To amend the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act, the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act, and the Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act of 1990 to revise the operation of these Acts and to authorize the establishment of a fresh cut flowers and fresh cut greens promotion and consumer information program for the benefit of the floricultural industry, and for other purposes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Egg Research and Consumer Information
Title II: Watermelon Research and Promotion
Title III: Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens
Promotion and Information
Title IV: Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information
Omnibus Agricultural Research and Promotion Improvement Act - Title I: Egg Research and Consumer Information - Egg Research and Consumer Information Improvement Act - Amends the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act to: (1) increase the maximum assessment rate from ten cents per case of commercial eggs to 30 cents per case; (2) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to increase assessments subject to Egg Board recommendation and producer referendum; and (3) increase the trigger level for assessment exemptions from (producers of) 30,000 laying hens to 75,000 laying hens.
Title II: Watermelon Research and Promotion - Watermelon Research and Promotion Improvement Act - Amends the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act to require plan approval by a majority of the producers, handlers, and eligible importers voting in a referendum.
(Sec. 203) Extends the provisions of the Act to each of the States and the District of Columbia.
(Sec. 204) Sets forth purchase or volume conditions under which a producer shall be considered a handler for purposes of National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board) membership.
(Sec. 205) Amends provisions regarding: (1) assessment collections; and (2) rulemaking requirements and assessment rate changes.
(Sec. 207) Authorizes the revocation of the watermelon assessment refund. Stipulates that importers of less than 75,000 pounds of watermelons per year may apply for a refund based upon the domestic assessment rate.
(Sec. 208) Includes imported watermelons in the definition of "watermelon." Subjects importers to the terms of such Act. Provides for importer membership on the Board.
Title III: Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information - Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and Information Act - Directs the Secretary to issue an order for a program of promotion, consumer information, and research to strengthen the cut flowers and cut greens industry.
(Sec. 305) Requires the order to establish a Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion Council (PromoFlor Council).
(Sec. 306) Sets forth the terms of such order with regard to: (1) assessments; and (2) miscellaneous required provisions.
(Sec. 308) Requires a continuation referendum within 36 months of the order's issuance.
(Sec. 309) Sets forth provisions with regard to: (1) petition and review; (2) enforcement; (3) investigations and subpoena; and (4) confidentiality.
(Sec. 316) Authorizes appropriations.
Title IV: Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information - Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Improvement Act - Amends the Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act of 1990 to redefine "lime" to cover seedless limes.
(Sec. 404) Revises Lime Board composition and membership terms. Increases the assessment exemption level from lime producers of 35,000 pounds per year to 200,000 pounds per year.
(Sec. 405) Changes the initial referendum deadline.
Became Public Law No: 103-188.
Became Public Law No: 103-189.
By Senator Leahy from Committee on Agriculture filed written report. Report No. 103-229.
Became Public Law No: 103-194.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Agriculture. H. Rept. 103-394.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Agriculture. H. Rept. 103-394.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 219.
Mr. de la Garza moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10330-10340)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
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On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
For Further Action See S.717.