Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2010-2011 Marketing Year, 13445-13451 [2010-6187]

Download as PDF 13445 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 75, No. 54 Monday, March 22, 2010 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 985 [Doc. No. AMS–FV–09–0082; FV10–985–1 PR] Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2010– 2011 Marketing Year emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: This rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2010–2011 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2010. This rule invites comments on the establishment of salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 566,962 pounds and 28 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 980,265 pounds and 43 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market. DATES: Comments must be received by April 6, 2010. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938; or Internet: https://www.regulations.gov. All comments should reference the docket VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: https:// www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this rule will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet at the address provided above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan M. Coleman, Marketing Specialist or Gary D. Olson, Regional Manager, Northwest Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (503) 326– 2724; Fax: (503) 326–7440; or E-mail: Sue.Coleman@ams.usda.gov or GaryD.Olson@ams.usda.gov. Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Antoinette Carter, 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, or E-mail: Antoinette.Carter@ams.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule is issued under Marketing Order No. 985 (7 CFR Part 985), as amended, regulating the handling of spearmint oil produced in the Far West (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and designated parts of Nevada and Utah), 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 Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Order 12866. This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. Under the marketing order now in effect, salable quantities and allotment percentages may be established for classes of spearmint oil produced in the Far West. This proposed rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class, which may be purchased from or handled for producers by handlers during the 2010– PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2011 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2010. 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 States 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 not later than 20 days after the date of the entry of the ruling. The Committee meets annually in the fall to review sales and other market information for the current marketing year, and to recommend the establishment of salable quantities and allotment percentages for each class of oil for the forthcoming marketing year beginning on June 1. The salable quantity establishes the amount of each class of spearmint oil that may be sold during the marketing year. Each producer is allotted a share of the salable quantity by applying the allotment percentage to that producer’s allotment base for the applicable class of spearmint oil. The salable quantities are intended to satisfy anticipated market needs. Recommendations are made well in advance to allow producers the chance to adjust their spearmint plantings in relation to the salable quantities and allotment percentages in the proposed regulation. In developing a regulatory recommendation for USDA, the Committee utilizes information pertaining to current and projected supply, demand, production costs and producer prices, as well as input from spearmint oil handlers and producers regarding prospective marketing conditions. Pursuant to authority in §§ 985.50, 985.51, and 985.52 of the order, the full eight-member Committee met on October 14, 2009, and recommended salable quantities and allotment percentages for both classes of oil for the E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1 13446 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 2010–2011 marketing year. The Committee, in a vote with six members in favor and two members opposed, recommended the establishment of a salable quantity and allotment percentage for Scotch spearmint oil of 566,962 pounds and 28 percent, respectively. The two members opposing the action were in favor of a greater salable quantity and allotment percentage for Scotch. For Native spearmint oil, the Committee unanimously recommended the establishment of a salable quantity and allotment percentage of 980,265 pounds and 43 percent, respectively. This rule would limit the amount of spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2010–2011 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2010. Salable quantities and allotment percentages have been placed into effect each season since the order’s inception in 1980. Class 1 (Scotch) Spearmint Oil The U.S. production of Scotch spearmint oil is concentrated in the Far West, which includes Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and a portion of Nevada and Utah. Scotch spearmint oil is also produced in the Midwest states of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as in the States of Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. When the order became effective in 1980, the Far West had about 72 percent of global Scotch spearmint oil sales. This was produced on about 9,702 acres within the Far West production area. In 2004, Scotch spearmint was planted on 4,772 acres in the Far West, whereas acreage in 2009 was up to 7,583 acres. About 84 percent of the Far West Scotch spearmint oil acreage is produced in Washington State. During the last 40 years, the Far West’s share of world Scotch production has varied. In 2002, for example, the Far West share of world sales reached a low of about 27 percent according to Committee records. The earlier downward trend in the Far West share of world sales was attributable to the increase in global production— specifically increases in Canada and China—and decreasing acreage in the Far West. Since that low, Far West spearmint oil sales as a percentage of total world sales is back up to over 41 percent. This recent resurgence in overall shares of the world market is due to many factors, including an increase in Far West production, a decrease in production in China coupled with an increase in Chinese utilization of its own production, and a recent decrease in acreage in other production areas VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 within the United States. For example, production in the Midwest states has gone from 186,000 pounds in 2004, down to an estimated 35,000 pounds in 2009. This has increased the Far West’s percentage of annual U.S. sales of Scotch spearmint oil to approximately 60 percent from the 2002 low of about 43 percent. Other factors that have played a significant role in the Far West share of the global Scotch spearmint oil market include the overall quality of imported oil and technological advances that allow for more blending of lower quality oils. Such factors have provided the Committee with challenges in accurately predicting trade demand for Scotch spearmint oil. Despite these challenges, the marketing order has continued to contribute to price and market stabilization for Far West producers. When the Committee met in October 2008 to recommend the 2009–2010 volume regulation, demand for spearmint oil appeared high in relation to expected production. The Committee consequently recommended a relatively high 2009–2010 Scotch salable quantity and allotment percentage in an effort to match supply with anticipated demand. When the Committee recommended the 2009–2010 Scotch salable quantity and allotment percentage of 842,171 pounds and 42 percent, respectively, it also estimated that the quantity of salable Scotch spearmint oil carried over from the 2008–2009 marketing year into the 2009–2010 marketing year would approximate 124,735 pounds. The actual amount carried forward on June 1, 2009, however, was 207,976 pounds, an amount higher than the Committee considers desirable. Major factors contributing to the large quantity of Scotch spearmint oil being carried into the 2009–2010 marketing year included fewer 2008–2009 sales than anticipated and production levels higher than expected. The large carry-in, coupled with the overall lackluster economy and current lack of demand for spearmint oil has led to an over-supply situation within the Far West spearmint oil industry, particularly with Scotch spearmint oil. A year ago, spearmint oil handlers had projected that the 2009–2010 trade demand for Far West Scotch spearmint oil would range from a low of 800,000 pounds to a high of 1,000,000 pounds. This year the same handlers have reassessed their earlier projection for this period with a less optimistic range of 700,000 pounds to 750,000 pounds of Scotch spearmint oil trade demand. Although consumer demand for mint flavored products is reportedly steady— PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 thus providing sustained optimism for the long term demand for Far West spearmint oil—the handlers report that the manufacturers of such products are currently reducing purchases and meeting current needs by trimming their own inventories to reduce the current recessionary impact on their businesses. The Committee recommended the 2010–2011 Scotch spearmint oil salable quantity of 566,962 pounds and allotment percentage of 28 percent utilizing sales estimates for 2010–2011 Scotch spearmint oil as provided by several of the industry’s handlers, as well as historical and current Scotch spearmint oil sales levels. The Committee is estimating that about 800,000 pounds of Scotch spearmint oil may be sold during the 2010–2011 marketing year. When considered in conjunction with the estimated carry-in of 349,998 pounds of oil on June 1, 2010, the recommended salable quantity of 566,962 pounds results in a total available supply of about 916,960 pounds of Scotch spearmint oil during the 2010–2011 marketing year. The Committee’s stated intent is to keep adequate supplies available to meet market needs and improve producer prices. The Committee developed its recommendation for the proposed Scotch spearmint oil salable quantity and allotment percentage for the 2010– 2011 marketing year on the information discussed above, as well as the data outlined below. (A) Estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010—349,998 pounds. This figure is the difference between the revised 2009–2010 marketing year total available supply of 1,049,998 pounds and the estimated 2009–2010 marketing year trade demand of 700,000 pounds. (B) Estimated trade demand for the 2010–2011 marketing year—800,000 pounds. This figure is based on input from producers at six Scotch spearmint oil production area meetings held in late September and early October 2009, as well as estimates provided by handlers and other meeting participants at the October 14, 2009, meeting. The average estimated trade demand provided at the six production area meetings is 800,000 pounds, which is the same level as estimated by handlers. The average