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This rule modifies the organic assessment exemption regulations under 23 Federal marketing orders and 22 research and promotion programs. The current regulations are being amended to allow persons that produce, handle, market, or import certified organic products to be exempt from paying assessments associated with market promotion activities, including paid advertising, conducted under a market promotion program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The exemption covers all organic” and 100 percent organic” products certified under the National Organic Program, regardless of whether the person requesting the exemption also produces, handles, markets, or imports conventional or non organic products.