USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the schedule for several hearings on the proposed National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (NLGMA). The dates and locations, posted in the Federal Register, are:

• September 22-24 in Monterey, Calif.
• September 30 and October 1 in Jacksonville, Fla.
• October 6 in Columbus, Ohio
• October 8 in Denver, Colo.
• October 14 and 15 in Yuma Ariz.
• October 20 in Syracuse, N.Y.
• October 22 in Charlotte, N.C.

At the hearings, USDA officials will hear testimony and collect data from growers, handlers and other stakeholders regarding the NLGMA, including potential benefits, costs and administration. United members wishing to participate in the hearings are advised to contact United to learn more about the information being requested by USDA.

The NLGMA proponent groups include: Georgia Fresh Vegetable Association, Georgia Farm Bureau, Produce Marketing Association, Texas Vegetable Association, Arizona Farm Bureau, Leafy Greens Council, California Farm Bureau, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Western Growers and United Fresh.

The complete Federal Register notice can be accessed here. For more information contact Robert Guenther at 202-303-3409 or Ray Gilmer at 202-303-3425.