Almonds Grown in California; Recommended Decision on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 981, 73671-73676 [E7-25162]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 248 (Friday, December 28, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73671-73676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-25162]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 981

[Docket No. AO-214-A7; AMS-FV-07-0050; FV07-981-1]


Almonds Grown in California; Recommended Decision on Proposed 
Amendment of Marketing Order No. 981

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule and opportunity to file exceptions.

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SUMMARY: This is a recommended decision regarding proposed amendments 
to Marketing Order No. 981 (order), which regulates the handling of 
almonds grown in California. Two amendments were proposed by the Almond 
Board of California (Board), which is responsible for local 
administration of the order. These proposed amendments would: authorize 
the establishment of specific outgoing quality requirements for 
different markets; and authorize the establishment of container marking 
and labeling requirements. The proposals are intended to provide 
additional flexibility in administering the quality control provisions 
of the order and provide the industry with additional tools to aid in 
the marketing of almonds. This recommended decision invites written 
exceptions on the proposed amendments.

DATES: Written exceptions must be filed by January 17, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Written exceptions should be filed with the Hearing Clerk, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1081-S, Washington, DC 20250-9200, 
Fax: (202) 720-9776 or via the Internet at 
http:[bs][bs]www.regulations.gov. All 
comments should reference the docket number and the date and page 
number of this issue of the Federal Register. Comments will be made 
available for public inspection in the Office of the Hearing Clerk 
during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: 
http:[bs][bs]www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Engeler, Marketing Order 
Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 2202 
Monterey Street, Suite 102-B, Fresno, California 93721; Telephone: 
(559) 487-5110, Fax: (559) 487-5906, or E-mail: 
Martin.Engeler@usda.gov; or Laurel May, Marketing Order Administration 
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 
720-1509, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or E-mail: Laurel.May@usda.gov.
    Small businesses may request information on this proceeding by 
contacting Jay Guerber, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit 
and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 
0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, Fax: (202) 
720-8938, E-mail: Jay.Guerber@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior document in this proceeding: Notice of 
Hearing issued on June 29, 2007, and published in the July 6, 2007, 
issue of the Federal Register (72 FR 36900).
    This action is governed by the provisions of sections 556 and 557 
of title 5 of the United States Code and is therefore excluded from the 
requirements of Executive Order 12866.

Preliminary Statement

    Notice is hereby given of the filing with the Hearing Clerk of this 
recommended decision with respect to the proposed amendments to 
Marketing Order 981 regulating the handling of almonds grown in 
California, and the opportunity to file written exceptions thereto. 
Copies of this decision can be obtained from Martin Engeler, whose 
address is listed above.
    This recommended decision is issued pursuant to the provisions of 
the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act,'' and the applicable 
rules of practice and procedure governing the formulation of marketing 
agreements and orders (7 CFR Part 900).
    The proposed amendments are based on the record of a public hearing 
held August 2, 2007, in Modesto, California. Notice of this hearing was 
published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2007 (72 FR 36900). The 
notice of hearing contained the two proposals submitted by the Board.
    The proposed amendments were recommended by the Board following 
deliberations at public meetings on November 28, 2006, and February 27, 
2007, and were submitted to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on 
March 12, 2007. After reviewing the recommendation and other 
information submitted by the Board, AMS determined to proceed with the 
formal rulemaking process and schedule the matter for hearing.
    The Board's proposed amendments to the order would: (1) Authorize 
the establishment of different outgoing almond quality requirements for 
different markets; and (2) authorize the establishment of container 
marking and labeling requirements.
    USDA also proposed to make such changes to the order as may be 
necessary, if any of the proposed changes are adopted, so that all of 
the order's provisions conform to the effectuated amendments.
    Eleven industry witnesses testified at the hearing. These witnesses 
represented almond producers and handlers in the production area, as 
well as Board staff, and all were supportive of the proposed 
amendments. The witnesses emphasized the need to equip the industry 
with updated and more comprehensive tools for the marketing of 
California almonds, and testified that the two proposed amendments 
would assist in this matter.
    Witnesses offered testimony in support of the Board's 
recommendation to add authority for different outgoing quality 
requirements for shipments to different markets. Under that authority, 
the Board could recommend the establishment of outgoing quality 
requirements to meet the specifications of particular markets. 
According to testimony, this would assure delivery of a consistent 
quality product, which would help maintain customer confidence and 
market share.
    Witnesses also supported the recommendation to add general 
authority for container marking and labeling requirements. If 
implemented, this authority would enable the Board to recommend the 
establishment of container marking and labeling regulations to aid in 
the orderly marketing of almonds. Such container marking or labeling 
could include information about the product's origin, product handling 
instructions, or other information responsive to market demands.
    At the conclusion of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge 
established a deadline of September 24, 2007, for interested persons to 
file proposed findings and conclusions or written arguments and briefs 
based on the evidence received at the hearing. The filing deadline was 
extended to September 26, 2007. Two briefs were filed during that 
period: one brief summarized witness testimony from the hearing and 
supported adoption of the proposed order amendments; and the second 
brief provided a brief history of the California almond industry, 
clarified the intent of the Board's proposed amendment regarding 
container