of sales over the last five years is 841,436 pounds. (C) Salable quantity required from the 2010–2011 marketing year production— 450,002 pounds. This figure is the difference between the estimated 2010– 2011 marketing year trade demand (800,000 pounds) and the estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010 (349,998 pounds). E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS (D) Total estimated allotment base for the 2010–2011 marketing year— 2,024,863 pounds. This figure represents a one percent increase over the revised 2009–2010 total allotment base. This figure is generally revised each year on June 1 due to producer base being lost because of the bona fide effort production provisions of § 985.53(e). The revision is usually minimal. (E) Computed allotment percentage— 22.2 percent. This percentage is computed by dividing the required salable quantity by the total estimated allotment base. (F) Recommended allotment percentage—28 percent. The Committee’s recommendation is based on the computed allotment percentage (22.2 percent), the average of the computed allotment percentage figures from the six production area meetings (23.7 percent), and input from producers and handlers at the October 14, 2009, meeting. The actual recommendation of 28 percent is based on the Committee’s determination that the computed percentage (22.2 percent) may not adequately supply the potential 2010–2011 Scotch spearmint oil market. (G) The Committee’s recommended salable quantity—566,962 pounds. This figure is the product of the recommended allotment percentage and the total estimated allotment base. (H) Estimated available supply for the 2010–2011 marketing year—916,960 pounds. This figure is the sum of the 2010–2011 recommended salable quantity (566,962 pounds) and the estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010 (349,998 pounds). Class 3 (Native) Spearmint Oil The Native spearmint oil industry is facing market conditions similar to those affecting the Scotch spearmint oil market, although not as severe. Over 90 percent of U.S. production of Native spearmint is produced within the Far West production area, thus domestic production outside this area is not a major factor in the marketing of Far West Native spearmint oil. This has been an attribute of U.S. production since the order’s inception. Minor domestic production of Native spearmint oil outside of the Far West is in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. According to the Committee, very little true Native spearmint oil is produced outside of the United States. However, India produces an increasing quantity of spearmint oil with qualities very similar to Native spearmint oil. Committee records show that in 1996 VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 the Far West accounted for nearly 93 percent of global sales of Native or Native quality spearmint oil. By 2009 that share had shrunk to less than 60 percent. As with Scotch spearmint, acreage planted to Native spearmint has fluctuated with demand and producer price. In 2004, Committee records indicate that there were 4,805 acres of Native spearmint planted as opposed to the 8,919 acres planted in 2009. When the Committee met in October 2008 to recommend the 2009–2010 volume regulation, the same relatively good market conditions buoying the industry since 2004 were in effect (although the Committee initially recommended Native spearmint oil allotment percentages averaging less than 43 percent between 2004 and 2008, demand proved better than anticipated and multiple intra-seasonal increases were effectuated each year to bring the final percentages up to a four year average of nearly 56 percent). As a consequence, the Committee recommended a 2009–2010 marketing year allotment percentage of 53 percent for Native spearmint oil to match supply with anticipated demand. At the same time, the Committee also estimated that the quantity of salable Native spearmint oil that would be carried over from the 2008–2009 marketing year into the 2009–2010 marketing year would approximate 51,363 pounds. The actual amount carried forward on June 1, 2009, however, was 130,323 pounds. Factors contributing to the larger 2009–2010 marketing year carry-in included fewer 2008–2009 sales than anticipated and production levels higher than expected. Although to a lesser extent than with Scotch spearmint oil, the large Native spearmint oil carry-in, coupled with the recessionary economy and subsequent lack of demand for spearmint oil, has led to a moderately over supplied Native spearmint oil market. A year ago, the 2009–2010 trade demand for Far West Native spearmint oil was projected to average about 1,275,000 pounds. This year the same handlers revised the estimate for the 2009–2010 marketing year for a projected average of about 1,143,333 pounds for Native spearmint oil trade demand. The Committee’s recommendation for the 2010–2011 Native spearmint oil salable quantity of 980,265 pounds and allotment percentage of 43 percent utilized sales estimates provided by several of the industry’s handlers, as well as historical and current Native spearmint oil sales levels. With figures about the same as those of the 2009– 2010 marketing year, the Committee is PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 13447 estimating that 2010–2011 Native spearmint oil marketing year trade demand will be about 1,140,000 pounds. When considered in conjunction with the estimated carry-in of 186,595 pounds of oil on June 1, 2010, the recommended salable quantity of 980,265 pounds results in a total 2010–2011 available supply of Native spearmint oil of about 1,166,860 pounds. Similar to the methods used with Scotch spearmint oil, the Committee’s method of calculating the Native spearmint oil salable quantity and allotment percentage primarily relies on the relationship between estimated trade demand and available supply. The Committee’s stated intent is to make adequate supplies available to meet market needs and improve producer prices. The Committee based its recommendation for the proposed Native spearmint oil salable quantity and allotment percentage for the 2010– 2011 marketing year on the information discussed above, as well as the data outlined below. (A) Estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010—186,595 pounds. This figure is the difference between the revised 2009–2010 marketing year total available supply of 1,326,595 pounds and the estimated 2009–2010 marketing year trade demand of 1,140,000 pounds. (B) Estimated trade demand for the 2010–2011 marketing year—1,140,000 pounds. This figure is based on input from producers at the six Native spearmint oil production area meetings held in late September and early October 2009, as well as estimates provided by handlers and other meeting participants at the October 14, 2009, meeting. The average estimated trade demand provided at the six production area meetings was 1,140,000 pounds, whereas the handler estimate ranged from 1,150,000 pounds to 1,200,000 pounds. (C) Salable quantity required from the 2010–2011 marketing year production— 953,405 pounds. This figure is the difference between the estimated 2010– 2011 marketing year trade demand (1,140,000 pounds) and the estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010 (186,595 pounds). (D) Total estimated allotment base for the 2010–2011 marketing year— 2,279,687 pounds. This figure represents a one percent increase over the revised 2009–2010 total allotment base. This figure is generally revised each year on June 1 due to producer base being lost due to the bona fide effort production provisions of E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1 emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 13448 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules § 985.53(e). The revision is usually minimal. (E) Computed allotment percentage— 41.8 percent. This percentage is computed by dividing the required salable quantity (953,405 pounds) by the total estimated allotment base (2,279,687 pounds). (F) Recommended allotment percentage—43 percent. This is the Committee’s recommendation based on the computed allotment percentage (41.8 percent), the average of the computed allotment percentage figures from the six production area meetings (45 percent), and input from producers and handlers at the October 14, 2009, meeting. (G) The Committee’s recommended salable quantity—980,265 pounds. This figure is the product of the recommended allotment percentage (43 percent) and the total estimated allotment base (2,279,687 pounds). (H) Estimated available supply for the 2010–2011 marketing year—1,166,860 pounds. This figure is the sum of the 2010–2011 recommended salable quantity (980,265 pounds) and the estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010 (186,595 pounds). The salable quantity is the total quantity of each class of spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during a marketing year. Each producer is allotted a share of the salable quantity by applying the allotment percentage to the producer’s allotment base for the applicable class of spearmint oil. The Committee’s recommended Scotch and Native spearmint oil salable quantities and allotment percentages of 566,962 pounds and 28 percent, and 980,265 pounds and 43 percent, respectively, are based on the goal of maintaining market stability. The Committee anticipates that this goal would be achieved by matching supply to estimated demand and thus avoiding extreme fluctuations in spearmint oil supplies and prices. The proposed salable quantities are not expected to cause a shortage of spearmint oil supplies. Any unanticipated or additional market demand for spearmint oil—developing during the marketing year—can be satisfied by an intraseasonal increase in the salable quantities. Producers who produce more than their annual allotments during the 2010–2011 marketing year may transfer such excess spearmint oil to producers with production less than their annual allotment, or, up until November 1, 2010, place it into the reserve pool. This proposed regulation, if adopted, would be similar to regulations issued in prior seasons. The average allotment VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 percentage for the most recent five marketing years for Scotch spearmint oil is 47 percent, while the average allotment percentage for the same fiveyear period for Native spearmint oil is 53 percent. Costs to producers and handlers resulting from this rule are expected to be offset by the benefits derived from a stable market and improved returns. In conjunction with the issuance of this proposed rule, USDA has reviewed the Committee’s marketing policy statement for the 2010–2011 marketing year. The Committee’s marketing policy statement, a requirement whenever the Committee recommends volume regulation, fully meets the intent of § 985.50 of the order. During its discussion of potential 2010–2011 salable quantities and allotment percentages, the Committee considered: (1) The estimated quantity of salable oil of each class held by producers and handlers; (2) the estimated demand for each class of oil; (3) the prospective production of each class of oil; (4) the total of allotment bases of each class of oil for the current marketing year and the estimated total of allotment bases of each class for the ensuing marketing year; (5) the quantity of reserve oil, by class, in storage; (6) producer prices of oil, including prices for each class of oil; and (7) general market conditions for each class of oil, including whether the estimated season average price to producers is likely to exceed parity. Conformity with the USDA’s ‘‘Guidelines for Fruit, Vegetable, and Specialty Crop Marketing Orders’’ has also been reviewed and confirmed. The establishment of these salable quantities and allotment percentages would allow for anticipated market needs. In determining anticipated market needs, consideration by the Committee was given to historical sales, as well as changes and trends in production and demand. This rule also provides producers with information on the amount of spearmint oil that should be produced for the 2010–2011 season in order to meet anticipated market demand. