Notice: Marketing Order for Tobacco

The recent referendum, which ended on March 30, resulted in the required number of producers voting in favor of approving the major amendment to the Marketing Order for Tobacco. The major amendment reads:

            678-1-.09 Method of Finance, Amended

• Projects, undertakings and expenses incurred under this Order shall be financed by a maximum annual assessment and levy of 75 cents per hundred pounds of all flue-cured tobacco. Upon the approval of the requisite number of producers and effective as of May 1, 2014, a maximum annual levy and assessment of 75 cents per hundred pounds of flue-cured tobacco is hereby made. As of the effective date of May 1, 2014, and henceforth, the Commission will only assess 50 cents of the maximum 75 cents and will not increase above the 50 cent assessment rate without notifying producers and holding a producer meeting. Such levy shall continue of force and effect from year to year until this Order is suspended or superseded as provided by law and each year during the time this Order remains of force and effect.

Therefore, beginning May 1, 2014, all flue-cured tobacco grown in Georgia for sale will be assessed at a rate of 50 cents per hundred pounds. Assessment payments should continue to be sent to the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Tobacco, and be addressed as follows: 19 MLK Jr. Drive SW, Room 324, Atlanta, GA 30334.