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| Official California Almonds Marketing Order |
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| Complete California Rules & Regulations |
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What Is a Federal Marketing Order?
Federal Marketing Orders are locally administered by committees made up of growers and/or handlers, and often a member of the public. Marketing order regulations, initiated by industry and enforced by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bind the entire industry in the geographical area regulated if approved by producers and the Secretary of Agriculture.
Marketing orders and agreements (1) maintain the high quality of produce that is on the market; (2) standardize packages and containers; (3) regulate the flow of product to market; (4) establish reserve pools for storable commodities; and (5) authorize production research, marketing research and development, and advertising.
Marketing orders are binding on all individuals and businesses that are classified as "handlers" in the geographic area covered by the order. Marketing orders are distinguished from marketing agreements, which are binding only on handlers who are signatories of the agreements. The definition of handler and handling depends on the particular program. As defined in most agreements and orders, a handler is anyone who receives the commodity from producers, grades and packs it, transports, or places the commodity in commercial channels. Handlers must comply with the grade, size, quality, volume, or other requirements established under the program.
External Links:
USDA Agriculture Marketing Service