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (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 in order that small businesses will not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Marketing orders issued pursuant to the Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are unique in that they are brought about through group action of essentially small entities acting on their own behalf. There are eight spearmint oil handlers subject to regulation under the order, and approximately 38 producers of Scotch spearmint oil and approximately 84 producers of Native spearmint oil in the regulated production area. Small agricultural service firms are defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) (13 CFR 121.201) as those having annual receipts of less than $7,000,000, and small agricultural producers are defined as those having annual receipts of less than $750,000. Based on the SBA’s definition of small entities, the Committee estimates that 2 of the 8 handlers regulated by the order could be considered small entities. Most of the handlers are large corporations involved in the international trading of essential oils and the products of essential oils. In addition, the Committee estimates that 19 of the 38 Scotch spearmint oil producers and 29 of the 84 Native spearmint oil producers could be classified as small entities under the SBA definition. Thus, a majority of handlers and producers of Far West spearmint oil may not be classified as small entities. The Far West spearmint oil industry is characterized by producers whose farming operations generally involve more than one commodity, and whose income from farming operations is not exclusively dependent on the production of spearmint oil. A typical spearmint oil-producing operation has enough acreage for rotation such that the total acreage required to produce the crop is about one-third spearmint and two-thirds rotational crops. Thus, the typical spearmint oil producer has to have considerably more acreage than is planted to spearmint during any given season. Crop rotation is an essential cultural practice in the production of spearmint oil for weed, insect, and disease control. To remain economically viable with the added costs associated with spearmint oil production, a majority of spearmint oil-producing farms fall into the SBA category of large businesses. Small spearmint oil producers generally are not as extensively diversified as larger ones and as such are more at risk from market fluctuations. Such small producers generally need to market their entire annual allotment and do not have the luxury of having other crops to cushion seasons with poor spearmint oil returns. E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1 emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules Conversely, large diversified producers have the potential to endure one or more seasons of poor spearmint oil markets because income from alternate crops could support the operation for a period of time. Being reasonably assured of a stable price and market provides small producing entities with the ability to maintain proper cash flow and to meet annual expenses. Thus, the market and price stability provided by the order potentially benefit the small producer more than such provisions benefit large producers. Even though a majority of handlers and producers of spearmint oil may not be classified as small entities, the volume control feature of this order has small entity orientation. This proposed rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2010–2011 marketing year. The Committee recommended this rule to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market by matching supply to estimated demand thereby avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices. Establishing quantities to be purchased or handled during the marketing year through volume regulations allows producers to plan their spearmint planting and harvesting to meet expected market needs. The provisions of §§ 985.50, 985.51, and 985.52 of the order authorize this rule. Instability in the spearmint oil subsector of the mint industry is much more likely to originate on the supply side than the demand side. Fluctuations in yield and acreage planted from season-to-season tend to be larger than fluctuations in the amount purchased by handlers. Demand for spearmint oil tends to be relatively stable from yearto-year. The demand for spearmint oil is expected to grow slowly for the foreseeable future because the demand for consumer products that use spearmint oil will likely expand slowly, in line with population growth. Demand for spearmint oil at the farm level is derived from retail demand for spearmint-flavored products such as chewing gum, toothpaste, and mouthwash. The manufacturers of these products are by far the largest users of mint oil. However, spearmint flavoring is generally a very minor component of the products in which it is used, so changes in the raw product price have no impact on retail prices for those goods. Spearmint oil production tends to be cyclical. Years of large production, with demand remaining reasonably stable, have led to periods in which large producer stocks of unsold spearmint oil VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 have depressed producer prices for a number of years. Shortages and high prices may follow in subsequent years, as producers respond to price signals by cutting back production. The significant variability is illustrated by the fact that the coefficient of variation (a standard measure of variability; ‘‘CV’’) of Far West spearmint oil production from 1980 through 2008 was about 0.23. The CV for spearmint oil grower prices was about 0.14, well below the CV for production. This provides an indication of the price stabilizing impact of the marketing order. Production in the shortest marketing year was about 49 percent of the 29-year average (1.87 million pounds from 1980 through 2008) and the largest crop was approximately 165 percent of the 29year average. A key consequence is that in years of oversupply and low prices the season average producer price of spearmint oil is below the average cost of production (as measured by the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Service.) The wide fluctuations in supply and prices that result from this cycle, which was even more pronounced before the creation of the marketing order, can create liquidity problems for some producers. The marketing order was designed to reduce the price impacts of the cyclical swings in production. However, producers have been less able to weather these cycles in recent years because of the increase in production costs. While prices have been relatively steady, the cost of production has increased to the extent that plans to plant spearmint may be postponed or changed indefinitely. Producers are also enticed by the prices of alternative crops and their lower cost of production. In an effort to stabilize prices, the spearmint oil industry uses the volume control mechanisms authorized under the order. This authority allows the Committee to recommend a salable quantity and allotment percentage for each class of oil for the upcoming marketing year. The salable quantity for each class of oil is the total volume of oil that producers may sell during the marketing year. The allotment percentage for each class of spearmint oil is derived by dividing the salable quantity by the total allotment base. Each producer is then issued an annual allotment certificate, in pounds, for the applicable class of oil, which is calculated by multiplying the producer’s allotment base by the applicable allotment percentage. This is the amount of oil for the applicable class that the producer can sell. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 13449 By November 1 of each year, the Committee identifies any oil that individual producers have produced above the volume specified on their annual allotment certificates. This excess oil is placed in a reserve pool administered by the Committee. There is a reserve pool for each class of oil that may not be sold during the current marketing year unless USDA approves a Committee recommendation to make a portion of the pool available. However, limited quantities of reserve oil are typically sold to fill deficiencies. A deficiency occurs when on-farm production is less than a producer’s allotment. In that case, a producer’s own reserve oil can be sold to fill that deficiency. Excess production (higher than the producer’s allotment) can be sold to fill other producers’ deficiencies. All of this needs to take place by November 1. In any given year, the total available supply of spearmint oil is composed of current production plus carry-over stocks from the previous crop. The Committee seeks to maintain market stability by balancing supply and demand, and to close the marketing year with an appropriate level of carryout. If the industry has production in excess of the salable quantity, then the reserve pool absorbs the surplus quantity of spearmint oil, which goes unsold during that year unless the oil is needed for unanticipated sales. Under its provisions, the order may attempt to stabilize prices by (1) limiting supply and establishing reserves in high production years, thus minimizing the price-depressing effect that excess producer stocks have on unsold spearmint oil, and (2) ensuring that stocks are available in short supply years when prices would otherwise increase dramatically. The reserve pool stocks grown in large production years are drawn down in short crop years. An econometric model was used to assess the impact that volume control has on the prices producers receive for their commodity. Without volume control, spearmint oil markets would likely be over-supplied, resulting in low producer prices and a large volume of oil stored and carried over to the next crop year. The model estimates how much lower producer prices would likely be in the absence of volume controls. The Committee estimated the trade demand for the 2010–2011 marketing year for both classes of oil at 1,940,000 pounds, and that the expected combined carry-in will be 536,593 pounds. This results in a combined required salable quantity of 1,403,407 pounds. With volume control, sales by E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1 emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 13450 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules