Walnuts Grown in California; Section 610 Review, 78151-78153 [E8-30309]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Currently, there are approximately
100 producers and approximately 70
handlers of Florida tomatoes. The
majority of growers and handlers may
be classified as small entities. The
regulations implemented under the
order are applied uniformly and are
designed to benefit all entities,
regardless of size.
AMS published in the Federal
Register on February 18, 1999 (64 FR
8014), a plan to review certain
regulations, including Marketing Order
No. 966, under criteria contained in
section 610 of the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601–
612). Updated plans were published in
the Federal Register on January 4, 2002
(67 FR 525), August 14, 2003 (68 FR
48574), and again on March 24, 2006 (71
FR 14827). Accordingly, AMS published
a notice of review and request for
written comments on the order in the
March 18, 2008, issue of the Federal
Register (73 FR 14400). The deadline for
comments ended May 19, 2008. While
no comments were received in response
to the notice, AMS had also published
a notice of review in the June 24, 2002,
issue of the Federal Register (67 FR
42530), as part of a previous schedule,
and one written comment in support of
the order was received. The comment is
referenced in the AMS analysis below.
The review was undertaken to
determine whether the order should be
continued without being changed,
amended, or rescinded to minimize the
impacts on small entities. In conducting
this review, AMS considered the
following factors: (1) The continued
need for the order; (2) the nature of
complaints or comments received from
the public concerning the order; (3) the
complexity of the order; (4) the extent
to which the order overlaps, duplicates,
or conflicts with other Federal rules,
and, to the extent feasible, with State
and local governmental rules; and (5)
the length of time since the order has
been evaluated or the degree to which
technology, economic conditions, or
other factors have changed in the area
affected by the order.
The order authorizes grade, size,
quality, maturity, and pack and
container regulations, as well as
research and promotion, and reporting
and inspection requirements. The order
also authorizes the Committee to
establish marketing research and
development projects designed to assist,
improve, or promote the marketing,
distribution, and consumption of
tomatoes. Finally, the order authorizes
the collection and dissemination of
information for the benefit of the
industry. The grade, size, maturity, and
inspection regulations are also applied
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:38 Dec 19, 2008
Jkt 217001
to imported tomatoes under section
608e of the Act.
The grade, size, and maturity
requirements have helped maintain
demand for Florida tomatoes over the
years by ensuring only quality product
reaches the consumer. The compilation
and dissemination of aggregate
statistical information collection from
handlers is used by the industry to make
informed production and marketing
decisions. Funds to administer the order
are obtained from handler assessments.
Regarding complaints or comments
received from the public concerning the
order, USDA received no comments as
a result of the notice of review
published on March 18, 2008. However,
one comment was received from the
then chairperson of the Committee in
response to a separate notice of review
published in the Federal Register on
June 24, 2002 (67 FR 42530). In the
comment, the commenter noted that the
order has contributed significantly to
the success of the Florida tomato
industry. He attributes dramatically
increased yields to research authorized
under the order, while crediting the
marketing aspects of the order with
contributing to the increase in
consumption of fresh tomatoes. He also
states that the most important aspect of
the order has been its stabilizing effect
on fresh tomato markets. The
commenter believes the order has been
a success in meeting the terms of the
Act, and expressed his strongest support
for its continuation.
Marketing order issues and programs
are discussed at public meetings, and all
interested persons are allowed to
express their views. All comments are
considered in the decision making
process by the Committee and AMS
before any program changes are
implemented.
In considering the order’s complexity,
AMS has determined that the order is
not unduly complex.
During the review, the order was also
checked for duplication and overlap
with other regulations. AMS did not
identify any relevant Federal rules, or
State and local regulations that
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the
order.
The order was established in 1955
and was last amended in July 1986.
During the 53 years the order has been
effective, AMS and the Florida tomato
industry have continuously monitored
marketing operations. Changes in
regulations have been implemented to
reflect current industry operating
practices, and to solve marketing
problems as they occur. The goal of
periodic evaluations is to ensure that
the order and the regulations
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
78151
implemented under it fit the needs of
the industry and are consistent with the
Act.
The Committee meets several times a
year to discuss the order and the various
regulations issued thereunder, and to
determine if, or what, changes may be
necessary to reflect current industry
practices. As a result, regulatory
changes have been made numerous
times over the years to address industry
operation changes and to improve
program administration.
Based on the potential benefits of the
order to producers, handlers, and
consumers, AMS has determined that
the Florida tomato marketing order
should be continued. The order was
established to help the industry work
with USDA to solve marketing
problems. The order’s regulations on
grade, size, quality, maturity, and pack,
as well as research and promotion, and
reporting requirements continue to be
beneficial to producers, handlers, and
consumers. AMS will continue to work
with the Florida tomatoes industry in
maintaining an effective marketing
order program.
