The proposed rule would have required remitters of pork checkoff assessments, upon request by the USDA, to submit to AMS the names, addresses and other information deemed necessary to identify persons from whom they collected assessments. Such information would have been used for the purpose of the upcoming pork Request for Referendum.

Based upon further review and consideration, AMS has determined that the most accurate representation of total number of pork producers and importers would result from utilizing the most recent data published by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS). This information was obtained from NASS’ Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations report and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Therefore, AMS is withdrawing the proposed rule.

A notice of the withdrawal was published in the May 23, 2008 Federal Register.