producers for the 2010–2011 marketing year would be limited to 1,547,227 pounds (the recommended salable quantity for both classes of spearmint oil). The recommended salable percentages, upon which 2010–2011 producer allotments are based, are 28 percent for Scotch and 43 percent for Native. Without volume controls, producers would not be limited to these allotment levels, and could produce and sell additional spearmint. The econometric model estimated a $1.51 decline in the season average producer price per pound (from both classes of spearmint oil) resulting from the higher quantities that would be produced and marketed without volume control. The surplus situation for the spearmint oil market that would exist without volume controls in 2010–2011 also would likely dampen prospects for improved producer prices in future years because of the buildup in stocks. The use of volume controls allows the industry to fully supply spearmint oil markets while avoiding the negative consequences of over-supplying these markets. The use of volume controls is believed to have little or no effect on consumer prices of products containing spearmint oil and will not result in fewer retail sales of such products. The Committee discussed alternatives to the recommendations contained in this rule for both classes of spearmint oil. The Committee discussed and rejected the idea of recommending that there not be any volume regulation for both classes of spearmint oil because of the severe price-depressing effects that would occur without volume control. After computing the initial 22.2 percent Scotch spearmint oil allotment percentage, the Committee considered various alternative levels of volume control for Scotch spearmint oil. Considered levels ranged from 28 percent to 32 percent. There was consensus that the allotment percentage for 2010–2011 should be less than the percentage established for the 2009– 2010 marketing year (42 percent). After considerable discussion, however, the Committee determined that 566,962 pounds and 28 percent would be the most effective salable quantity and allotment percentage, respectively, for the 2010–2011 marketing year. The Committee was able to reach a consensus regarding the level of volume control for Native spearmint oil. After first computing the allotment percentage at 41.8 percent, the Committee unanimously determined that 980,265 pounds and 43 percent would be the most effective salable quantity and VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 allotment percentage, respectively, for the 2010–2011 marketing year. As noted earlier, the Committee’s recommendation to establish salable quantities and allotment percentages for both classes of spearmint oil was made after careful consideration of all available information, including: (1) The estimated quantity of salable oil of each class held by producers and handlers; (2) the estimated demand for each class of oil; (3) the prospective production of each class of oil; (4) the total of allotment bases of each class of oil for the current marketing year and the estimated total of allotment bases of each class for the ensuing marketing year; (5) the quantity of reserve oil, by class, in storage; (6) producer prices of oil, including prices for each class of oil; and (7) general market conditions for each class of oil, including whether the estimated season average price to producers is likely to exceed parity. Based on its review, the Committee believes that the salable quantity and allotment percentage levels recommended would achieve the objectives sought. Without any regulations in effect, the Committee believes the industry would return to the pronounced cyclical price patterns that occurred prior to the order, and that prices in 2010–2011 would decline substantially below current levels. According to the Committee, the recommended salable quantities and allotment percentages are expected to achieve the goals of market and price stability. As previously stated, annual salable quantities and allotment percentages have been issued for both classes of spearmint oil since the order’s inception. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements have remained the same for each year of regulation. These requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB Control No. 0581–0178, Vegetable and Specialty Crops. Accordingly, this rule would not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on either small or large spearmint oil producers or handlers. 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. Furthermore, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this rule. AMS is committed to complying with the E–Government Act, to promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. In addition, the Committee’s meeting was widely publicized throughout the spearmint oil industry and all interested persons were invited to attend the meeting and participate in Committee deliberations on all issues. Like all Committee meetings, the October 14, 2009, meeting was a public meeting and all entities, both large and small, were able to express views on this issue. Finally, interested persons are invited to submit comments on this proposed rule, including the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small businesses. A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData. do?template=TemplateN&page= MarketingOrdersSmallBusinessGuide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Antoinette Carter at the previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. A 15-day comment period is deemed appropriate to allow interested persons the opportunity to respond to this proposal, taking into account that the marketing year begins on June 1, 2010. All written comments timely received will be considered before a final determination is made on this matter. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 985 Marketing agreements, Oils and fats, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Spearmint oil. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Part 985 is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 985—MARKETING ORDER REGULATING THE HANDLING OF SPEARMINT OIL PRODUCED IN THE FAR WEST 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR Part 985 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. 2. A new § 985.229 is added to read as follows: Note: This section will not appear in the Code of Federal Regulations. § 985.229 Salable quantities and allotment percentages—2010–2011 marketing year. The salable quantity and allotment percentage for each class of spearmint oil during the marketing year beginning on June 1, 2010, shall be as follows: (a) Class 1 (Scotch) oil—a salable quantity of 566,962 pounds and an allotment percentage of 28 percent. E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 / Proposed Rules (b) Class 3 (Native) oil—a salable quantity of 980,265 pounds and an allotment percentage of 43 percent. Dated: March 16, 2010. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2010–6187 Filed 3–19–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27009; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–02–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 Turboshaft Engines emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engines. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Since the issuance of AD 2007–0126 ´ Turbomeca has released modification TU157 which consists in modifying the pressure relief valve of the HMU by introducing a damping device into the valve. Introduction of this device has demonstrated to decrease the pressure fluctuations in the system, therefore reducing significantly the risk of wear of the delta-P diaphragm fabric. This will delete the need for a periodical replacement of the delta-P diaphragm before overhaul of the HMU. The modification TU157 is therefore considered as the terminating action for this AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent the loss of automatic control mode coupled with the deteriorated performance of the backup mode, which can lead to the inability to continue safe flight, forced autorotation landing, or an accident. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by April 21, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:16 Mar 19, 2010 Jkt 220001 the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Dickert, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: kevin.dickert@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7117; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–27009; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–02–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78). Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 13451 section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Discussion On September 11, 2007, the FAA issued AD 2007–19–09, Amendment 39–15200 (72 FR 53112, September 18, 2007). That AD requires initial and repetitive replacement of the hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) with a serviceable HMU every 1,500 operating hours. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007– 0126, dated May 7, 2007, (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: This AD is prompted by several reported cases of rupture of the constant delta pressure valve diaphragm on Arriel 2B1 engines, due to the wear of the delta-P diaphragm fabric. Rupture can result in the loss of the automatic control mode of the helicopter, accompanied with a deterioration of the behavior of the auxiliary back-up mode (emergency mode). On a single-engine helicopter, the result may be an emergency landing or, at worst, an accident. This AD supersedes AD EASA AD 2007– 0006 which required the removal from service of all the delta pressure valve diaphragms logging more than 2,000 hourssince-new. Since issuance of EASA AD 2007–0006, no further case of rupture of the constant delta pressure valve diaphragm has been reported on Arriel 2 engines. However, about 40 additional diaphragms returning from service have been inspected by Turbomeca, and some signs of wear have been detected on diaphragms having logged less than 2,000 hours. Based on the inspection results, it has been decided to decrease this limit from 2,000 hours to 1,500 hours in order to further reduce the probability of delta-P diaphragm rupture. Actions Since AD 2007–19–09 Was Issued Since that AD was issued, the EASA has issued MCAI AD 2009–0091, dated May 4, 2009. The MCAI states: Since the issuance of AD 2007–0126 ´ Turbomeca has released modification TU157 which consists in modifying the pressure relief valve of the HMU by introducing a damping device into the valve. Introduction of this device has demonstrated to decrease the pressure fluctuations in the system, therefore reducing significantly the risk of wear of the delta-P diaphragm fabric. This will delete the need for a periodical replacement of the delta-P diaphragm before overhaul of the HMU. The modification TU157 is therefore considered as the terminating action for this AD. This AD supersedes AD 2007–0126 by retaining the same requirements as in AD 2007–0126 except that: E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM 22MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13445-13451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-6187]