[[Page 73672]]

marking and labeling, and offered general support for both proposed 
amendments.

Material Issues

    The material issues presented on the record of hearing are as 
follows:
    (1) Whether to amend the order to authorize establishment of 
different outgoing quality requirements for different markets; and
    (2) Whether to amend the order to authorize establishment of 
container marking and labeling requirements.

Findings and Conclusions

    The following findings and conclusions on the material issues are 
based on evidence presented at the hearing and the record thereof.

Material Issue Number 1--Authority To Establish Different Outgoing 
Quality Requirements for Different Markets

    Section 981.42(b) of the order should be amended to authorize the 
establishment of specific outgoing quality requirements for different 
markets. That section currently authorizes the establishment of minimum 
outgoing quality requirements applicable to almonds to be handled or to 
be processed into manufactured products. However, it does not authorize 
different quality requirements for product shipped to different market 
destinations. Quality requirements authorized under Sec.  981.42(b) may 
be established through informal rulemaking after recommendation by the 
Board and implementation by USDA. If authority to establish different 
outgoing quality requirements for different markets is added to this 
subsection in the order as proposed, implementation of such 
requirements would also require recommendation by the Board and 
subsequent establishment of regulations by USDA through informal 
rulemaking.
    Witnesses testified that California almonds comprise approximately 
80 percent of the world's almond production and that over two-thirds of 
California's almonds are exported to approximately 90 countries 
worldwide. According to record evidence, the 2007-08 crop is estimated 
to approximate 1.330 billion pounds, which would be the largest 
California almond crop ever produced. Witnesses testified that to 
ensure the industry can sustain adequate market demand for production 
at that level, it must be equipped with necessary tools that will allow 
it to respond to rapidly changing global market requirements.
    Witnesses indicated that the California almond industry faces a 
wide array of market regulations and standards for such factors as 
appearance, aflatoxin levels, pesticide residues, organic standards, 
fumigation, and methods of testing for compliance with those standards. 
Many of these requirements are not harmonized across the different 
markets. Witnesses explained that there is a tendency for countries to 
adopt standards from other countries and then modify them, so that the 
standards and requirements proliferate and become increasingly complex. 
One witness suggested that a shipment of product could meet the 
requirements of one country but be rejected by another country.
    Meeting the demands of increasingly diverse markets with 
substantially different standards and requirements is an ongoing 
challenge for the almond industry. However, witnesses testified that 
maintaining customer confidence in the quality of their product is 
essential for the economic well being of the industry; so the ability 
to meet those standards is crucial.
    Currently, the order authorizes the establishment of outgoing 
quality regulations that are applicable to all almonds, regardless of 
their destination. Witnesses stated that handling all almonds in such a 
manner as to meet the requirements of one particular market may not 
always be practical for shipments to other destinations and could 
generate unnecessary costs for handlers. The industry desires to avoid 
the complication and expense of applying the quality standards of one 
market to shipments for other markets where they may not be required or 
appropriate.
    However, at the same time, witnesses indicated that not making 
country and region-specific mandatory marketing requirements compulsory 
as part of outgoing quality regulations in the order is causing a 
disruption in the flow of almonds to specific markets, such as the 
European Union (EU). Witnesses explained that the EU has established a 
maximum tolerance for aflatoxin in almonds shipped to its member 
countries. Handlers who choose to ship almonds to the EU must comply 
with EU specifications. However, under the current order regulations, 
there are no mandatory requirements pertaining to aflatoxin for 
California almonds. Witnesses explained that, in the absence of the 
authority to establish specific outgoing quality requirements for 
shipments to the EU, the almond industry developed a voluntary 
aflatoxin testing protocol for handlers to follow when shipping almonds 
to the EU. The intent of the program was to ensure the product meets EU 
requirements before being shipped, therefore minimizing the number of 
rejected shipments and the expenses and delays associated with them. 
The industry also hoped to prevent the erosion of confidence in the 
overall quality of California almonds and the implementation of even 
tighter controls in the EU.
    However, according to witness testimony, the voluntary nature of 
the industry's program did not sufficiently assure the EU that its 
requirements would be met. Beginning on September 1, 2007, EU officials 
implemented a program requiring mandatory aflatoxin testing of 
California almond shipments upon arrival in the EU. This program 
requires mandatory testing of five percent of shipments of almonds from 
California handlers participating in the voluntary California aflatoxin 
testing program, and mandatory testing of 100% of shipments of almonds 
from California handlers not participating in the voluntary program. 
One witness stated that similar controls mandated for other crops have 
resulted in increased rejections, costs to producers, market 
disruption, and loss of market share.
    Testimony provided at the hearing shows that it is impractical to 
require aflatoxin testing for almond shipments to all markets, which is 
the only alternative available under the current order authority. To do 
so would impose unnecessary expenses for shipments to markets that do 
not require aflatoxin testing. Neither do witnesses want to risk 
unfavorable consequences to the entire industry, including the 
potential for even greater testing frequency by the EU, due to the 
failure of some shipments to meet import requirements. The authority to 
establish testing requirements for all shipments to the EU would reduce 
the risk that one shipment with aflatoxin levels exceeding the EU 
tolerance could compromise the industry's reputation and market 
position.
    Witnesses testified that the authority to establish different 
requirements for different markets would prove useful in other domestic 
and international market situations that could arise. If the proposed 
amendment is adopted, the Board would be authorized to establish, with 
the approval of the Secretary, specific outgoing quality regulations to 
address critical market issues as they arise. Currently, handlers 
routinely meet individual market requirements as part of conducting 
business in those markets. However, witnesses stressed that the 
industry's reputation would be reinforced by implementation of 
mandatory, rather than voluntary,

