Notice of intent to consider the adoption of amendments to the rules to require specific criteria and documentation related to facility packing requirements, address prohibited acts, and to approve seven Vidalia onion varieties.
August 10, 2007
Notice of intent to consider the adoption of amendments to the rules to require specific criteria and documentation related to facility packing requirements, address prohibited acts, and to approve seven Vidalia® onion varieties.
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES:
Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Department of Agriculture will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 201 of the Agriculture Building, 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. Such hearing will be for the purpose of considering the adoption of amendments to the Rules of the Department relating to Vidalia® Onions promulgated under the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986, as amended (O.C.G.A. § 2-14-130, et seq.)
SYNOPSIS, MAIN FEATURES AND DIFFERENCES:
It is proposed to amend Rule 40-7-8-.08 (1) (g) striking the current language and adding a new subparagraph 1. to require specific criteria and documentation for packing or storing any other yellow onions in the same facility where Vidalia® onions are packed and stored. This action is necessary to protect the “Vidalia” name and trademark, as well as the integrity of the Vidalia® onions.
It is further proposed to amend paragraph (g) of Rule 40-7-8-.12, Prohibited Acts, to address violations of Facility Packing Requirements.
It is further proposed that subparagraph (a) of Rule 40-7-8-.03.1 be amended by adding seven additional varieties approved to be grown as Vidalia® onions. This recommendation is the result of successful required test trials having been conducted and submitted in written form by the Director of the Experiment Stations of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Interested persons may call to request a copy of the proposed rules or may submit written request to:
Bobby Harris, Assistant Commissioner—Marketing Division
Georgia Department of Agriculture
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone Number: 404-656-3368
FAX Number: 404-656-9380
Written comments must be received no later than the close of business (4:30 p.m. EDT) on Monday, September 10, 2007. This notice is given in compliance with the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act, O.C.G.A. §50-13-4.
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