========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 54 / Monday, March 22, 2010 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 13445]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 985

[Doc. No. AMS-FV-09-0082; FV10-985-1 PR]

Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced
in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the
2010-2011 Marketing Year

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil
produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or
handle for, producers during the 2010-2011 marketing year, which begins
on June 1, 2010. This rule invites comments on the establishment of
salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch)
spearmint oil of 566,962 pounds and 28 percent, respectively, and for
Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 980,265 pounds and 43 percent,
respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee),
the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order
for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these
limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in
supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil
market.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 6, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments
concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk,
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC
20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938; or Internet: https://www.regulations.gov. All comments should reference the docket number
and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and
will be made available for public inspection in the Office of the
Docket Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: https://www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this rule
will be included in the record and will be made available to the
public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or
entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet at
the address provided above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan M. Coleman, Marketing Specialist
or Gary D. Olson, Regional Manager, Northwest Marketing Field Office,
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
AMS, USDA; Telephone: (503) 326-2724; Fax: (503) 326-7440; or E-mail:
Sue.Coleman@ams.usda.gov or GaryD.Olson@ams.usda.gov.
Small businesses may request information on complying with this
regulation by contacting Antoinette Carter, 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, or E-mail:
Antoinette.Carter@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule is issued under Marketing Order
No. 985 (7 CFR Part 985), as amended, regulating the handling of
spearmint oil produced in the Far West (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and
designated parts of Nevada and Utah), 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 Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this rule in
conformance with Executive Order 12866.
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. Under the marketing order now in effect, salable
quantities and allotment percentages may be established for classes of
spearmint oil produced in the Far West. This proposed rule would
establish the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by
class, which may be purchased from or handled for producers by handlers
during the 2010-2011 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2010.
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 States 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 not later than 20 days after the date of
the entry of the ruling.
The Committee meets annually in the fall to review sales and other
market information for the current marketing year, and to recommend the
establishment of salable quantities and allotment percentages for each
class of oil for the forthcoming marketing year beginning on June 1.
The salable quantity establishes the amount of each class of spearmint
oil that may be sold during the marketing year. Each producer is
allotted a share of the salable quantity by applying the allotment
percentage to that producer's allotment base for the applicable class
of spearmint oil. The salable quantities are intended to satisfy
anticipated market needs.
Recommendations are made well in advance to allow producers the
chance to adjust their spearmint plantings in relation to the salable
quantities and allotment percentages in the proposed regulation. In
developing a regulatory recommendation for USDA, the Committee utilizes
information pertaining to current and projected supply, demand,
production costs and producer prices, as well as input from spearmint
oil handlers and producers regarding prospective marketing conditions.
Pursuant to authority in Sec. Sec. 985.50, 985.51, and 985.52 of
the order, the full eight-member Committee met on October 14, 2009, and
recommended salable quantities and allotment percentages for both
classes of oil for the

[[Page 13446]]

2010-2011 marketing year. The Committee, in a vote with six members in
favor and two members opposed, recommended the establishment of a
salable quantity and allotment percentage for Scotch spearmint oil of
566,962 pounds and 28 percent, respectively. The two members opposing
the action were in favor of a greater salable quantity and allotment
percentage for Scotch. For Native spearmint oil, the Committee
unanimously recommended the establishment of a salable quantity and
allotment percentage of 980,265 pounds and 43 percent, respectively.
This rule would limit the amount of spearmint oil that handlers may
purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2010-2011 marketing
year, which begins on June 1, 2010. Salable quantities and allotment
percentages have been placed into effect each season since the order's
inception in 1980.

Class 1 (Scotch) Spearmint Oil

The U.S. production of Scotch spearmint oil is concentrated in the
Far West, which includes Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and a portion of
Nevada and Utah. Scotch spearmint oil is also produced in the Midwest
states of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, as well as in the States of
Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
When the order became effective in 1980, the Far West had about 72
percent of global Scotch spearmint oil sales. This was produced on
about 9,702 acres within the Far West production area. In 2004, Scotch
spearmint was planted on 4,772 acres in the Far West, whereas acreage
in 2009 was up to 7,583 acres. About 84 percent of the Far West Scotch
spearmint oil acreage is produced in Washington State.
During the last 40 years, the Far West's share of world Scotch
production has varied. In 2002, for example, the Far West share of
world sales reached a low of about 27 percent according to Committee
records. The earlier downward trend in the Far West share of world
sales was attributable to the increase in global production--
specifically increases in Canada and China--and decreasing acreage in
the Far West. Since that low, Far West spearmint oil sales as a
percentage of total world sales is back up to over 41 percent.
This recent resurgence in overall shares of the world market is due
to many factors, including an increase in Far West production, a
decrease in production in China coupled with an increase in Chinese
utilization of its own production, and a recent decrease in acreage in
other production areas within the United States. For example,
production in the Midwest states has gone from 186,000 pounds in 2004,
down to an estimated 35,000 pounds in 2009. This has increased the Far
West's percentage of annual U.S. sales of Scotch spearmint oil to
approximately 60 percent from the 2002 low of about 43 percent.
Other factors that have played a significant role in the Far West
share of the global Scotch spearmint oil market include the overall
quality of imported oil and technological advances that allow for more
blending of lower quality oils. Such factors have provided the
Committee with challenges in accurately predicting trade demand for
Scotch spearmint oil. Despite these challenges, the marketing order has
continued to contribute to price and market stabilization for Far West
producers.
When the Committee met in October 2008 to recommend the 2009-2010
volume regulation, demand for spearmint oil appeared high in relation
to expected production. The Committee consequently recommended a
relatively high 2009-2010 Scotch salable quantity and allotment
percentage in an effort to match supply with anticipated demand. When
the Committee recommended the 2009-2010 Scotch salable quantity and
allotment percentage of 842,171 pounds and 42 percent, respectively, it
also estimated that the quantity of salable Scotch spearmint oil
carried over from the 2008-2009 marketing year into the 2009-2010
marketing year would approximate 124,735 pounds. The actual amount
carried forward on June 1, 2009, however, was 207,976 pounds, an amount
higher than the Committee considers desirable. Major factors
contributing to the large quantity of Scotch spearmint oil being
carried into the 2009-2010 marketing year included fewer 2008-2009
sales than anticipated and production levels higher than expected.
The large carry-in, coupled with the overall lackluster economy and
current lack of demand for spearmint oil has led to an over-supply
situation within the Far West spearmint oil industry, particularly with
Scotch spearmint oil. A year ago, spearmint oil handlers had projected
that the 2009-2010 trade demand for Far West Scotch spearmint oil would
range from a low of 800,000 pounds to a high of 1,000,000 pounds. This
year the same handlers have reassessed their earlier projection for
this period with a less optimistic range of 700,000 pounds to 750,000
pounds of Scotch spearmint oil trade demand. Although consumer demand
for mint flavored products is reportedly steady--thus providing
sustained optimism for the long term demand for Far West spearmint
oil--the handlers report that the manufacturers of such products are
currently reducing purchases and meeting current needs by trimming
their own inventories to reduce the current recessionary impact on
their businesses.
The Committee recommended the 2010-2011 Scotch spearmint oil
salable quantity of 566,962 pounds and allotment percentage of 28
percent utilizing sales estimates for 2010-2011 Scotch spearmint oil as
provided by several of the industry's handlers, as well as historical
and current Scotch spearmint oil sales levels. The Committee is
estimating that about 800,000 pounds of Scotch spearmint oil may be
sold during the 2010-2011 marketing year. When considered in
conjunction with the estimated carry-in of 349,998 pounds of oil on
June 1, 2010, the recommended salable quantity of 566,962 pounds
results in a total available supply of about 916,960 pounds of Scotch
spearmint oil during the 2010-2011 marketing year.
The Committee's stated intent is to keep adequate supplies
available to meet market needs and improve producer prices.
The Committee developed its recommendation for the proposed Scotch
spearmint oil salable quantity and allotment percentage for the 2010-
2011 marketing year on the information discussed above, as well as the
data outlined below.
(A) Estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010--349,998 pounds. This figure
is the difference between the revised 2009-2010 marketing year total
available supply of 1,049,998 pounds and the estimated 2009-2010
marketing year trade demand of 700,000 pounds.
(B) Estimated trade demand for the 2010-2011 marketing year--
800,000 pounds. This figure is based on input from producers at six
Scotch spearmint oil production area meetings held in late September
and early October 2009, as well as estimates provided by handlers and
other meeting participants at the October 14, 2009, meeting. The
average estimated trade demand provided at the six production area
meetings is 800,000 pounds, which is the same level as estimated by
handlers. The average of sales over the last five years is 841,436
pounds.
(C) Salable quantity required from the 2010-2011 marketing year
production--450,002 pounds. This figure is the difference between the
estimated 2010-2011 marketing year trade demand (800,000 pounds) and
the estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010 (349,998 pounds).