Dated: December 16, 2008.
James E. Link,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E8–30311 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 984
[Docket No. AMS–FV–08–0010; FV08–984–
610 Review]
Walnuts Grown in California; Section
610 Review
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Confirmation of regulations.
SUMMARY: This action summarizes the
results under the criteria contained in
section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA), of an Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) review of Marketing
Order No. 984, regulating the handling
of walnuts grown in California (order).
AMS has determined that the order
should be continued.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may
obtain a copy of the review. Requests for
copies should be sent to the Docket
Clerk, Marketing Order Administration
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington,
E:\FR\FM\22DER1.SGM
22DER1
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES
78152
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938; or
E-mail: moab.docketclerk@usda.gov. A
copy of the review may also be obtained
via the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt
J. Kimmel or Martin Engeler, Marketing
Order Administration Branch, Fruit and
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 2202
Monterey Street, #102–B, Fresno, CA
93721; Telephone: (559) 487–5901; Fax:
(559) 487–5906; or E-mail:
Kurt.Kimmel@USDA.gov or
Martin.Engeler@USDA.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Marketing
Order No. 984, as amended (7 CFR part
984), regulates the handling of walnuts
grown in California, hereinafter referred
to as the ‘‘order.’’ The order is effective
under the Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7
U.S.C. 601–674), hereinafter referred to
as the ‘‘Act.’’
The order establishes the California
Walnut Board (Board) as the
administrative body charged with
overseeing program operations. Staff is
hired to conduct the daily
administration of the program. The
Board consists of 10 members. Five of
the members are growers of walnuts,
four are handlers, and one member is a
non-industry member. Each member has
an alternate. Board members and
alternates are nominated by the industry
and selected by the Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
Currently, there are approximately
4,000 producers and approximately 58
handlers of California walnuts. The
majority of growers and handlers may
be classified as small entities. The
regulations implemented under the
order are applied uniformly and are
designed to benefit all entities,
regardless of size.
AMS published in the Federal
Register on February 18, 1999 (64 FR
8014), a plan to review certain
regulations, including Marketing Order
No. 984, under criteria contained in
section 610 of the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601–
612). Updated plans were published in
the Federal Register on January 4, 2002
(67 FR 525), August 14, 2003 (68 FR
48574), and again on March 24, 2006 (71
FR 14827). Accordingly, AMS published
a notice of review and request for
written comments on the California
walnut marketing order in the March 18,
2008, issue of the Federal Register (73
FR 14400). The deadline for comments
ended May 19, 2008. No comments were
received in response to the notice.
The review was undertaken to
determine whether the California
walnut marketing order should be
continued without being changed,
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:38 Dec 19, 2008
Jkt 217001
amended, or rescinded to minimize the
impacts on small entities. In conducting
this review, AMS considered the
following factors: (1) The continued
need for the order; (2) the nature of
complaints or comments received from
the public concerning the order; (3) the
complexity of the order; (4) the extent
to which the order overlaps, duplicates,
or conflicts with other Federal rules,
and, to the extent feasible, with State
and local governmental rules; and (5)
the length of time since the order has
been evaluated or the degree to which
technology, economic conditions, or
other factors have changed in the area
affected by the order.
The order authorizes quality
regulations including minimum grades
and sizes for shelled and inshell
walnuts, with mandatory inspection to
ensure these requirements are met. The
order also authorizes production
research and marketing research, and
marketing promotion (including paid
advertising) activities, as well as
collection and dissemination of
information. Finally, the order
authorizes the use of volume control to
manage excess supplies in years of
oversupply, but this feature has not
been used since the 1980s. The grade
and size regulations and inspection
requirements are also applied to
imported walnuts under section 608e of
the Act.
The grade and size requirements have
helped ensure that good quality product
reaches the consumer, thus contributing
to consumer confidence. The marketing
promotion activities have helped to
build consumer awareness of the
product and to increase and maintain
demand over the years. Production
research projects have enabled the
industry to address production-related
issues, resulting in improved techniques
and more efficient operations. The
compilation and dissemination of
aggregate industry statistical
information is a valuable tool used by
producers and handlers to assist them in
their harvesting, marketing, and sales
decisions. In the past, the volume
control provisions of the order have
helped the industry manage excess
supplies, but their use has not been
necessary in recent years as supply is
more in line with demand. Funds to
administer the order are obtained from
handler assessments.
