WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service is raising the assessment rate for fresh pears grown in Oregon and Washington. This is based on a recommendation from the Fresh Pear Committee, which locally administers the marketing order for the fruit. The final rule increases the assessment rate from $0.468 to $0.516 per 44-pound standard box or equivalent. This rate is for both "summer/fall" and "winter" pears and will be in effect for the 202  more