AMS 074-13

Pam Stanziani (202) 720-8998

Pamela.Stanziani@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that the National Processed Raspberry Council (Council) will hold its first meeting on June 3 – 4, 2013, in Seattle, Washington. The Council will administer the new Processed Raspberry Promotion, Research and Information program under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

The meeting will be held at the SeaTac Marriott, 3201 S 176th Street, SeaTac, Washington, 98188, on June 3, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on June 4, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

On April 12, the Secretary appointed six producer members and alternates who represent states producing a minimum of three million pounds of raspberries for processing, one producer member and alternate who represent states producing less than three million pounds of raspberries for processing, three importer members and alternates and two foreign producer members and alternates to serve on the Council.

AMS provides oversight of the Council in accordance with the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 and the Processed Raspberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Under the Order, the program is funded by a mandatory assessment of one cent per pound paid by producers of raspberries for processing and importers of processed raspberries. Producers and importers of less than 20,000 pounds per year of raspberries for processing and processed raspberries respectively are exempt from paying assessments.

Research and promotion programs are self-help programs funded through industry member assessments and administered by board members selected by the Secretary of Agriculture. They allow commodity groups to conduct promotion, market and production research and new product development for the benefit of their industries. AMS monitors board operations. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion for more information about research and promotion programs.

For further information regarding the meeting contact Kimberly Coy, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, at (202) 720-9915.

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