Since the federal court decision in March 2003, the Washington Apple Commission has gone through some dramatic changes. The decision of District Court Judge Edward Shea ruled that the commission’s assessments of 25 cents per carton of packed fruit violated the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment regarding free speech. In response, the commission immediately terminated all domestic and most of its international promotional programs. After negotiating a settlement agreement with an assessment of 3.5 cents per carton, the commission resumed promotional operations in international markets, which are funded by USDA Market Access Program funds available only to industrywide promotional entities such […]