[[Page 13447]]

(D) Total estimated allotment base for the 2010-2011 marketing
year--2,024,863 pounds. This figure represents a one percent increase
over the revised 2009-2010 total allotment base. This figure is
generally revised each year on June 1 due to producer base being lost
because of the bona fide effort production provisions of Sec.
985.53(e). The revision is usually minimal.
(E) Computed allotment percentage--22.2 percent. This percentage is
computed by dividing the required salable quantity by the total
estimated allotment base.
(F) Recommended allotment percentage--28 percent. The Committee's
recommendation is based on the computed allotment percentage (22.2
percent), the average of the computed allotment percentage figures from
the six production area meetings (23.7 percent), and input from
producers and handlers at the October 14, 2009, meeting. The actual
recommendation of 28 percent is based on the Committee's determination
that the computed percentage (22.2 percent) may not adequately supply
the potential 2010-2011 Scotch spearmint oil market.
(G) The Committee's recommended salable quantity--566,962 pounds.
This figure is the product of the recommended allotment percentage and
the total estimated allotment base.
(H) Estimated available supply for the 2010-2011 marketing year--
916,960 pounds. This figure is the sum of the 2010-2011 recommended
salable quantity (566,962 pounds) and the estimated carry-in on June 1,
2010 (349,998 pounds).

Class 3 (Native) Spearmint Oil

The Native spearmint oil industry is facing market conditions
similar to those affecting the Scotch spearmint oil market, although
not as severe. Over 90 percent of U.S. production of Native spearmint
is produced within the Far West production area, thus domestic
production outside this area is not a major factor in the marketing of
Far West Native spearmint oil. This has been an attribute of U.S.
production since the order's inception. Minor domestic production of
Native spearmint oil outside of the Far West is in Indiana, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
According to the Committee, very little true Native spearmint oil
is produced outside of the United States. However, India produces an
increasing quantity of spearmint oil with qualities very similar to
Native spearmint oil. Committee records show that in 1996 the Far West
accounted for nearly 93 percent of global sales of Native or Native
quality spearmint oil. By 2009 that share had shrunk to less than 60
percent.
As with Scotch spearmint, acreage planted to Native spearmint has
fluctuated with demand and producer price. In 2004, Committee records
indicate that there were 4,805 acres of Native spearmint planted as
opposed to the 8,919 acres planted in 2009.
When the Committee met in October 2008 to recommend the 2009-2010
volume regulation, the same relatively good market conditions buoying
the industry since 2004 were in effect (although the Committee
initially recommended Native spearmint oil allotment percentages
averaging less than 43 percent between 2004 and 2008, demand proved
better than anticipated and multiple intra-seasonal increases were
effectuated each year to bring the final percentages up to a four year
average of nearly 56 percent). As a consequence, the Committee
recommended a 2009-2010 marketing year allotment percentage of 53
percent for Native spearmint oil to match supply with anticipated
demand.
At the same time, the Committee also estimated that the quantity of
salable Native spearmint oil that would be carried over from the 2008-
2009 marketing year into the 2009-2010 marketing year would approximate
51,363 pounds. The actual amount carried forward on June 1, 2009,
however, was 130,323 pounds. Factors contributing to the larger 2009-
2010 marketing year carry-in included fewer 2008-2009 sales than
anticipated and production levels higher than expected.
Although to a lesser extent than with Scotch spearmint oil, the
large Native spearmint oil carry-in, coupled with the recessionary
economy and subsequent lack of demand for spearmint oil, has led to a
moderately over supplied Native spearmint oil market. A year ago, the
2009-2010 trade demand for Far West Native spearmint oil was projected
to average about 1,275,000 pounds. This year the same handlers revised
the estimate for the 2009-2010 marketing year for a projected average
of about 1,143,333 pounds for Native spearmint oil trade demand.
The Committee's recommendation for the 2010-2011 Native spearmint
oil salable quantity of 980,265 pounds and allotment percentage of 43
percent utilized sales estimates provided by several of the industry's
handlers, as well as historical and current Native spearmint oil sales
levels. With figures about the same as those of the 2009-2010 marketing
year, the Committee is estimating that 2010-2011 Native spearmint oil
marketing year trade demand will be about 1,140,000 pounds. When
considered in conjunction with the estimated carry-in of 186,595 pounds
of oil on June 1, 2010, the recommended salable quantity of 980,265
pounds results in a total 2010-2011 available supply of Native
spearmint oil of about 1,166,860 pounds.
Similar to the methods used with Scotch spearmint oil, the
Committee's method of calculating the Native spearmint oil salable
quantity and allotment percentage primarily relies on the relationship
between estimated trade demand and available supply. The Committee's
stated intent is to make adequate supplies available to meet market
needs and improve producer prices.
The Committee based its recommendation for the proposed Native
spearmint oil salable quantity and allotment percentage for the 2010-
2011 marketing year on the information discussed above, as well as the
data outlined below.
(A) Estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010--186,595 pounds. This figure
is the difference between the revised 2009-2010 marketing year total
available supply of 1,326,595 pounds and the estimated 2009-2010
marketing year trade demand of 1,140,000 pounds.
(B) Estimated trade demand for the 2010-2011 marketing year--
1,140,000 pounds. This figure is based on input from producers at the
six Native spearmint oil production area meetings held in late
September and early October 2009, as well as estimates provided by
handlers and other meeting participants at the October 14, 2009,
meeting. The average estimated trade demand provided at the six
production area meetings was 1,140,000 pounds, whereas the handler
estimate ranged from 1,150,000 pounds to 1,200,000 pounds.
(C) Salable quantity required from the 2010-2011 marketing year
production--953,405 pounds. This figure is the difference between the
estimated 2010-2011 marketing year trade demand (1,140,000 pounds) and
the estimated carry-in on June 1, 2010 (186,595 pounds).
(D) Total estimated allotment base for the 2010-2011 marketing
year--2,279,687 pounds. This figure represents a one percent increase
over the revised 2009-2010 total allotment base. This figure is
generally revised each year on June 1 due to producer base being lost
due to the bona fide effort production provisions of

[[Page 13448]]

