Lead Story -- USDA Issues Final Rule Establishing Rules and Regulations for the Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Program

July 15, 2004 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 7, 2004, established assessment collection and remittance rules and regulations for the Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Program.

Under the program, domestic lamb producers, feeders, seedstock producers and exporters are required to pay one-half cent ($.005) per pound of live ovine animals sold. In addition, first handlers, primarily packers, are assessed 30 cents per head of ovine animals purchased by the first handler for slaughter. First handlers and exporters are responsible for remitting the assessment to the American Lamb Board.

The remittance form and assessments should be sent to: American Lamb Board; 23029 Network Place; Chicago, IL 60673-1230.

Under the lamb promotion, research and information order, producers, feeders, seedstock producers, exporters and first handlers can request a refund. Requests should be mailed to: USDA; Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Board; P.O. Box 23198; Washington, D.C. 20026-3198. The board will initiate refunds or pay a pro rata share within 90 days after the results of the referendum are announced.

Details of the assessment regulations appeared as a final rule in the June 7, 2004, edition of the Federal Register, and can be accessed at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-12786.htm on the World Wide Web.

Copies of the final rule and additional information are available from Kenneth R. Payne; Marketing Programs Branch Chief; AMS Livestock and Seed Program; USDA STOP 0251; 1400 Independence Ave., SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; or phone (202) 720-1115. Forms are also available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/mpb/rplamb.htm.

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