Regarding complaints or comments
received from the public concerning the
order, AMS received no comments in
response to the Notice of Review.
Marketing order issues and programs
are discussed at public meetings, and all
interested persons are allowed to
express their views. All comments are
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
considered in the decision making
process by the Committee and the AMS
before any program changes are
implemented.
In considering the order’s complexity,
AMS has determined that the order is
not unduly complex.
During the review, the order was also
checked for duplication and overlap
with other regulations. AMS did not
identify any relevant Federal rules, or
State and local regulations that
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the
marketing order for California walnuts.
There is, however, a state program that
provides related services to the
California walnut industry. The
California Walnut Commission
(Commission) works cooperatively with
the Federal order to ensure there is no
duplication of effort. The Commission is
primarily responsible for international
promotion activities. This complements
the activities of the Federal order
pertaining to domestic promotion
activities. The programs share staff and
office space, and several of the Federal
marketing order Board members are also
members of the state Commission. This
arrangement helps assure that the
programs complement each other rather
than conflict, duplicate, or overlap. Both
programs operate in concert with each
other to benefit the California walnut
industry.
The order was established in 1948
and was last amended in April, 2008.
During the 60 years the order has been
in effect, AMS and the California walnut
industry have continuously monitored
marketing operations. Changes in
regulations have been implemented to
reflect current industry operating
practices, and to solve marketing
problems as they occur. The goal of
periodic evaluations is to ensure that
the order and the regulations
implemented under it fit the needs of
the industry and are consistent with the
Act.
The Board meets several times a year
to discuss the order and the various
regulations issued thereunder, and to
determine if, or what, changes may be
necessary to reflect current industry
practices. As a result, regulatory
changes have been made numerous
times over the years to address industry
operation changes and to improve
program administration. In addition, the
order has been amended seven times
since its inception. Different authorities
have been added to the order, and
numerous changes to existing
authorities under the order have been
made to reflect the evolving needs of the
industry.
Based on the potential benefits of the
order to producers, handlers, and
E:\FR\FM\22DER1.SGM
22DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 246 / Monday, December 22, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
consumers, AMS has determined that
the California walnut marketing order
should be continued. The order was
established to help the California
walnut industry work with USDA to
solve marketing problems. The order’s
regulations on grade and size, as well as
research and promotion, and collection
and dissemination of information
continue to be beneficial to producers,
handlers, and consumers.
AMS will continue to work with the
California walnut industry in
maintaining an effective marketing
order program.
Dated: December 16, 2008.
James E. Link,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. E8–30309 Filed 12–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency
12 CFR Part 25
[Docket ID OCC–2008–0024]
RIN 1557–AD19
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
12 CFR Part 228
[Regulation BB; Docket No. R–1342]
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION
12 CFR Part 345
RIN 3064–AD39
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
Office of Thrift Supervision
Background and Description of the
Joint Final Rule
12 CFR Part 563e
[Docket ID OTS–2008–0021]
RIN 1550–AC29
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Community Reinvestment Act
Regulations
AGENCIES: Office of the Comptroller of
the Currency, Treasury (OCC); Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (Board); Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Office of
Thrift Supervision, Treasury (OTS).
ACTION: Joint final rule; technical
amendment.
SUMMARY: The OCC, the Board, the
FDIC, and the OTS (collectively, the
‘‘agencies’’) are amending their
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:38 Dec 19, 2008
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
regulations to adjust the asset-size
thresholds used to define ‘‘small bank’’
or ‘‘small savings association’’ and
‘‘intermediate small bank’’ or
‘‘intermediate small savings
association.’’ As required by the CRA
regulations, the adjustment to the
threshold amount is based on the
annual percentage change in the
Consumer Price Index.
DATES: Effective Date: January 1, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
OCC: Margaret Hesse, Special Counsel,
Community and Consumer Law
Division, (202) 874–5750; or Karen
Tucker, National Bank Examiner,
Compliance Policy Division, (202) 874–
4428, Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency, 250 E Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20219.
Board: Anjanette M. Kichline, Senior
Supervisory Consumer Financial
Services Analyst, (202) 785–6054; or
Brent Lattin, Attorney, (202) 452–3667,
Division of Consumer and Community
Affairs, Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, 20th Street and
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20551.
FDIC: Deirdre Foley, Senior Policy
Analyst, Division of Supervision and
Consumer Protection, Compliance
Policy Branch, (202) 898–6612; or Susan
van den Toorn, Counsel, Legal Division,
(202) 898–8707, Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street,
NW., Washington, DC 20429.