Sec. 985.53(e). The revision is usually minimal.
(E) Computed allotment percentage--41.8 percent. This percentage is
computed by dividing the required salable quantity (953,405 pounds) by
the total estimated allotment base (2,279,687 pounds).
(F) Recommended allotment percentage--43 percent. This is the
Committee's recommendation based on the computed allotment percentage
(41.8 percent), the average of the computed allotment percentage
figures from the six production area meetings (45 percent), and input
from producers and handlers at the October 14, 2009, meeting.
(G) The Committee's recommended salable quantity--980,265 pounds.
This figure is the product of the recommended allotment percentage (43
percent) and the total estimated allotment base (2,279,687 pounds).
(H) Estimated available supply for the 2010-2011 marketing year--
1,166,860 pounds. This figure is the sum of the 2010-2011 recommended
salable quantity (980,265 pounds) and the estimated carry-in on June 1,
2010 (186,595 pounds).
The salable quantity is the total quantity of each class of
spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of,
producers during a marketing year. Each producer is allotted a share of
the salable quantity by applying the allotment percentage to the
producer's allotment base for the applicable class of spearmint oil.
The Committee's recommended Scotch and Native spearmint oil salable
quantities and allotment percentages of 566,962 pounds and 28 percent,
and 980,265 pounds and 43 percent, respectively, are based on the goal
of maintaining market stability. The Committee anticipates that this
goal would be achieved by matching supply to estimated demand and thus
avoiding extreme fluctuations in spearmint oil supplies and prices. The
proposed salable quantities are not expected to cause a shortage of
spearmint oil supplies. Any unanticipated or additional market demand
for spearmint oil--developing during the marketing year--can be
satisfied by an intra-seasonal increase in the salable quantities.
Producers who produce more than their annual allotments during the
2010-2011 marketing year may transfer such excess spearmint oil to
producers with production less than their annual allotment, or, up
until November 1, 2010, place it into the reserve pool.
This proposed regulation, if adopted, would be similar to
regulations issued in prior seasons. The average allotment percentage
for the most recent five marketing years for Scotch spearmint oil is 47
percent, while the average allotment percentage for the same five-year
period for Native spearmint oil is 53 percent. Costs to producers and
handlers resulting from this rule are expected to be offset by the
benefits derived from a stable market and improved returns. In
conjunction with the issuance of this proposed rule, USDA has reviewed
the Committee's marketing policy statement for the 2010-2011 marketing
year. The Committee's marketing policy statement, a requirement
whenever the Committee recommends volume regulation, fully meets the
intent of Sec. 985.50 of the order. During its discussion of potential
2010-2011 salable quantities and allotment percentages, the Committee
considered: (1) The estimated quantity of salable oil of each class
held by producers and handlers; (2) the estimated demand for each class
of oil; (3) the prospective production of each class of oil; (4) the
total of allotment bases of each class of oil for the current marketing
year and the estimated total of allotment bases of each class for the
ensuing marketing year; (5) the quantity of reserve oil, by class, in
storage; (6) producer prices of oil, including prices for each class of
oil; and (7) general market conditions for each class of oil, including
whether the estimated season average price to producers is likely to
exceed parity. Conformity with the USDA's ``Guidelines for Fruit,
Vegetable, and Specialty Crop Marketing Orders'' has also been reviewed
and confirmed.
The establishment of these salable quantities and allotment
percentages would allow for anticipated market needs. In determining
anticipated market needs, consideration by the Committee was given to
historical sales, as well as changes and trends in production and
demand. This rule also provides producers with information on the
amount of spearmint oil that should be produced for the 2010-2011
season in order to meet anticipated market demand.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA), the Agricultural Marketing Service (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 in order that small businesses will
not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued
pursuant to the Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are unique in
that they are brought about through group action of essentially small
entities acting on their own behalf.
There are eight spearmint oil handlers subject to regulation under
the order, and approximately 38 producers of Scotch spearmint oil and
approximately 84 producers of Native spearmint oil in the regulated
production area. Small agricultural service firms are defined by the
Small Business Administration (SBA) (13 CFR 121.201) as those having
annual receipts of less than $7,000,000, and small agricultural
producers are defined as those having annual receipts of less than
$750,000.
Based on the SBA's definition of small entities, the Committee
estimates that 2 of the 8 handlers regulated by the order could be
considered small entities. Most of the handlers are large corporations
involved in the international trading of essential oils and the
products of essential oils. In addition, the Committee estimates that
19 of the 38 Scotch spearmint oil producers and 29 of the 84 Native
spearmint oil producers could be classified as small entities under the
SBA definition. Thus, a majority of handlers and producers of Far West
spearmint oil may not be classified as small entities.
The Far West spearmint oil industry is characterized by producers
whose farming operations generally involve more than one commodity, and
whose income from farming operations is not exclusively dependent on
the production of spearmint oil. A typical spearmint oil-producing
operation has enough acreage for rotation such that the total acreage
required to produce the crop is about one-third spearmint and two-
thirds rotational crops. Thus, the typical spearmint oil producer has
to have considerably more acreage than is planted to spearmint during
any given season. Crop rotation is an essential cultural practice in
the production of spearmint oil for weed, insect, and disease control.
To remain economically viable with the added costs associated with
spearmint oil production, a majority of spearmint oil-producing farms
fall into the SBA category of large businesses.
Small spearmint oil producers generally are not as extensively
diversified as larger ones and as such are more at risk from market
fluctuations. Such small producers generally need to market their
entire annual allotment and do not have the luxury of having other
crops to cushion seasons with poor spearmint oil returns.

[[Page 13449]]

Conversely, large diversified producers have the potential to endure
one or more seasons of poor spearmint oil markets because income from
alternate crops could support the operation for a period of time. Being
reasonably assured of a stable price and market provides small
producing entities with the ability to maintain proper cash flow and to
meet annual expenses. Thus, the market and price stability provided by
the order potentially benefit the small producer more than such
provisions benefit large producers. Even though a majority of handlers
and producers of spearmint oil may not be classified as small entities,
the volume control feature of this order has small entity orientation.
This proposed rule would establish the quantity of spearmint oil
produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or
handle for, producers during the 2010-2011 marketing year. The
Committee recommended this rule to help maintain stability in the
spearmint oil market by matching supply to estimated demand thereby
avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices. Establishing
quantities to be purchased or handled during the marketing year through
volume regulations allows producers to plan their spearmint planting
and harvesting to meet expected market needs. The provisions of
Sec. Sec. 985.50, 985.51, and 985.52 of the order authorize this rule.
Instability in the spearmint oil sub-sector of the mint industry is
much more likely to originate on the supply side than the demand side.
Fluctuations in yield and acreage planted from season-to-season tend to
be larger than fluctuations in the amount purchased by handlers. Demand
for spearmint oil tends to be relatively stable from year-to-year. The
demand for spearmint oil is expected to grow slowly for the foreseeable
future because the demand for consumer products that use spearmint oil
will likely expand slowly, in line with population growth.
Demand for spearmint oil at the farm level is derived from retail
demand for spearmint-flavored products such as chewing gum, toothpaste,
and mouthwash. The manufacturers of these products are by far the
largest users of mint oil. However, spearmint flavoring is generally a
very minor component of the products in which it is used, so changes in
the raw product price have no impact on retail prices for those goods.
Spearmint oil production tends to be cyclical. Years of large
production, with demand remaining reasonably stable, have led to
periods in which large producer stocks of unsold spearmint oil have
depressed producer prices for a number of years. Shortages and high
prices may follow in subsequent years, as producers respond to price
signals by cutting back production.
The significant variability is illustrated by the fact that the
coefficient of variation (a standard measure of variability; ``CV'') of
Far West spearmint oil production from 1980 through 2008 was about
0.23. The CV for spearmint oil grower prices was about 0.14, well below
the CV for production. This provides an indication of the price
stabilizing impact of the marketing order.
Production in the shortest marketing year was about 49 percent of
the 29-year average (1.87 million pounds from 1980 through 2008) and
the largest crop was approximately 165 percent of the 29-year average.
A key consequence is that in years of oversupply and low prices the
season average producer price of spearmint oil is below the average
cost of production (as measured by the Washington State University
Cooperative Extension Service.)
The wide fluctuations in supply and prices that result from this
cycle, which was even more pronounced before the creation of the
marketing order, can create liquidity problems for some producers. The
marketing order was designed to reduce the price impacts of the
cyclical swings in production. However, producers have been less able
to weather these cycles in recent years because of the increase in
production costs. While prices have been relatively steady, the cost of
production has increased to the extent that plans to plant spearmint
may be postponed or changed indefinitely. Producers are also enticed by
the prices of alternative crops and their lower cost of production.
In an effort to stabilize prices, the spearmint oil industry uses
the volume control mechanisms authorized under the order. This
authority allows the Committee to recommend a salable quantity and
allotment percentage for each class of oil for the upcoming marketing
year. The salable quantity for each class of oil is the total volume of
oil that producers may sell during the marketing year. The allotment
percentage for each class of spearmint oil is derived by dividing the
salable quantity by the total allotment base.
Each producer is then issued an annual allotment certificate, in
pounds, for the applicable class of oil, which is calculated by
multiplying the producer's allotment base by the applicable allotment
percentage. This is the amount of oil for the applicable class that the
producer can sell.
By November 1 of each year, the Committee identifies any oil that
individual producers have produced above the volume specified on their
annual allotment certificates. This excess oil is placed in a reserve
pool administered by the Committee.
There is a reserve pool for each class of oil that may not be sold
during the current marketing year unless USDA approves a Committee
recommendation to make a portion of the pool available. However,
limited quantities of reserve oil are typically sold to fill
deficiencies. A deficiency occurs when on-farm production is less than
a producer's allotment. In that case, a producer's own reserve oil can
be sold to fill that deficiency. Excess production (higher than the
producer's allotment) can be sold to fill other producers'
deficiencies. All of this needs to take place by November 1.
In any given year, the total available supply of spearmint oil is
composed of current production plus carry-over stocks from the previous
crop. The Committee seeks to maintain market stability by balancing
supply and demand, and to close the marketing year with an appropriate
level of carryout. If the industry has production in excess of the
salable quantity, then the reserve pool absorbs the surplus quantity of
spearmint oil, which goes unsold during that year unless the oil is
needed for unanticipated sales.
Under its provisions, the order may attempt to stabilize prices by
(1) limiting supply and establishing reserves in high production years,
thus minimizing the price-depressing effect that excess producer stocks
have on unsold spearmint oil, and (2) ensuring that stocks are
available in short supply years when prices would otherwise increase
dramatically. The reserve pool stocks grown in large production years
are drawn down in short crop years.
An econometric model was used to assess the impact that volume
control has on the prices producers receive for their commodity.
Without volume control, spearmint oil markets would likely be over-
supplied, resulting in low producer prices and a large volume of oil
stored and carried over to the next crop year. The model estimates how
much lower producer prices would likely be in the absence of volume
controls.
The Committee estimated the trade demand for the 2010-2011
marketing year for both classes of oil at 1,940,000 pounds, and that
the expected combined carry-in will be 536,593 pounds. This results in
a combined required salable quantity of 1,403,407 pounds. With volume
control, sales by