[[Page 73673]]

compliance with certain market demands.
    Establishing different requirements for different markets would 
help insure that substandard almonds do not find their way to the 
market and destroy consumer confidence and harm industry returns. 
Furthermore, the flexibility provided in this amendment would allow the 
application of such requirements to be limited to shipments destined 
for specified markets, saving handlers the additional burden or cost of 
meeting regulations other than those necessary for each market. Thus, 
it is recommended that Sec.  981.42(b) be amended to include authority 
for the Board, with the approval of the Secretary, to establish 
different outgoing quality requirements for different markets. There 
was no testimony in opposition to this proposal.
    Furthermore, USDA is recommending changes to the proposed language 
of the amendment to Sec.  981.42(b) that was published in the notice of 
hearing. The word ``recommend'' would be changed to ``establish'' to 
harmonize and conform the proposed language with that already present 
in this subsection regarding the establishment of outgoing quality 
requirements. In addition, the proposed language in the amendment would 
be moved within the paragraph.

Material Issue Number 2--Authority To Establish Container Marking and 
Labeling Requirements

    A new section 981.43 should be added to the order to authorize the 
establishment of marking and labeling requirements for bulk containers. 
A definition of ``container'' is included in the amendatory text for 
this section to clarify that the regulation would be applicable to 
receptacles used in the packaging or handling of almonds. Specifying 
that only bulk containers be included in this authority was not part of 
the Board's original proposal. However, proponents testified that it 
was their original intent.
    Currently, very limited authority for marking and labeling 
requirements exists in this marketing program. Adding this section 
would provide for the establishment of general authority for making 
requirements for the marking or labeling of bulk almond containers as 
appropriate to meet industry and market needs. Such requirements could 
be established through informal rulemaking after recommendation by the 
Board and implementation by USDA and could be included in the order's 
administrative rules and regulations.
    Proponents of the proposal testified that this amendment might be 
necessary as market requirements change. Witnesses cited several 
instances in which such authority would assist with the orderly 
marketing of California almonds. For instance, marking or labeling 
requirements could be implemented that would complement regulations 
implemented under the authority for different outgoing quality 
requirements described under Material Issue Number 1. In the case of 
aflatoxin testing for almond shipments to the EU, container labeling 
could be required to indicate that such testing requirements had been 
met.
    One witness testified that product handling instructions in foreign 
languages might be appropriately applied to containers in export 
shipments. Other witnesses stated that labeling containers with proper 
handling and storage instructions could help maintain the quality of 
almonds, ensuring greater customer satisfaction.
    The record shows that the lack of marking and labeling authority 
impeded the industry's efforts to restore customer confidence following 
recalls of California almonds in 2001 and 2004. As a precaution against 
Salmonella contamination, some handlers treated and/or reprocessed 
their almonds. Individual handlers were able to mark containers to 
indicate whether their almonds had been treated, but there was no 
standardized industry language to express a consistent message to 
consumers about such treatment. This left customers down the supply 
chain uncertain about the state of the almonds they received. 
Proponents stated that if they'd had the authority to recommend 
container marking and labeling regulations, the Board could have 
determined how best to mark containers of treated almonds in a 
consistent way to assure customers that the almonds had been treated.
    Proponents of the proposed amendment also testified that adding 
authority to recommend container marking and labeling would be a useful 
tool that would allow the industry to respond to evolving market 
situations.
    As mentioned above, witnesses testifying in support of the 
amendment suggested revising the proposal to include a reference to 
bulk containers. Proponents stated that they wanted to clarify that the 
authority to recommend container marking and labeling should apply only 
to bulk containers of almonds, and not to packages sold at the retail 
level. Although some handlers ship almonds in both bulk and retail or 
consumer packages, many do not. Witnesses stated that it has never been 
the industry's intent to regulate the marking or labeling of retail 
packages. Although the Board did not specify limiting authority for 
marking and labeling to bulk containers in their original proposal, 
witnesses testified that it was widely understood among industry 
members that only authority to recommend the marking and labeling of 
bulk containers was intended to be part of the proposal. Witnesses were 
asked whether the industry might prefer to retain greater flexibility 
to address needs that could arise in the future by preserving the 
language of their original proposal. However, witnesses confirmed that 
they wanted to specify more limited authority to regulate the marking 
and labeling of bulk containers only. All of the witnesses supported 
modifying the original proposed language in this regard. Further, other 
minor language changes are intended to conform with record evidence.
    USDA recommends that Sec.  981.43 authorizing the Board, with 
approval of the Secretary, to establish container marking and labeling 
requirements be added to the order. USDA further recommends that the 
language of the proposed amendment be modified to specify that such 
authority would apply only to bulk containers.
    Furthermore, USDA is recommending a change to the proposed language 
of the new Sec.  981.43 that was published in the notice of hearing. 
The word ``recommend'' would be changed to ``establish'' to harmonize 
and conform the proposed language with that already present in this 
subsection regarding the establishment of outgoing quality 
requirements.

Conforming Changes

    AMS also proposed to make such changes as may be necessary to the 
order to conform to any amendment that may result from the hearing. 
Conforming changes are identified in the above discussion of the 
material issues.

Small Business Considerations

    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA), AMS has considered the economic impact of this 
action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
business subject to such actions so that small businesses will not be 
unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders and amendments 
thereto are unique in that they are normally brought about through 
group action of essentially small entities for their own benefit.
    Small agricultural service firms, which include handlers regulated 
under

[[Page 73674]]

