June 10

USDA proposes to decrease assessments on imported pork and pork products by sixteen-hundredths of a cent per pound. The decrease reflects the 38% decline in hog prices paid at major U.S. markets last year and will bring importer assessments more in line with those paid by U.S. producers.

The rate of assessment, 0.45 of 1% of market price, remains unchanged. Assessments on imported pork and pork products are established by formula each year, based on U.S. market prices for hogs. Assessments on domestic hogs and imported hogs and pork are authorized by the 1985 promotion order. Assessments fund research and promotional activities designed to strengthen the position of pork in the market.

Comments on the proposal, published in today's Federal Register, must be postmarked no later than July 12 and sent to Ralph L. Tapp, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP-0251, Washington, DC, 20250-0251.