[[Page 13450]]

producers for the 2010-2011 marketing year would be limited to
1,547,227 pounds (the recommended salable quantity for both classes of
spearmint oil).
The recommended salable percentages, upon which 2010-2011 producer
allotments are based, are 28 percent for Scotch and 43 percent for
Native. Without volume controls, producers would not be limited to
these allotment levels, and could produce and sell additional
spearmint. The econometric model estimated a $1.51 decline in the
season average producer price per pound (from both classes of spearmint
oil) resulting from the higher quantities that would be produced and
marketed without volume control. The surplus situation for the
spearmint oil market that would exist without volume controls in 2010-
2011 also would likely dampen prospects for improved producer prices in
future years because of the buildup in stocks.
The use of volume controls allows the industry to fully supply
spearmint oil markets while avoiding the negative consequences of over-
supplying these markets. The use of volume controls is believed to have
little or no effect on consumer prices of products containing spearmint
oil and will not result in fewer retail sales of such products.
The Committee discussed alternatives to the recommendations
contained in this rule for both classes of spearmint oil. The Committee
discussed and rejected the idea of recommending that there not be any
volume regulation for both classes of spearmint oil because of the
severe price-depressing effects that would occur without volume
control.
After computing the initial 22.2 percent Scotch spearmint oil
allotment percentage, the Committee considered various alternative
levels of volume control for Scotch spearmint oil. Considered levels
ranged from 28 percent to 32 percent. There was consensus that the
allotment percentage for 2010-2011 should be less than the percentage
established for the 2009-2010 marketing year (42 percent). After
considerable discussion, however, the Committee determined that 566,962
pounds and 28 percent would be the most effective salable quantity and
allotment percentage, respectively, for the 2010-2011 marketing year.
The Committee was able to reach a consensus regarding the level of
volume control for Native spearmint oil. After first computing the
allotment percentage at 41.8 percent, the Committee unanimously
determined that 980,265 pounds and 43 percent would be the most
effective salable quantity and allotment percentage, respectively, for
the 2010-2011 marketing year.
As noted earlier, the Committee's recommendation to establish
salable quantities and allotment percentages for both classes of
spearmint oil was made after careful consideration of all available
information, including: (1) The estimated quantity of salable oil of
each class held by producers and handlers; (2) the estimated demand for
each class of oil; (3) the prospective production of each class of oil;
(4) the total of allotment bases of each class of oil for the current
marketing year and the estimated total of allotment bases of each class
for the ensuing marketing year; (5) the quantity of reserve oil, by
class, in storage; (6) producer prices of oil, including prices for
each class of oil; and (7) general market conditions for each class of
oil, including whether the estimated season average price to producers
is likely to exceed parity. Based on its review, the Committee believes
that the salable quantity and allotment percentage levels recommended
would achieve the objectives sought.
Without any regulations in effect, the Committee believes the
industry would return to the pronounced cyclical price patterns that
occurred prior to the order, and that prices in 2010-2011 would decline
substantially below current levels.
According to the Committee, the recommended salable quantities and
allotment percentages are expected to achieve the goals of market and
price stability.
As previously stated, annual salable quantities and allotment
percentages have been issued for both classes of spearmint oil since
the order's inception. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements have
remained the same for each year of regulation. These requirements have
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB Control
No. 0581-0178, Vegetable and Specialty Crops. Accordingly, this rule
would not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements
on either small or large spearmint oil producers or handlers. 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. Furthermore, USDA
has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap,
or conflict with this rule.
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.
In addition, the Committee's meeting was widely publicized
throughout the spearmint oil industry and all interested persons were
invited to attend the meeting and participate in Committee
deliberations on all issues. Like all Committee meetings, the October
14, 2009, meeting was a public meeting and all entities, both large and
small, were able to express views on this issue. Finally, interested
persons are invited to submit comments on this proposed rule, including
the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small
businesses.
A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and
specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&page=MarketingOrdersSmallBusinessGuide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to
Antoinette Carter at the previously mentioned address in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
A 15-day comment period is deemed appropriate to allow interested
persons the opportunity to respond to this proposal, taking into
account that the marketing year begins on June 1, 2010. All written
comments timely received will be considered before a final
determination is made on this matter.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 985

Marketing agreements, Oils and fats, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Spearmint oil.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR Part 985 is
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 985--MARKETING ORDER REGULATING THE HANDLING OF SPEARMINT OIL
PRODUCED IN THE FAR WEST

1. The authority citation for 7 CFR Part 985 continues to read as
follows:

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

2. A new Sec. 985.229 is added to read as follows:

Note: This section will not appear in the Code of Federal
Regulations.

Sec. 985.229 Salable quantities and allotment percentages--2010-2011
marketing year.

The salable quantity and allotment percentage for each class of
spearmint oil during the marketing year beginning on June 1, 2010,
shall be as follows:
(a) Class 1 (Scotch) oil--a salable quantity of 566,962 pounds and
an allotment percentage of 28 percent.

[[Page 13451]]

(b) Class 3 (Native) oil--a salable quantity of 980,265 pounds and
an allotment percentage of 43 percent.

Dated: March 16, 2010.
David R. Shipman,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-6187 Filed 3-19-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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