the order, have been defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) 
(13 CFR 121.201) as those having annual receipts of less than 
$6,500,000. Small agricultural producers have been defined as those 
with annual receipts of less than $750,000.
    There are approximately 104 handlers of almonds subject to 
regulation under the order and approximately 6,000 producers of almonds 
in the regulated area. Information provided at the hearing indicates 
that approximately 50 percent of the handlers would be considered small 
agricultural service firms. According to data reported by the National 
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the two-year average crop value 
for 2005-06 and 2006-07 was $2.283 billion. Dividing that average by 
6,000 producers yields average estimated producer revenues of $380,500, 
which suggests that the majority of almond producers would also be 
considered small entities according to the SBA's definition.
    The order regulates the handling of almonds grown in the state of 
California. The California almond bearing acreage increased nearly 40 
percent between 1996 and 2006, from 418,000 to 585,000 acres. 
Approximately 1.115 billion pounds (shelled basis) of almonds were 
produced during the 2006-07 season. Bearing acreage for the 2007-08 
season is estimated to be 615,000 acres. NASS has forecasted that the 
2007-08 crop will reach 1.330 billion pounds (shelled basis). More than 
two thirds of California's almond crop is exported to approximately 90 
countries worldwide, and comprises nearly 80 percent of the world's 
almond supply.
    Under the order, incoming and outgoing quality regulations are 
established, statistical information is collected, production research 
projects are conducted, and marketing research and generic promotion 
programs are sponsored. Program activities administered by the Board 
are designed to support large and small almond producers and handlers. 
The 10-member Board is comprised of both producer and handler 
representatives from the production area. Board meetings where 
regulatory recommendations and other decisions are made are open to the 
public. All members are able to participate in Board deliberations, and 
each Board member has an equal vote. Others in attendance at meetings 
are also allowed to express their views.
    The Board's Food Quality and Safety Committee discussed the need 
for amendments to the order at meetings held on May 12, 2005; July 20, 
2005; and November 1, 2006. The Board approved language for two 
proposed amendments to the order at their meeting on November 28, 2006. 
During a conference call on February 27, 2007, the Board confirmed that 
the two amendments should be proposed to USDA. The views of all 
participants were considered throughout this process.
    In addition, the hearing to receive evidence on the proposed 
changes was open to the public and all interested parties were invited 
and encouraged to participate and provide their views.
    The proposed amendments are intended to provide the Board and the 
industry with additional flexibility in the marketing of California 
almonds. Record evidence indicates that the proposals are intended to 
benefit all producers and handlers under the order, regardless of size. 
There would be no cost implications for handlers or growers from adding 
the proposed order authorities. Costs of implementation would be 
incurred only if specific additional requirements were established 
following future informal rulemaking. All grower and handler witnesses 
supported the proposed amendments and commented on the implications of 
implementing specific requirements in the future. In that context, 
witnesses stated that they expected the benefits to be substantial and 
