Release No. 052-14

Contact:

Hakim Fobia (202) 690-0488

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2014 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 15 – 30, 2014, on whether to continue their federal marketing order.

Growers who have produced kiwifruit in California from Aug. 1, 2012, through July 31, 2013, are eligible to vote. A continuance referendum is required every six years.

USDA would consider continuing the marketing order if more than 50 percent of the growers, or growers representing more than 50 percent of the volume of California kiwifruit in the referendum, vote in favor of continuance.

Notice of the referendum will be published in the April 9, 2014, Federal Register. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will mail ballots and voting instructions to all growers of record. Eligible growers who do not receive a ballot may contact Kathie Notoro, by mail at USDA, AMS, 2202 Monterey Street, Suite 102B, Fresno, CA 93721-3129; email at Kathie.Notoro@ams.usda.gov; phone at (559) 487-5901 or Fax (559) 487-5906.

Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at http://www.ams.usda.gov/news or follow us on Twitter @USDA_AMS. You can also read about us on the USDA blog.

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