A new final rule changes the National Honey Board importer-handler member and alternate to an importer member and alternate.

The Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order is administered by the board with oversight by the USDA. This rule also updates the definition for the term board to reflect current practices and makes clarifying and conforming changes to other provisions of the program. Under the order, assessments are collected from first handlers and importers and used for research and promotion projects designed to maintain and expand the market for honey and honey products.

This action was recommended by the board in 2017 and will allow more importers to be eligible to serve on the board.

The changes reflect the distribution of the production of honey and the quantity of the honey and honey products imported into the U.S. For more information, visit www.regulations.gov.