the costs of any future requirements to be minimal.
    A description of the proposed amendments and their anticipated 
economic impact on small and large entities is discussed below.

Proposal 1--Adding the Authority To Establish Different Outgoing 
Quality Requirements for Different Markets

    The record shows that the proposal to add authority to establish 
different outgoing quality requirements for different markets would, in 
itself, have no economic impact on producers or handlers of any size. 
Regulations implemented under that authority could impose additional 
costs on handlers required to comply with them. However, witnesses 
testified that establishing mandatory regulations for different markets 
could increase the industry's credibility and reduce the risk that 
shipments of substandard product could jeopardize the entire industry's 
reputation. Record evidence shows that any additional costs are likely 
to be offset by the benefits of complying with those requirements.
    Witnesses cited decreased delays and demurrage charges, as well as 
fewer rejected loads and increased customer confidence, as expected 
benefits. Recently, almonds have been rejected in the EU due to 
aflatoxin levels exceeding its importing tolerances. Information 
provided at the hearing shows that the rejection of a 44,000 pound 
container of almonds in the EU costs about $10,000, or 22.7 cents per 
pound. The cost includes demurrage for unanticipated delays at port, 
warehousing product while awaiting official import testing results, 
shipping rejected almonds back to the U.S., and shipping a replacement 
container back to the EU.
    To reduce the risk of rejections, the California almond industry 
developed a voluntary aflatoxin testing protocol. Witnesses estimated 
that the cost of the pre-export testing, including the value of the 
sample, analytical fees, courier fees, and sampling labor is less than 
2 cents per pound, which is less than 10 percent of the cost associated 
with a rejection. Proponents testified that if a requirement that all 
almonds destined for the EU be tested prior to shipment was established 
under authority provided by the proposed order amendment, handlers 
would incur the cost of testing, but those costs would be expected to 
be more than offset by the reduced risk of rejections.
    It's likely that most handlers are already complying with their 
customers' specific market requirements on a voluntary basis as a part 
of doing business, but witnesses explained that mandatory requirements 
lend credibility to the entire industry. In addition, such requirements 
could reduce the risk that one shipment of substandard product would 
jeopardize the entire industry's reputation.
    Currently, outgoing quality requirements established under the 
order apply to all handler entities regardless of size. If the proposed 
amendment and subsequent regulations established thereunder are 
implemented, distribution of any increased costs between small and 
large entities would depend on the requirements established for the 
markets to which individual handlers shipped their almonds as well as 
the volume of almonds shipped to those markets. But increases in cost 
would be equitable to all entities because requirements for each market 
would be imposed uniformly on all handlers shipping to that market.
    Witnesses explained that almonds are used in many different ways by 
the various markets. In Europe, almonds are widely used as marzipan and 
ingredients for baked goods, candy, and other dishes. In India and the 
Middle East, almonds are presented as gifts at holidays and weddings, 
and play a part in other cultural traditions. India imports large 
quantities of inshell

