The U.S. Department of Agriculture is amending the Soybean Promotion and Research Rules and Regulations. The change will require first purchasers and producers in the states of Delaware, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas, and the Eastern and Western Regions, to remit and report assessments on a quarterly basis rather than a monthly basis.

The Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act and the Soybean Promotion and Research Order contain provisions for the board to develop and recommend changes to the rules and regulations. The United Soybean Board, in conjunction with the affected states and regions, made these recommendations to USDA. The amendment will reduce the administrative costs for these smaller soybean producing states and regions.

The Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight and regulatory responsibilities under the order, while the board administers activities authorized under the Act. The program is financed by a mandatory assessment of one-half of one percent of the net market value of the soybeans they market.

The amendment will be published in the Dec. 16 Federal Register and will become effective April 1, 2004.

For more information contact Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, AMS Livestock and Seed Program, USDA Stop 0251, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; telephone (202) 720-1115, fax (202)720-1125 or e-mail Kenneth.Payne@usda.gov.