### Question
How is the term base period defined?


### Answer
The term **base period** is defined in *46 U.S.C. § 55315* as the following:

> the 5-year period running from the sixth through the second prior fiscal years

#### Citation:
  - *46 U.S.C. § 55315*
  - Heading: **Subtitle V-Merchant Marine > Part D-Promotional Programs > CHAPTER 553-PASSENGER AND CARGO PREFERENCES > SUBCHAPTER II-EXPORT TRANSPORTATION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES**