[[Page 73675]]

almonds that are then processed by hand. The wide range of uses leads 
to a similarly wide array of customer requirements.
    According to record testimony, handlers adapt their export methods 
to satisfy customer requirements. One witness explained that it is 
often difficult for smaller handlers to stay informed of rapidly 
changing import regulations. The witness stated that small handlers in 
particular would benefit from the proposed authority to establish 
different requirements for different markets by avoiding costly 
mistakes that could be associated with not understanding various market 
and import requirements. If regulations were established under the 
proposed authority, the Board would provide information about updated 
requirements to the industry.
    Finally, one witness explained that having the ability under the 
order to establish different outgoing quality requirements for 
different markets would not restrict handlers' choices regarding which 
markets to supply. Rather, the provision would ensure that the 
important standards that differentiate markets would be consistently 
met by all handlers shipping to those markets.

Proposal 2--Adding the Authority To Establish Container Labeling and 
Marking Requirements

    The proposal described in Material Issue No. 2 would add Sec.  
981.43 to the order to provide general authority to establish container 
and marking requirements. If implemented, the proposed amendment would 
allow the Board, through the informal rulemaking process, to recommend 
and establish uniform container marking and labeling regulations in 
response to evolving market requirements. Under current order 
provisions, there is only very limited authority for container marking 
and labeling requirements.
    Witnesses testified that the lack of this authority has hindered 
them from adapting quickly and appropriately to recent market 
situations. In one case described at the hearing, the industry was 
unable to implement container marking or labeling following recalls for 
possible Salmonella contamination. Witnesses stated that customer 
confidence in almond quality could have been reinforced if the 
necessary authority to establish marking and labeling requirements had 
been available. Such authority would have allowed the industry to 
prescribe labeling to clearly indicate which almonds had been produced 
and handled or treated to reduce risk of contamination.
    The proposed amendment would allow the industry to respond to 
evolving market needs as they develop by establishing uniform and 
consistent marking and labeling requirements. According to proponents, 
the ability to communicate important product information to customers 
in a uniform and consistent manner will be essential as the industry 
strives to maintain its position in the expanding global marketplace.
    If the proposed amendment is implemented, costs of complying with 
any regulations established thereunder would not be disproportionate to 
small businesses. Witnesses testified that applying labels and marks to 
almond containers is currently a common practice, and industry handlers 
already have container marking processes and equipment in place. 
Therefore, the costs associated with the addition of uniform marking or 
labeling requirements would be minimal for both small and large 
entities. The record shows that any costs would likely be offset by the 
benefits derived from being more responsive to market demands.
    Interested persons were invited to present evidence at the hearing 
on the probable regulatory and informational impact of the proposed 
amendments to the order on small entities. The record evidence is that 
while there will be no economic impact from the implementation of the 
two proposed amendments, some costs may be associated with regulation 
that may be established under the authority of the amendments. However, 
the record indicates that the costs would be outweighed by the benefits 
expected to accrue to the California almond industry.
    USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, 
overlap or conflict with this proposed rule. These amendments are 
intended to improve the operation and administration of the order to 
the benefit of the industry.
    Board meetings regarding these proposals as well as the hearing 
date and location were widely publicized throughout the almond 
industry, and all interested persons were invited to attend the 
meetings and the hearing, and to participate in Board deliberations on 
all issues. All Board meetings and the hearing were public forums and 
all entities, both large and small, were able to express views on these 
issues. Finally, interested persons are invited to submit information 
on the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small 
businesses.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote 
the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services, and for other purposes.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Information collection requirements for Part 981 are currently 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), under OMB Number 
0581-0178, Vegetable and Specialty Crops. Implementation of these 
proposed amendments would not trigger any changes to those 
requirements. Should any such changes become necessary in the future, 
they would be submitted to OMB for approval.
    As with all Federal marketing order programs, reports and forms are 
periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and 
duplication by industry and public sector agencies.

