08/12/05 Apple Commission budget; Any changes?

08/12/05 Apple Commission budget; Any changes?

When Washington Apple Commission President Dave Carlson is asked about the tentative 2005-2006 budget for the Commission, the key word Carlson emphasizes is "tentative". CARLSON: This is a preliminary budget at the present time. The Director of Ag needs to approve this before we can spend any money. And we need to have that done prior to September 1, so that is why we are a little early, so we don't have the final figures in yet. The over $5.7 million dollar budget is based on a crop volume of 88 million pounds per 3.5 cent per box assessment. However, changes could occur as crop projections for August First came in at 94 million pounds, and federal Market Access Program funds could increase anywhere from $300,000 to $400,000 by the time of allocation in October. So what does the numbers mean from the standpoint of the Apple Commission's current functions. For example, industry payments to issue lobbying groups such as the Northwest Horticultural Council and Northwest Fruit Exporters should remain the same, although N.F.E. funding amounts could be subject to change depending on additional federal funding. And Carlson adds nothing much is expected to change in terms of the Commission's international marketing program. CARLSON: Pretty much we'll be in the same countries that we were last year, with the exception of lowering the program in the Philippines. More on that in our next program.
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