OTS: Celeste Anderson, Senior Project
Manager, Compliance and Consumer
Protection, (202) 906–7990; or Richard
Bennett, Senior Compliance Counsel,
Regulations and Legislation Division,
(202) 906–7409, Office of Thrift
Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20552.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Jkt 217001
The agencies’ CRA regulations
establish CRA performance standards
for small and intermediate small banks
and savings associations. The
regulations define small and
intermediate small institutions by
reference to asset-size criteria expressed
in dollar amounts, and they further
require the agencies to publish annual
adjustments to these dollar figures based
on the year-to-year change in the
average of the Consumer Price Index for
Urban Wage Earners and Clerical
Workers (CPIW), not seasonally
adjusted, for each twelve-month period
ending in November, with rounding to
the nearest million. 12 CFR 25.12(u)(2),
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
78153
228.12(u)(2), 345.12(u)(2), and
563e.12(u)(2).
The threshold for small banks and
small savings associations was revised
most recently effective January 1, 2008
(72 FR 72571 (Dec. 21, 2007)). The CRA
regulations, as revised on December 21,
2007, provide that banks and savings
associations that, as of December 31 of
either of the prior two calendar years,
had assets of less than $1.061 billion are
‘‘small banks’’ or ‘‘small savings
associations.’’ Small banks and small
savings associations with assets of at
least $265 million as of December 31 of
both of the prior two calendar years and
less than $1.061 billion as of December
31 of either of the prior two calendar
years are ‘‘intermediate small banks’’ or
‘‘intermediate small savings
associations.’’ 12 CFR 25.12(u)(1),
228.12(u)(1), 345.12(u)(1), 563e.12(u)(1).
This joint final rule further revises these
thresholds.
During the period ending November
2008, the CPIW increased by 4.49
percent. As a result, the agencies are
revising 12 CFR 25.12(u)(1),
228.12(u)(1), 345.12(u)(1), and
563e.12(u)(1) to make this annual
adjustment. Beginning January 1, 2009,
banks and savings associations that, as
of December 31 of either of the prior two
calendar years, had assets of less than
$1.109 billion are ‘‘small banks’’ or
‘‘small savings associations.’’ Small
banks or small savings associations with
assets of at least $277 million as of
December 31 of both of the prior two
calendar years and less than $1.109
billion as of December 31 of either of the
prior two calendar years are
‘‘intermediate small banks’’ or
‘‘intermediate small savings
associations.’’ The agencies also publish
current and historical asset-size
thresholds on the Web site of the
Federal Financial Institutions
Examination Council at https://
www.ffiec.gov/cra/.
Administrative Procedure Act and
Effective Date
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA), an
agency may, for good cause, find (and
incorporate the finding and a brief
statement of reasons therefore in the
rules issued) that notice and public
procedure thereon are impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.
The amendments to the regulations to
adjust the asset-size thresholds for small
and intermediate small banks and
savings associations result from the
application of a formula established by
a provision in the CRA regulations that
the agencies previously published for
E:\FR\FM\22DER1.SGM
22DER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 246 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78151-78153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30309]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 984
[Docket No. AMS-FV-08-0010; FV08-984-610 Review]
Walnuts Grown in California; Section 610 Review
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Confirmation of regulations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action summarizes the results under the criteria
contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), of an
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of Marketing Order No. 984,
regulating the handling of walnuts grown in California (order). AMS has
determined that the order should be continued.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons may obtain a copy of the review. Requests
for copies should be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order
Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington,
[[Page 78152]]
DC 20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938; or E-mail:
moab.docketclerk@usda.gov. A copy of the review may also be obtained
via the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt J. Kimmel or Martin Engeler,
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
AMS, USDA, 2202 Monterey Street, 102-B, Fresno, CA 93721;
Telephone: (559) 487-5901; Fax: (559) 487-5906; or E-mail:
Kurt.Kimmel@USDA.gov or Martin.Engeler@USDA.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Marketing Order No. 984, as amended (7 CFR
part 984), regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California,
hereinafter referred to as the ``order.'' The order is effective under
the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C.
601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act.''
The order establishes the California Walnut Board (Board) as the
administrative body charged with overseeing program operations. Staff
is hired to conduct the daily administration of the program. The Board
consists of 10 members. Five of the members are growers of walnuts,
four are handlers, and one member is a non-industry member. Each member
has an alternate. Board members and alternates are nominated by the
industry and selected by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Currently, there are approximately 4,000 producers and
approximately 58 handlers of California walnuts. The majority of
growers and handlers may be classified as small entities. The
regulations implemented under the order are applied uniformly and are
designed to benefit all entities, regardless of size.