Civil Justice Reform

    The amendments to Marketing Order 981 proposed herein have been 
reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. They are 
not intended to have retroactive effect. If adopted, the proposed 
amendments would not preempt any State or local laws, regulations, or 
policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this 
proposal.
    The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted 
before parties may file suit in court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the 
Act, any handler subject to an order may file with USDA a petition 
stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation 
imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance with law and 
request a modification of the order or to be exempted therefrom. A 
handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. 
After the hearing, USDA would rule on the petition. The Act provides 
that the district court of the United Sates in any district in which 
the handler is an inhabitant, or has his or her principal place of 
business, has jurisdiction to review USDA's ruling on the petition, 
provided an action is filed no later than 20 days after the date of the 
entry of the ruling.

Rulings on Briefs of Interested Persons

    Briefs, proposed findings and conclusions, and the evidence in the 
record were considered in making the findings and conclusions set forth 
in this recommended decision. To the extent that the suggested findings 
and conclusions filed by interested persons

[[Page 73676]]

are inconsistent with the findings and conclusions of this recommended 
decision, the requests to make such findings or to reach such 
conclusions are denied.
    One motion and a brief supporting the motion were submitted 
requesting that the Secretary expedite the formal rulemaking process by 
omitting this recommended decision and the period allowed for the 
filing of exceptions to AMS' findings herein. The motion was filed on 
October 3, 2007, and the brief supporting the motion was filed on 
October 12, 2007. The Rules of Practice allow omission of a recommended 
decision only when the Secretary finds, on the basis of the record, due 
and timely execution of his functions imperatively and unavoidably 
require such omission. No such finding may be made in this instance. 
Absent from the hearing record is testimony or other evidence that 
would form a basis to make such a determination. Further, interested 
persons would have no opportunity to comment on this request to omit 
the recommended decision. Therefore, this motion is denied.
    A second motion, also filed on October 3, 2007, requested that four 
corrections be made to one of the exhibits presented at the hearing, 
although the hearing transcript and all exhibits were certified by the 
Administrative Law Judge on October 1, 2007. Nevertheless, AMS is 
granting the first three of those corrections as such corrections would 
make references in exhibits and testimony uniform. However, the fourth 
correction is denied. The requested change would make the result of the 
calculation in the exhibit incorrect, and it would be in conflict with 
testimony in the hearing transcript, which is correct.

General Findings

    The findings hereinafter set forth are supplementary to the 
findings and determinations which were previously made in connection 
with the issuance of the marketing order; and all said previous 
findings and determinations are hereby ratified and affirmed, except 
insofar as such findings and determinations may be in conflict with the 
findings and determinations set forth herein.
    (1) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, and all of the terms and conditions thereof, would 
tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act;
    (2) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, regulates the handling of almonds grown in the 
production area (California) in the same manner as, and is applicable 
only to, persons in the respective classes of commercial and industrial 
activity specified in the marketing order upon which a hearing has been 
held;
    (3) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, is limited in its application to the smallest regional 
production area which is practicable, consistent with carrying out the 
declared policy of the Act, and the issuance of several orders 
applicable to subdivisions of the production area would not effectively 
carry out the declared policy of the Act;
    (4) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, prescribes, insofar as practicable, such different 
terms applicable to different parts of the production area as are 
necessary to give due recognition to the differences in the production 
and marketing of almonds grown in the production area; and
    (5) All handling of almonds grown in the production area as defined 
in the marketing order, is in the current of interstate or foreign 
commerce or directly burdens, obstructs, or affects such commerce.
    A 20-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to 
respond to this proposal. Twenty days is deemed appropriate because 
these proposed changes have been widely publicized and implementation 
of the changes, if adopted, would be desirable to benefit the industry 
as soon as possible. All written exceptions timely received will be 
considered and a grower referendum will be conducted before any of 
these proposals are implemented.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 981

    Almonds, Marketing agreements, Nuts, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Part 981 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 981--ALMONDS GROWN IN CALIFORNIA

    1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 981 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.

    2. Amend paragraph (b) of Sec.  981.42 by adding the following 
sentence before the last sentence to read as follows:


Sec.  981.42  Quality Control.

* * * * *
    (b) * * * The Board may, with the approval of the Secretary, 
establish different outgoing quality requirements for different 
markets. * * *
    3. Add a new Sec.  981.43 to read as follows:


Sec.  981.43  Marking or Labeling of Containers.

    The Board may, with the approval of the Secretary, establish 
regulations to require handlers to mark or label their containers that 
are used in packaging or handling of bulk almonds. For purposes of this 
section, container means a box, bin, bag, carton, or any other type of 
receptacle used in the packaging or handling of bulk almonds.

    Dated: December 21, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-25162 Filed 12-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P