AMS No. 096-08

Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998

jimmie.turner@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Packers-Importers) will become effective on May 22, 2008, one day after the final rule is published in the Federal Register.

In a recent referendum, eligible first handlers and importers of honey and honey products voted in favor of implementing the new Packers Order.

Under the Packers-Importers Order, first handlers and importers of 250,000 or more pounds of honey and honey products annually will pay an assessment of one cent per pound. First handlers and importers of less than 250,000 pounds of honey and honey products annually will be exempt from the assessment.

The assessments will be remitted to the Honey Packers and Importers Board (Board) to conduct a generic program of promotion, research, consumer education and industry information to maintain, develop and expand markets for honey and honey products. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection will collect assessments from importers.

The Board will be composed of 10 members and 10 alternate members who will be nominated by certified national honey organizations representing first handlers, importers, packer-importers, honey co-ops and producers. Two nominees for each position will be submitted to USDA for consideration and the members will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

For more information, contact Kathie Notoro at (202) 720-9915 or e-mail: Kathie.Notoro@usda.gov.