AMS Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Increase the Assessment Rate for Fresh Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington

On October 24, 2024, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a proposed rule that would increase the assessment rate for Oregon and Washington fresh “summer/fall” pears and “winter” pears from $0.468 per 44-pound standard box or equivalent to $0.516 per 44-pound standard box or equivalent. 

AMS has prepared an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for the rulemaking outlining the costs and impacts to small businesses. The analysis states the proposed rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses primarily from the increased assessment obligation imposed on handlers. AMS states the assessments are applied uniformly to all handlers, and some of the costs may be passed on to growers. The proposed rule states the costs are expected to be offset by the derived benefits, including the income generated from handler assessments and $3,000 expected in interest income. 

AMS is requesting comments on the rule, and small businesses are encouraged to provide detailed information on the direct cost implications and whether any regulatory alternatives would minimize the impact on small entities.

Comments are due by November 25, 2024.

Read the proposed rule and submit comments.

Advocacy contact: Send an email to Shanerika Flemings at shanerika.flemings@sba.gov.