The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) has proposed decreased assessment rates for cherry and apricot growers in the state of Washington in 2012-13 and onwards.

The interim rules have been put forth by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with a 60-day period for comment, ending on Feb. 4, 2013.

The recommendations are in line with lower budgets projected at meetings held by the Washington Apricot Marketing Committee and the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee in May.

Cherry growers' assessment rates per ton are set to drop from US$0.40 to US$0.18, while apricot growers' rates are due to be cut by US$1 down to US$0.50 per ton.

The measures have also been taken to keep the committee's reserves in check so they do not exceed the maximum levels permitted in their respective marketing orders.

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