AMS published in the Federal Register on February 18, 1999 (64 FR
8014), a plan to review certain regulations, including Marketing Order
No. 984, under criteria contained in section 610 of the RFA (5 U.S.C.
601-612). Updated plans were published in the Federal Register on
January 4, 2002 (67 FR 525), August 14, 2003 (68 FR 48574), and again
on March 24, 2006 (71 FR 14827). Accordingly, AMS published a notice of
review and request for written comments on the California walnut
marketing order in the March 18, 2008, issue of the Federal Register
(73 FR 14400). The deadline for comments ended May 19, 2008. No
comments were received in response to the notice.
The review was undertaken to determine whether the California
walnut marketing order should be continued without being changed,
amended, or rescinded to minimize the impacts on small entities. In
conducting this review, AMS considered the following factors: (1) The
continued need for the order; (2) the nature of complaints or comments
received from the public concerning the order; (3) the complexity of
the order; (4) the extent to which the order overlaps, duplicates, or
conflicts with other Federal rules, and, to the extent feasible, with
State and local governmental rules; and (5) the length of time since
the order has been evaluated or the degree to which technology,
economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected
by the order.
The order authorizes quality regulations including minimum grades
and sizes for shelled and inshell walnuts, with mandatory inspection to
ensure these requirements are met. The order also authorizes production
research and marketing research, and marketing promotion (including
paid advertising) activities, as well as collection and dissemination
of information. Finally, the order authorizes the use of volume control
to manage excess supplies in years of oversupply, but this feature has
not been used since the 1980s. The grade and size regulations and
inspection requirements are also applied to imported walnuts under
section 608e of the Act.
The grade and size requirements have helped ensure that good
quality product reaches the consumer, thus contributing to consumer
confidence. The marketing promotion activities have helped to build
consumer awareness of the product and to increase and maintain demand
over the years. Production research projects have enabled the industry
to address production-related issues, resulting in improved techniques
and more efficient operations. The compilation and dissemination of
aggregate industry statistical information is a valuable tool used by
producers and handlers to assist them in their harvesting, marketing,
and sales decisions. In the past, the volume control provisions of the
order have helped the industry manage excess supplies, but their use
has not been necessary in recent years as supply is more in line with
demand. Funds to administer the order are obtained from handler
assessments.
Regarding complaints or comments received from the public
concerning the order, AMS received no comments in response to the
Notice of Review.
Marketing order issues and programs are discussed at public
meetings, and all interested persons are allowed to express their
views. All comments are considered in the decision making process by
the Committee and the AMS before any program changes are implemented.
In considering the order's complexity, AMS has determined that the
order is not unduly complex.
During the review, the order was also checked for duplication and
overlap with other regulations. AMS did not identify any relevant
Federal rules, or State and local regulations that duplicate, overlap,
or conflict with the marketing order for California walnuts. There is,
however, a state program that provides related services to the
California walnut industry. The California Walnut Commission
(Commission) works cooperatively with the Federal order to ensure there
is no duplication of effort. The Commission is primarily responsible
for international promotion activities. This complements the activities
of the Federal order pertaining to domestic promotion activities. The
programs share staff and office space, and several of the Federal
marketing order Board members are also members of the state Commission.
This arrangement helps assure that the programs complement each other
rather than conflict, duplicate, or overlap. Both programs operate in
concert with each other to benefit the California walnut industry.
The order was established in 1948 and was last amended in April,
2008. During the 60 years the order has been in effect, AMS and the
California walnut industry have continuously monitored marketing
operations. Changes in regulations have been implemented to reflect
current industry operating practices, and to solve marketing problems
as they occur. The goal of periodic evaluations is to ensure that the
order and the regulations implemented under it fit the needs of the
industry and are consistent with the Act.
The Board meets several times a year to discuss the order and the
various regulations issued thereunder, and to determine if, or what,
changes may be necessary to reflect current industry practices. As a
result, regulatory changes have been made numerous times over the years
to address industry operation changes and to improve program
administration. In addition, the order has been amended seven times
since its inception. Different authorities have been added to the
order, and numerous changes to existing authorities under the order
have been made to reflect the evolving needs of the industry.
Based on the potential benefits of the order to producers,
handlers, and
[[Page 78153]]
consumers, AMS has determined that the California walnut marketing
order should be continued. The order was established to help the
California walnut industry work with USDA to solve marketing problems.
The order's regulations on grade and size, as well as research and
promotion, and collection and dissemination of information continue to
be beneficial to producers, handlers, and consumers.
AMS will continue to work with the California walnut industry in
maintaining an effective marketing order program.
Dated: December 16, 2008.
James E. Link,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E8-30309 Filed 12-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
