On Dec. 1^st, the USDA issued regulations exempting exclusively organic growers from having to pay assessments to regional marketing order programs, as previously mandated under the 2002 farm bill. Mixed-operation growers will not be exempt. Among those items exempted are: California stone fruits, dates, grapes, and raisins, Florida avocados and tomatoes, Georgia Vidalia onions, Texas citrus, melons, and onions, and Oregon/Washington pears.

Assessments on organic produce make up just 1% of the total assessed money earmarked for the promotional budgets of the 28 commodities affected for the marketing orders but groups like Texas Citrus Mutual see the organic industry growing in that state and are concerned organic growers of big Texas crops like citrus, watermelon, cantaloupe, and onions will not be contributing to these crop assessments.