 920, as amended (7 CFR part 920), regulating the handling of kiwifruit grown in California. The USDA is issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Orders 13563 and 13175. This action falls within a category of regulatory actions that OMB exempted from Executive Order 12866 review.

The AMS has considered the economic impact of this rule on small entities and prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis, which can be found on www.regulations.gov. 

A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses.