Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Changes in Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches, 17027-17031 [2010-7569]
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17027
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 75, No. 64
Monday, April 5, 2010
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Parts 916 and 917
[Doc. No. AMS–FV–09–0090; FV10–916/917–
1 IFR]
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in
California; Changes in Handling
Requirements for Fresh Nectarines
and Peaches
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule with request for
comments.
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SUMMARY: This rule changes the
handling requirements applicable to
well matured fruit covered under the
nectarine and peach marketing orders
(orders). The orders regulate the
handling of nectarines and peaches
grown in California and are
administered locally by the Nectarine
Administrative and Peach Commodity
Committees (committees). This rule
updates the variety-specific size
requirements to reflect changes in
commercially significant varieties. This
will enable handlers to continue to ship
fresh nectarines and peaches in a
manner that meets consumer needs,
increases returns to producers and
handlers, and reflects current industry
practices.
DATES: Effective April 6, 2010;
comments received by June 4, 2010 will
be considered prior to issuance of a final
rule.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
invited to submit written comments
concerning this rule. 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://
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www.regulations.gov. All comments
should reference the document number
and the date and page number of this
issue of the Federal Register and will be
made available for public inspection at
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: Jerry
L. Simmons, Marketing Specialist, or
Kurt J. Kimmel, Regional Manager,
California Marketing Field Office,
Marketing Order Administration
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487–
5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906; or E-mail:
Jerry.Simmons@ams.usda.gov or
Kurt.Kimmel@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 Nos.
916 and 917, both as amended (7 CFR
parts 916 and 917), regulating the
handling of nectarines and peaches
grown in California, respectively,
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘orders.’’
The orders are 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. This rule is not intended to
have retroactive effect.
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
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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.
This rule changes the handling
requirements applicable to well matured
fruit covered under the nectarine and
peach orders. This rule updates the
variety-specific size requirements to
reflect changes in commercially
significant varieties. These changes will
enable handlers to continue to ship
fresh nectarines and peaches in a
manner that meets consumer needs,
increases returns to producers and
handlers, and reflects current industry
practices.
Sections 916.52 and 917.41 of the
orders provide authority for handling
regulations for fresh California
nectarines and peaches. The regulations
may include grade, size, maturity,
quality, pack, and container
requirements. The orders also provide
that whenever such requirements are in
effect, the fruit subject to such
regulation must be inspected by the
Federal or Federal-State Inspection
Service (Inspection Service) and
certified as meeting the applicable
requirements.
The nectarine order has been in effect
since 1939, and the peach order has
been in effect since 1958. The orders
have been used over the years to
establish quality control programs that
include minimum grade, size, and
maturity standards. These programs
have helped improve the quality of
product moving from the farm to
market, and have helped growers and
handlers more effectively market their
crops. Additionally, the orders have
been used to ensure that only
satisfactory quality nectarines and
peaches reach the consumer. This has
helped increase and maintain market
demand over the years.
Sections 916.53 and 917.42 authorize
the modification, suspension, or
termination of regulations issued under
§§ 916.52 and 917.41, respectively.
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Changes in regulations have been
implemented to reflect changes in
industry operating practices and to
solve marketing problems as they arise.
The committees meet whenever needed,
but at least annually, to discuss the
orders and the various regulations in
effect and to determine if, or what,
changes may be necessary to reflect
industry needs. As a result, regulatory
changes have been made numerous
times over the years to address industry
changes and to improve program
operations.
Currently, handling requirements are
in effect for nectarines and peaches
packed in containers marked ‘‘CA WELL
MAT’’ or ‘‘California Well Matured.’’ The
term ‘‘well matured’’ is defined in the
orders’ rules and regulations, and has
been used for many years by the
industry to describe a level of maturity
higher than the definition of ‘‘mature’’ in
the United States Standards for Grades
of Nectarines (7 CFR 51.3145 through
51.3160) and United States Standards
for Grades of Peaches (7 CFR 51.1210
through 51.1223). Other handling
requirements were suspended in 2007 to
reduce handler inspection costs (72 FR
49128; August 28, 2007).
The committees met on December 10,
2009, and unanimously recommended
that the handling requirements be
revised for the 2010 season, which is
expected to begin in April. No official
crop estimate was available at the time
of the committees’ meetings because the
nectarine and peach trees were dormant.
The committees will recommend a crop
estimate at their meetings in early
spring.
Both orders provide authority (in
§§ 916.52 and 917.41) to establish size
requirements. Size regulations
encourage producers to leave fruit on
the tree longer, which improves both the
size and maturity of the fruit.
Acceptable fruit size provides greater
consumer satisfaction and promotes
repeat purchases, thereby increasing
returns to producers and handlers. In
addition, increased fruit size results in
increased numbers of packed containers
of nectarines and peaches per acre,
which is also a benefit to producers and
handlers.
Varieties recommended for specific
size regulations have been reviewed and
such recommendations are based on the
specific characteristics of each variety.
The committees conduct studies each
season on the range of sizes attained by
the regulated varieties and those
varieties with the potential to become
regulated, and determine whether
revisions to the size requirements are
appropriate.
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Nectarines: Section 916.356 of the
order’s rules and regulations specifies
minimum size requirements for fresh
nectarines in paragraphs (a)(2) through
(a)(9). This rule revises paragraphs (a)(4)
and (a)(6) of § 916.356 to establish
variety-specific minimum size
requirements for 10 varieties of
nectarines that were produced in
commercially significant quantities of
more than 10,000 containers for the first
time during the 2009 season. This rule
also removes the variety-specific
minimum size requirements for twelve
varieties of nectarines whose shipments
fell below 5,000 containers during the
2009 season.
For example, one of the varieties
recommended for addition to the
variety-specific minimum size
requirements is the Snow PearlTM
variety of nectarines, recommended for
regulation at a minimum size 84. A
minimum size of 84 means that a
packed standard lug box will contain
not more than 84 nectarines. Studies of
the size ranges attained by the Snow
PearlTM variety revealed that 100
percent of the containers met the
minimum size of 84 during the 2008
and 2009 seasons. Sizes ranged from
size 30 to size 80, with 23.1 percent of
the containers meeting the size 30, 25
percent meeting the size 40, 48.9
percent meeting the size 50, 2 percent
meeting the size 60, .1 percent meeting
the size 70, and .9 percent meeting the
size 80 in the 2009 season.
A review of other varieties with the
same harvesting period indicated that
the Snow PearlTM variety was also
comparable to those varieties in its size
ranges for that time period. Discussions
with handlers known to handle the
variety confirm this information
regarding minimum size and harvesting
period, as well. Thus, the
recommendation to place the Snow
PearlTM variety in the variety-specific
minimum size regulation at a minimum
size 84 is appropriate. This
recommendation results from size
studies conducted over a two-year
period.
Historical data such as this provides
the committee with the information
necessary to recommend the appropriate
sizes at which to regulate various
nectarine varieties. In addition,
producers and handlers of the varieties
affected are personally invited to
comment when such size
recommendations are deliberated.
Producer and handler comments are
also considered at both committee and
subcommittee meetings when the staff
receives such comments, either in
writing or verbally.
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For reasons similar to those discussed
in the preceding paragraph, paragraph
(a)(4) of § 916.356 is revised to include
the Honey Lite, June Sweet, and Kay
Diamond nectarine varieties and
paragraph (a)(6) of § 916.356 is revised
to include the Crimson Sweet, July
Bright, June Ice, Raspberry Jewel, Red
Baron 2, Snow PearlTM, and 225LP242
nectarine varieties.
This rule also revises paragraph (a)(2)
of § 916.356 to remove the May Fire and
May Glo nectarine varieties; paragraph
(a)(3) of § 916.356 to remove the May
Glo nectarine variety; paragraph (a)(4) of
§ 916.356 to remove the Early Pearl
nectarine variety; and paragraph (a)(6)
of § 916.356 to remove the Alta Red,
Autumn Blaze, Autumn Fire, Big Jim, La
Reina, Neptune, P–R Red, Royal Giant,
and Terra White nectarine varieties from
the variety-specific minimum size
requirements because fewer than 5,000
containers of each of these varieties
were produced during the 2009 season.
Nectarine varieties removed from the
nectarine variety-specific minimum size
requirements become subject to the nonlisted variety size requirements
specified in paragraphs (a)(7), (a)(8), and
(a)(9) of § 916.356.
Peaches: Section 917.459 of the
order’s rules and regulations specifies
minimum size requirements for fresh
peaches in paragraphs (a)(2) through
(a)(6), and paragraphs (b) and (c). This
rule revises paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6)
of § 917.459 to establish variety-specific
minimum size requirements for eight
peach varieties that were produced in
commercially significant quantities of
more than 10,000 containers for the first
time during the 2009 season. This rule
also removes the variety-specific
minimum size requirements for eleven
varieties of peaches whose shipments
fell below 5,000 containers during the
2009 season.
For example, one of the varieties
recommended for addition to the
variety-specific minimum size
requirements is the Ivory Duchess
variety of peaches, which was
recommended for regulation at a
minimum size 80. A minimum size of
80 means that a packed standard lug box
contains not more than 80 peaches.
Studies of the size ranges attained by
the Ivory Duchess variety revealed that
100 percent of the containers met the
minimum size of 80 during the 2008
and 2009 seasons. Sizes ranged from
size 30 to size 80, with 7.7 percent of
the containers meeting the size 30, 50.5
percent meeting the size 40, 5.5 percent
meeting the size 50, 25.3 percent
meeting the size 60, 1.7 percent meeting
the size 70, and 9.3 percent meeting the
size 80 in the 2009 season.
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A review of other varieties with the
same harvesting period indicated that
the Ivory Duchess variety was also
comparable to those varieties in its size
ranges for that time period. Discussions
with handlers known to pack the variety
confirm this information regarding
minimum size and the harvesting
period, as well. Thus, the
recommendation to place the Ivory
Duchess variety in the variety-specific
minimum size regulation at a minimum
size 80 is appropriate.
Historical data such as this provides
the committee with the information
necessary to recommend the appropriate
sizes at which to regulate various peach
varieties. In addition, producers and
handlers of the varieties affected are
personally invited to comment when
such size recommendations are
deliberated. Producer and handler
comments are also considered at
committee meetings when the staff
receives such comments, either in
writing or verbally.
For reasons similar to those discussed
in the preceding paragraph, paragraph
(a)(5) of § 917.459 is revised to include
the Ivory Duchess peach variety and
paragraph (a)(6) of § 917.459 is revised
to include the Crimson Jewel, Golden
Moon, Ivory King, Pearl Princess, Snow
Duchess, 116LM397, and 382LN469
peach varieties.
This rule also revises paragraph (a)(2)
of § 917.459 to remove the April Snow
peach variety; paragraph (a)(3) of
§ 917.459 to remove the Snow Kist
peach variety; paragraph (a)(5) of
§ 917.459 to remove the David Sun and
Sweet Crest peach varieties; and
paragraph (a)(6) of § 917.459 to remove
the Coral Princess, Jasper Treasure,
Royal Lady, September Lady, Spring
Candy, Sugar Lady, and Sweet Kay
peach varieties from the variety-specific
minimum size requirements because
less than 5,000 containers of each of
these varieties was produced during the
2009 season. Peach varieties removed
from the peach variety-specific
minimum size requirements become
subject to the non-listed variety size
requirements specified in paragraphs (b)
and (c) of § 917.459.
The committees recommended these
changes in the minimum size
requirements based on a continuing
review of the sizing and maturity
relationships for these nectarine and
peach varieties, and the consumer
acceptance levels for various fruit sizes.
This rule is designed to establish
minimum size requirements for fresh
nectarines and peaches consistent with
expected crop and market conditions.
This should help establish and maintain
orderly marketing conditions for these
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fruits in the interests of producers,
handlers, and consumers.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to requirements set forth in
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
(5 U.S.C. 601–612), 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 rules issued thereunder, are
unique in that they are brought about
through group action of essentially
small entities acting on their own
behalf.
Industry Information
There are approximately 101
California nectarine and peach handlers
subject to regulation under the orders
covering nectarines and peaches grown
in California, and about 475 producers
of these fruits in California. Small
agricultural service firms, which
include handlers, 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. A majority of these
handlers and producers may be
classified as small entities.
The committees’ staff has estimated
that there are fewer than 50 handlers in
the industry who would not be
considered small entities. For the 2009
season, the committees’ staff estimated
that the average handler price received
was $11.50 per container or container
equivalent of nectarines or peaches. A
handler would have to ship at least
608,696 containers to have annual
receipts of $7,000,000. Given data on
shipments maintained by the
committees’ staff and the average
handler price received during the 2009
season, the committees’ staff estimates
that small handlers represent
approximately 50 percent of all the
handlers within the industry.
The committees’ staff has also
estimated that fewer than 50 producers
in the industry would not be considered
small entities. For the 2009 season, the
committees estimated the average
producer price received was $6.50 per
container or container equivalent for
nectarines and peaches. A producer
would have to produce at least 115,385
containers of nectarines and peaches to
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have annual receipts of $750,000. Given
data maintained by the committees’ staff
and the average producer price received
during the 2009 season, the committees’
staff estimates that small producers
represent more than 80 percent of the
producers within the industry.
Under authority provided in §§ 916.52
and 917.41 of the orders, grade, size,
maturity, pack, and container marking
requirements are established for fresh
shipments of California nectarines and
peaches, respectively. Such
requirements are in effect on a
continuing basis.
Sections 916.356 and 917.459 of the
orders’ rules and regulations establish
minimum sizes for various varieties of
nectarines and peaches. This rule makes
adjustments to the minimum sizes
authorized for certain varieties of each
commodity for the 2010 season.
Minimum size regulations are put in
place to encourage producers to leave
fruit on the trees for a longer period of
time, increasing both maturity and fruit
size. Increased fruit size increases the
number of packed containers per acre,
and coupled with heightened maturity
levels, also provides greater consumer
satisfaction, which in turn fosters repeat
purchases that benefit producers and
handlers alike.
Annual adjustments to minimum
sizes of nectarines and peaches, such as
these, are recommended by the
committees based upon historical data,
producer and handler information
regarding sizes attained by different
varieties, and trends in consumer
purchases.
An alternative to such action would
include not establishing minimum size
regulations for these new varieties. Such
an action, however, would be a
significant departure from the
committees’ past practices and represent
a significant change in the regulations as
they currently exist. For these reasons,
this alternative was not recommended.
The committees make
recommendations regarding the
revisions in handling requirements after
considering all available information,
including comments received by
committee staff. At the meetings, the
impact of and alternatives to these
recommendations are deliberated. The
committees consist of individual
producers and handlers with many
years of experience in the industry and
are familiar with industry practices and
trends. All committee meetings are open
to the public and comments are widely
solicited. In addition, minutes of all
meetings are distributed to committee
members and others who have
requested them, and are also available
on the committees’ Web site, thereby
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increasing the availability of this critical
information within the industry.
Regarding the impact of this action on
the affected entities, both large and
small entities are expected to benefit
from the changes, and the costs of
compliance are not expected to be
significantly different between large and
small entities.
This rule will not impose any
additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large
nectarine and peach 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.
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, USDA has not identified
any relevant Federal rules that
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this
rule.
The committees have appointed a
number of joint subcommittees to
review certain issues and make
recommendations to the committees.
The Compliance Subcommittee met on
November 3, 2009, and discussed this
issue in detail. Their recommendations
were presented at the meetings of both
committees on December 10, 2009. As
with all committee meetings, the
November 3 and December 10 meetings
were public meetings, and all entities,
both large and small, were able to
express their views on this issue. All of
the committees’ meetings are widely
publicized throughout the nectarine and
peach industry, and all interested
parties are invited to attend and
participate in committee deliberations.
Finally, interested persons are invited
to submit comments on this interim
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 the following Web site:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/
ams.fetchTemplateData.
do?template=TemplateN&
page=MarketingOrdersSmallBusiness
Guide. Any questions about the
compliance guide should be sent to
Antoinette Carter at the previously
mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
This rule invites comments on
changes to the handling requirements
currently prescribed under the
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marketing orders for California fresh
nectarines and peaches. Any comments
received will be considered prior to
finalization of this rule.
After consideration of all relevant
material presented, including the
committees’ recommendation, and other
information, it is found that this interim
rule, as hereinafter set forth, will tend
to effectuate the declared policy of the
Act.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also
found and determined upon good cause
that it is impracticable, unnecessary,
and contrary to the public interest to
give preliminary notice prior to putting
this rule into effect, and that good cause
exists for not postponing the effective
date of this rule until 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register
because: (1) This rule should be
implemented as soon as possible, since
shipments of California nectarines and
peaches are expected to begin in early
April; (2) the committees met and
unanimously recommended these
changes at public meetings, and
interested persons had opportunities to
provide input at all those meetings; and
(3) the rule provides a 60-day comment
period, and any written comments
received will be considered prior to any
finalization of this rule.
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 916
Marketing agreements, Nectarines,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
7 CFR Part 917
Marketing agreements, Peaches, Pears,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
■ For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, 7 CFR parts 916 and 917 are
amended as follows:
■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
parts 916 and 917 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
PART 916—NECTARINES GROWN IN
CALIFORNIA
2. Section 916.356 is amended by
revising the introductory text of
paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(6)
to read as follows:
■
§ 916.356 California nectarine grade and
size regulation.
(a) * * *
(2) Any package or container of April
Glo variety nectarines unless:
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Any package or container of
Burnectfive (Spring Flare® 21),
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Burnectten (Spring Flare® 19), Crimson
Baby, Earliglo, Honey May, May
PearlTM, Polar Ice, Polar Light, Red
Jewel or Zee Fire variety nectarines
unless:
*
*
*
*
*
(4) Any package or container of Arctic
Star, Burnectone (Spring Ray®),
Burnecttwelve (Sweet Flair® 21),
Burnectthirteen (Snow Flare® 22),
Burnectfourteen (Snow Flare® 21),
Diamond Bright, Diamond Pearl, Gee
Sweet, Honey Lite, June Pearl, June
Sweet, Kay Diamond, Kay Fire, Kay Glo,
Kay Sweet, Prima Diamond IV, Prima
Diamond VI, Prima Diamond XIII,
Prince Jim, Prince Jim 1, Red Roy, Rose
Bright, Rose Diamond, Royal Glo, or Zee
Grand variety nectarines unless:
*
*
*
*
*
(6) Any package or container of
15G225, 225LP242, Arctic Belle, Arctic
Blaze, Arctic Ice, Arctic Jay, Arctic Mist,
Arctic Pride, Arctic Queen, Arctic Snow
(White Jewel), Arctic Sweet, August
Bright, August Fire, August Glo, August
Lion, August Pearl, August Red, August
Sweet, Bright Pearl, Burnectfour
(Summer Flare® 35), Burnectseven
(Summer Flare® 28), Burnecteleven
(Summer Flare® 30), Burnectfifteen
(Summer Flare® 27), Burnectseventeen
(Summer Flare® 32), Candy Gold, Candy
Pearl, Crimson Sweet, Diamond Ray,
Early Red Jim, Fire Pearl, Fire Sweet,
Giant Pearl, Grand Bright, Grand Candy,
Grand Pearl, Grand Sweet, Honey Blaze,
Honey Dew, Honey Diva, Honey Fire,
Honey Kist, Honey Rose, Honey Royale,
July Bright, July Pearl, July Red, June
Ice, Kay Pearl, La Pinta, Larry’s Red,
Late Red Jim, Mike’s Red, Orange
Honey, Prima Diamond IX, Prima
Diamond X, Prima Diamond XIX, Prima
Diamond XXIV, Prima Diamond XXVIII,
Prince Jim 3, Raspberry Jewel, Red
Baron 2, Red Bright, Red Diamond, Red
Glen, Red Jim, Red Pearl, Regal Pearl,
Regal Red, Ruby Bright, Ruby Diamond,
Ruby Pearl, Ruby Sweet, Saucer,
September Bright (26P–490), September
Free, September Red, Signature, Snow
Pearl, Sparkling June, Spring Bright,
Spring PearlTM, Spring Sweet, Sugar
PearlTM, Sugarine, Summer Blush,
Summer Bright, Summer Diamond,
Summer Fire, Summer Jewel, Summer
Lion, Summer Red, Sunburst, Sun
Valley Sweet, Zee Glo or Zephyr variety
nectarines unless:
*
*
*
*
*
PART 917—FRESH PEARS AND
PEACHES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA
3. Section 917.459 is amended by
revising the introductory text of
■
E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM
05APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 64 / Monday, April 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(5), and (a)(6)
to read as follows:
erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with RULES
§ 917.459 California peach grade and size
regulation.
(a) * * *
(2) Any package or container of
Earlitreat, Snow Angel, Supechfifteen,
or Super Lady variety peaches unless:
*
*
*
*
*
(3) Any package or container of Island
Prince, Snow Peak, Spring Princess, or
Super Rich variety peaches unless:
*
*
*
*
*
(5) Any package or container of
Babcock, Bev’s Red, Bright Princess,
Brittney Lane, Burpeachone (Spring
Flame® 21), Burpeachfourteen (Spring
Flame® 20), Burpeachnineteen (Spring
Flame® 22), Candy Red, Crimson Lady,
Crown Princess, Early May Crest,
Flavorcrest, Honey Sweet, Ivory
Duchess, Ivory Queen, June Lady,
Magenta Queen, May Crest, May Sweet,
Prima Peach IV, Queencrest, Rich May,
Sauzee Queen, Scarlet Queen, Sierra
Snow, Snow Brite, Springcrest, Spring
Lady, Spring Snow, Springtreat
(60EF32), Sugar Time (214LC68),
Supecheight (012–094), Supechnine,
Sweet Scarlet, or Zee Diamond variety
peaches unless:
*
*
*
*
*
(6) Any package or container of
116LM397, 382LN469, August Lady,
August Saturn, Autumn Flame, Autumn
Jewel, Autumn Red, Autumn Rich,
Autumn Rose, Autumn Snow, Autumn
Sun, Burpeachtwo (Henry II®),
Burpeachthree (September Flame®),
Burpeachfour (August Flame®),
Burpeachfive (July Flame®),
Burpeachsix (June Flame®),
Burpeachseven (Summer Flame® 29),
Burpeachfifteen (Summer Flame® 34),
Burpeachtwenty (Summer Flame®),
Burpeachtwentyone (Summer Flame®
26), Candy Princess, Country Sweet,
Crimson Jewel, Diamond Candy,
Diamond Princess, Earlirich, Early
Elegant Lady, Elegant Lady, Fancy Lady,
Fay Elberta, Full Moon, Galaxy, Glacier
White, Golden Moon, Henry III, Henry
IV, Ice Princess, Ivory King, Ivory
Princess, Jasper Gem, Jillie White,
Joanna Sweet, John Henry, Kaweah,
Klondike, Last Tango, Natures #10,
O’Henry, Peach-N-Cream, Pearl
Princess, Pink Giant, Pink Moon, Prima
Gattie 8, Prima Peach 13, Prima Peach
XV, Prima Peach 20, Prima Peach 23,
Prima Peach XXVII, Queen Jewel, Rich
Lady, Ruby Queen, Ryan Sun, Saturn
(Donut), September Blaze, September
Snow, September Sun, Sierra Gem,
Sierra Rich, Snow Beauty, Snow Blaze,
Snow Duchess, Snow Fall, Snow Gem,
Snow Giant, Snow Jewel, Snow King,
VerDate Nov<24>2008
13:31 Apr 02, 2010
Jkt 220001
Snow Magic, Snow Princess, Sprague
Last Chance, Strawberry, Sugar Crisp,
Sugar Giant, Summer Dragon, Summer
Fling, Summer Lady, Summer Sweet,
Summer Zee, Sweet Blaze, Sweet
Dream, Sweet Henry, Sweet September,
Tra Zee, Valley Sweet, Vista, White
Lady, or Zee Lady variety peaches
unless:
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: March 30, 2010.
Rayne Pegg,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–7569 Filed 4–2–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Parts 925 and 944
[Doc. No. AMS–FV–09–0085; FV10–925–1
IFR]
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of
Southeastern California and Imported
Table Grapes; Relaxation of Handling
Requirements
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule with request for
comments.
SUMMARY: This rule relaxes the handling
requirements prescribed under the
California table grape marketing order
(order) and the table grape import
regulation. The order regulates the
handling of table grapes grown in a
designated area of southeastern
California and is administered locally
by the California Desert Grape
Administrative Committee (committee).
The import regulation is authorized
under section 8e of the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and
regulates the importation of table grapes
into the United States. This rule relaxes
the one-quarter pound minimum bunch
size requirement for the 2010 and
subsequent seasons for grapes packed in
consumer packages holding 2 pounds
net weight or less. Under the relaxation,
up to 20 percent of the weight of such
containers may consist of single clusters
of at least five berries each. This action
continues the relaxation that was
prescribed on a one-year test basis in
2009 and provides California desert
grape handlers and importers the
flexibility to respond to an ongoing
marketing opportunity to meet
consumer needs.
DATES: Effective April 8, 2010;
comments received by May 5, 2010 will
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
17031
be considered prior to issuance of a final
rule.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
invited to submit written comments
concerning this rule. 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 document 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: Jerry
Simmons, Marketing Specialist, or Kurt
J. Kimmel, Regional Manager, California
Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order
Administration Branch, Fruit and
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA;
Telephone: (559) 487–5901, Fax: (559)
487–5906, or E-mail:
Jerry.Simmons@ams.usda.gov or
Kurt.Kimmel@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.
925, as amended (7 CFR part 925),
regulating the handling of grapes grown
in a designated area of southeastern
California, hereinafter referred to as the
‘‘order.’’ The order is effective under the
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act
of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674),
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’
This rule is also issued under section
8e of the Act, which provides that
whenever certain specified
commodities, including table grapes, are
regulated under a Federal marketing
order, imports of these commodities
into the United States are prohibited
unless they meet the same or
comparable grade, size, quality, or
maturity requirements as those in effect
for the domestically produced
commodities.
E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM
05APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 64 (Monday, April 5, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17027-17031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7569]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 64 / Monday, April 5, 2010 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 17027]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Parts 916 and 917
[Doc. No. AMS-FV-09-0090; FV10-916/917-1 IFR]
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Changes in Handling
Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This rule changes the handling requirements applicable to well
matured fruit covered under the nectarine and peach marketing orders
(orders). The orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches
grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine
Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule
updates the variety-specific size requirements to reflect changes in
commercially significant varieties. This will enable handlers to
continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets
consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and
reflects current industry practices.
DATES: Effective April 6, 2010; comments received by June 4, 2010 will
be considered prior to issuance of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments
concerning this rule. 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 document number
and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and
will be made available for public inspection at 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: Jerry L. Simmons, Marketing
Specialist, or Kurt J. Kimmel, Regional Manager, California Marketing
Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487-5901, Fax: (559)
487-5906; or E-mail: Jerry.Simmons@ams.usda.gov or
Kurt.Kimmel@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
Nos. 916 and 917, both as amended (7 CFR parts 916 and 917), regulating
the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California,
respectively, hereinafter referred to as the ``orders.'' The orders are
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. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect.
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.
This rule changes the handling requirements applicable to well
matured fruit covered under the nectarine and peach orders. This rule
updates the variety-specific size requirements to reflect changes in
commercially significant varieties. These changes will enable handlers
to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets
consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and
reflects current industry practices.
Sections 916.52 and 917.41 of the orders provide authority for
handling regulations for fresh California nectarines and peaches. The
regulations may include grade, size, maturity, quality, pack, and
container requirements. The orders also provide that whenever such
requirements are in effect, the fruit subject to such regulation must
be inspected by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service
(Inspection Service) and certified as meeting the applicable
requirements.
The nectarine order has been in effect since 1939, and the peach
order has been in effect since 1958. The orders have been used over the
years to establish quality control programs that include minimum grade,
size, and maturity standards. These programs have helped improve the
quality of product moving from the farm to market, and have helped
growers and handlers more effectively market their crops. Additionally,
the orders have been used to ensure that only satisfactory quality
nectarines and peaches reach the consumer. This has helped increase and
maintain market demand over the years.
Sections 916.53 and 917.42 authorize the modification, suspension,
or termination of regulations issued under Sec. Sec. 916.52 and
917.41, respectively.
[[Page 17028]]
Changes in regulations have been implemented to reflect changes in
industry operating practices and to solve marketing problems as they
arise. The committees meet whenever needed, but at least annually, to
discuss the orders and the various regulations in effect and to
determine if, or what, changes may be necessary to reflect industry
needs. As a result, regulatory changes have been made numerous times
over the years to address industry changes and to improve program
operations.
Currently, handling requirements are in effect for nectarines and
peaches packed in containers marked ``CA WELL MAT'' or ``California
Well Matured.'' The term ``well matured'' is defined in the orders'
rules and regulations, and has been used for many years by the industry
to describe a level of maturity higher than the definition of
``mature'' in the United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines (7
CFR 51.3145 through 51.3160) and United States Standards for Grades of
Peaches (7 CFR 51.1210 through 51.1223). Other handling requirements
were suspended in 2007 to reduce handler inspection costs (72 FR 49128;
August 28, 2007).
The committees met on December 10, 2009, and unanimously
recommended that the handling requirements be revised for the 2010
season, which is expected to begin in April. No official crop estimate
was available at the time of the committees' meetings because the
nectarine and peach trees were dormant. The committees will recommend a
crop estimate at their meetings in early spring.
Both orders provide authority (in Sec. Sec. 916.52 and 917.41) to
establish size requirements. Size regulations encourage producers to
leave fruit on the tree longer, which improves both the size and
maturity of the fruit. Acceptable fruit size provides greater consumer
satisfaction and promotes repeat purchases, thereby increasing returns
to producers and handlers. In addition, increased fruit size results in
increased numbers of packed containers of nectarines and peaches per
acre, which is also a benefit to producers and handlers.
Varieties recommended for specific size regulations have been
reviewed and such recommendations are based on the specific
characteristics of each variety. The committees conduct studies each
season on the range of sizes attained by the regulated varieties and
those varieties with the potential to become regulated, and determine
whether revisions to the size requirements are appropriate.
Nectarines: Section 916.356 of the order's rules and regulations
specifies minimum size requirements for fresh nectarines in paragraphs
(a)(2) through (a)(9). This rule revises paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(6)
of Sec. 916.356 to establish variety-specific minimum size
requirements for 10 varieties of nectarines that were produced in
commercially significant quantities of more than 10,000 containers for
the first time during the 2009 season. This rule also removes the
variety-specific minimum size requirements for twelve varieties of
nectarines whose shipments fell below 5,000 containers during the 2009
season.
For example, one of the varieties recommended for addition to the
variety-specific minimum size requirements is the Snow
PearlTM variety of nectarines, recommended for regulation at
a minimum size 84. A minimum size of 84 means that a packed standard
lug box will contain not more than 84 nectarines. Studies of the size
ranges attained by the Snow PearlTM variety revealed that
100 percent of the containers met the minimum size of 84 during the
2008 and 2009 seasons. Sizes ranged from size 30 to size 80, with 23.1
percent of the containers meeting the size 30, 25 percent meeting the
size 40, 48.9 percent meeting the size 50, 2 percent meeting the size
60, .1 percent meeting the size 70, and .9 percent meeting the size 80
in the 2009 season.
A review of other varieties with the same harvesting period
indicated that the Snow PearlTM variety was also comparable
to those varieties in its size ranges for that time period. Discussions
with handlers known to handle the variety confirm this information
regarding minimum size and harvesting period, as well. Thus, the
recommendation to place the Snow PearlTM variety in the
variety-specific minimum size regulation at a minimum size 84 is
appropriate. This recommendation results from size studies conducted
over a two-year period.
Historical data such as this provides the committee with the
information necessary to recommend the appropriate sizes at which to
regulate various nectarine varieties. In addition, producers and
handlers of the varieties affected are personally invited to comment
when such size recommendations are deliberated. Producer and handler
comments are also considered at both committee and subcommittee
meetings when the staff receives such comments, either in writing or
verbally.
For reasons similar to those discussed in the preceding paragraph,
paragraph (a)(4) of Sec. 916.356 is revised to include the Honey Lite,
June Sweet, and Kay Diamond nectarine varieties and paragraph (a)(6) of
Sec. 916.356 is revised to include the Crimson Sweet, July Bright,
June Ice, Raspberry Jewel, Red Baron 2, Snow PearlTM, and
225LP242 nectarine varieties.
This rule also revises paragraph (a)(2) of Sec. 916.356 to remove
the May Fire and May Glo nectarine varieties; paragraph (a)(3) of Sec.
916.356 to remove the May Glo nectarine variety; paragraph (a)(4) of
Sec. 916.356 to remove the Early Pearl nectarine variety; and
paragraph (a)(6) of Sec. 916.356 to remove the Alta Red, Autumn Blaze,
Autumn Fire, Big Jim, La Reina, Neptune, P-R Red, Royal Giant, and
Terra White nectarine varieties from the variety-specific minimum size
requirements because fewer than 5,000 containers of each of these
varieties were produced during the 2009 season. Nectarine varieties
removed from the nectarine variety-specific minimum size requirements
become subject to the non-listed variety size requirements specified in
paragraphs (a)(7), (a)(8), and (a)(9) of Sec. 916.356.
Peaches: Section 917.459 of the order's rules and regulations
specifies minimum size requirements for fresh peaches in paragraphs
(a)(2) through (a)(6), and paragraphs (b) and (c). This rule revises
paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) of Sec. 917.459 to establish variety-
specific minimum size requirements for eight peach varieties that were
produced in commercially significant quantities of more than 10,000
containers for the first time during the 2009 season. This rule also
removes the variety-specific minimum size requirements for eleven
varieties of peaches whose shipments fell below 5,000 containers during
the 2009 season.
For example, one of the varieties recommended for addition to the
variety-specific minimum size requirements is the Ivory Duchess variety
of peaches, which was recommended for regulation at a minimum size 80.
A minimum size of 80 means that a packed standard lug box contains not
more than 80 peaches. Studies of the size ranges attained by the Ivory
Duchess variety revealed that 100 percent of the containers met the
minimum size of 80 during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Sizes ranged from
size 30 to size 80, with 7.7 percent of the containers meeting the size
30, 50.5 percent meeting the size 40, 5.5 percent meeting the size 50,
25.3 percent meeting the size 60, 1.7 percent meeting the size 70, and
9.3 percent meeting the size 80 in the 2009 season.
[[Page 17029]]
A review of other varieties with the same harvesting period
indicated that the Ivory Duchess variety was also comparable to those
varieties in its size ranges for that time period. Discussions with
handlers known to pack the variety confirm this information regarding
minimum size and the harvesting period, as well. Thus, the
recommendation to place the Ivory Duchess variety in the variety-
specific minimum size regulation at a minimum size 80 is appropriate.
Historical data such as this provides the committee with the
information necessary to recommend the appropriate sizes at which to
regulate various peach varieties. In addition, producers and handlers
of the varieties affected are personally invited to comment when such
size recommendations are deliberated. Producer and handler comments are
also considered at committee meetings when the staff receives such
comments, either in writing or verbally.
For reasons similar to those discussed in the preceding paragraph,
paragraph (a)(5) of Sec. 917.459 is revised to include the Ivory
Duchess peach variety and paragraph (a)(6) of Sec. 917.459 is revised
to include the Crimson Jewel, Golden Moon, Ivory King, Pearl Princess,
Snow Duchess, 116LM397, and 382LN469 peach varieties.
This rule also revises paragraph (a)(2) of Sec. 917.459 to remove
the April Snow peach variety; paragraph (a)(3) of Sec. 917.459 to
remove the Snow Kist peach variety; paragraph (a)(5) of Sec. 917.459
to remove the David Sun and Sweet Crest peach varieties; and paragraph
(a)(6) of Sec. 917.459 to remove the Coral Princess, Jasper Treasure,
Royal Lady, September Lady, Spring Candy, Sugar Lady, and Sweet Kay
peach varieties from the variety-specific minimum size requirements
because less than 5,000 containers of each of these varieties was
produced during the 2009 season. Peach varieties removed from the peach
variety-specific minimum size requirements become subject to the non-
listed variety size requirements specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of
Sec. 917.459.
The committees recommended these changes in the minimum size
requirements based on a continuing review of the sizing and maturity
relationships for these nectarine and peach varieties, and the consumer
acceptance levels for various fruit sizes. This rule is designed to
establish minimum size requirements for fresh nectarines and peaches
consistent with expected crop and market conditions. This should help
establish and maintain orderly marketing conditions for these fruits in
the interests of producers, handlers, and consumers.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), 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 rules issued thereunder, are unique in that
they are brought about through group action of essentially small
entities acting on their own behalf.
Industry Information
There are approximately 101 California nectarine and peach handlers
subject to regulation under the orders covering nectarines and peaches
grown in California, and about 475 producers of these fruits in
California. Small agricultural service firms, which include handlers,
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. A majority of these handlers and producers may be
classified as small entities.
The committees' staff has estimated that there are fewer than 50
handlers in the industry who would not be considered small entities.
For the 2009 season, the committees' staff estimated that the average
handler price received was $11.50 per container or container equivalent
of nectarines or peaches. A handler would have to ship at least 608,696
containers to have annual receipts of $7,000,000. Given data on
shipments maintained by the committees' staff and the average handler
price received during the 2009 season, the committees' staff estimates
that small handlers represent approximately 50 percent of all the
handlers within the industry.
The committees' staff has also estimated that fewer than 50
producers in the industry would not be considered small entities. For
the 2009 season, the committees estimated the average producer price
received was $6.50 per container or container equivalent for nectarines
and peaches. A producer would have to produce at least 115,385
containers of nectarines and peaches to have annual receipts of
$750,000. Given data maintained by the committees' staff and the
average producer price received during the 2009 season, the committees'
staff estimates that small producers represent more than 80 percent of
the producers within the industry.
Under authority provided in Sec. Sec. 916.52 and 917.41 of the
orders, grade, size, maturity, pack, and container marking requirements
are established for fresh shipments of California nectarines and
peaches, respectively. Such requirements are in effect on a continuing
basis.
Sections 916.356 and 917.459 of the orders' rules and regulations
establish minimum sizes for various varieties of nectarines and
peaches. This rule makes adjustments to the minimum sizes authorized
for certain varieties of each commodity for the 2010 season. Minimum
size regulations are put in place to encourage producers to leave fruit
on the trees for a longer period of time, increasing both maturity and
fruit size. Increased fruit size increases the number of packed
containers per acre, and coupled with heightened maturity levels, also
provides greater consumer satisfaction, which in turn fosters repeat
purchases that benefit producers and handlers alike.
Annual adjustments to minimum sizes of nectarines and peaches, such
as these, are recommended by the committees based upon historical data,
producer and handler information regarding sizes attained by different
varieties, and trends in consumer purchases.
An alternative to such action would include not establishing
minimum size regulations for these new varieties. Such an action,
however, would be a significant departure from the committees' past
practices and represent a significant change in the regulations as they
currently exist. For these reasons, this alternative was not
recommended.
The committees make recommendations regarding the revisions in
handling requirements after considering all available information,
including comments received by committee staff. At the meetings, the
impact of and alternatives to these recommendations are deliberated.
The committees consist of individual producers and handlers with many
years of experience in the industry and are familiar with industry
practices and trends. All committee meetings are open to the public and
comments are widely solicited. In addition, minutes of all meetings are
distributed to committee members and others who have requested them,
and are also available on the committees' Web site, thereby
[[Page 17030]]
increasing the availability of this critical information within the
industry.
Regarding the impact of this action on the affected entities, both
large and small entities are expected to benefit from the changes, and
the costs of compliance are not expected to be significantly different
between large and small entities.
This rule will not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large nectarine and peach 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.
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, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules
that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this rule.
The committees have appointed a number of joint subcommittees to
review certain issues and make recommendations to the committees. The
Compliance Subcommittee met on November 3, 2009, and discussed this
issue in detail. Their recommendations were presented at the meetings
of both committees on December 10, 2009. As with all committee
meetings, the November 3 and December 10 meetings were public meetings,
and all entities, both large and small, were able to express their
views on this issue. All of the committees' meetings are widely
publicized throughout the nectarine and peach industry, and all
interested parties are invited to attend and participate in committee
deliberations.
Finally, interested persons are invited to submit comments on this
interim 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 the
following Web site: 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.
This rule invites comments on changes to the handling requirements
currently prescribed under the marketing orders for California fresh
nectarines and peaches. Any comments received will be considered prior
to finalization of this rule.
After consideration of all relevant material presented, including
the committees' recommendation, and other information, it is found that
this interim rule, as hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate
the declared policy of the Act.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also found and determined upon good
cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public
interest to give preliminary notice prior to putting this rule into
effect, and that good cause exists for not postponing the effective
date of this rule until 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register because: (1) This rule should be implemented as soon as
possible, since shipments of California nectarines and peaches are
expected to begin in early April; (2) the committees met and
unanimously recommended these changes at public meetings, and
interested persons had opportunities to provide input at all those
meetings; and (3) the rule provides a 60-day comment period, and any
written comments received will be considered prior to any finalization
of this rule.
List of Subjects
7 CFR Part 916
Marketing agreements, Nectarines, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
7 CFR Part 917
Marketing agreements, Peaches, Pears, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 916 and 917 are
amended as follows:
0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR parts 916 and 917 continues to read
as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.
PART 916--NECTARINES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA
0
2. Section 916.356 is amended by revising the introductory text of
paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(6) to read as follows:
Sec. 916.356 California nectarine grade and size regulation.
(a) * * *
(2) Any package or container of April Glo variety nectarines
unless:
* * * * *
(3) Any package or container of Burnectfive (Spring Flare[supreg]
21), Burnectten (Spring Flare[supreg] 19), Crimson Baby, Earliglo,
Honey May, May Pearl\TM\, Polar Ice, Polar Light, Red Jewel or Zee Fire
variety nectarines unless:
* * * * *
(4) Any package or container of Arctic Star, Burnectone (Spring
Ray[supreg]), Burnecttwelve (Sweet Flair[supreg] 21), Burnectthirteen
(Snow Flare[supreg] 22), Burnectfourteen (Snow Flare[supreg] 21),
Diamond Bright, Diamond Pearl, Gee Sweet, Honey Lite, June Pearl, June
Sweet, Kay Diamond, Kay Fire, Kay Glo, Kay Sweet, Prima Diamond IV,
Prima Diamond VI, Prima Diamond XIII, Prince Jim, Prince Jim 1, Red
Roy, Rose Bright, Rose Diamond, Royal Glo, or Zee Grand variety
nectarines unless:
* * * * *
(6) Any package or container of 15G225, 225LP242, Arctic Belle,
Arctic Blaze, Arctic Ice, Arctic Jay, Arctic Mist, Arctic Pride, Arctic
Queen, Arctic Snow (White Jewel), Arctic Sweet, August Bright, August
Fire, August Glo, August Lion, August Pearl, August Red, August Sweet,
Bright Pearl, Burnectfour (Summer Flare[supreg] 35), Burnectseven
(Summer Flare[supreg] 28), Burnecteleven (Summer Flare[supreg] 30),
Burnectfifteen (Summer Flare[supreg] 27), Burnectseventeen (Summer
Flare[supreg] 32), Candy Gold, Candy Pearl, Crimson Sweet, Diamond Ray,
Early Red Jim, Fire Pearl, Fire Sweet, Giant Pearl, Grand Bright, Grand
Candy, Grand Pearl, Grand Sweet, Honey Blaze, Honey Dew, Honey Diva,
Honey Fire, Honey Kist, Honey Rose, Honey Royale, July Bright, July
Pearl, July Red, June Ice, Kay Pearl, La Pinta, Larry's Red, Late Red
Jim, Mike's Red, Orange Honey, Prima Diamond IX, Prima Diamond X, Prima
Diamond XIX, Prima Diamond XXIV, Prima Diamond XXVIII, Prince Jim 3,
Raspberry Jewel, Red Baron 2, Red Bright, Red Diamond, Red Glen, Red
Jim, Red Pearl, Regal Pearl, Regal Red, Ruby Bright, Ruby Diamond, Ruby
Pearl, Ruby Sweet, Saucer, September Bright (26P-490), September Free,
September Red, Signature, Snow Pearl, Sparkling June, Spring Bright,
Spring Pearl\TM\, Spring Sweet, Sugar Pearl\TM\, Sugarine, Summer
Blush, Summer Bright, Summer Diamond, Summer Fire, Summer Jewel, Summer
Lion, Summer Red, Sunburst, Sun Valley Sweet, Zee Glo or Zephyr variety
nectarines unless:
* * * * *
PART 917--FRESH PEARS AND PEACHES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA
0
3. Section 917.459 is amended by revising the introductory text of
[[Page 17031]]
paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(5), and (a)(6) to read as follows:
Sec. 917.459 California peach grade and size regulation.
(a) * * *
(2) Any package or container of Earlitreat, Snow Angel,
Supechfifteen, or Super Lady variety peaches unless:
* * * * *
(3) Any package or container of Island Prince, Snow Peak, Spring
Princess, or Super Rich variety peaches unless:
* * * * *
(5) Any package or container of Babcock, Bev's Red, Bright
Princess, Brittney Lane, Burpeachone (Spring Flame[supreg] 21),
Burpeachfourteen (Spring Flame[supreg] 20), Burpeachnineteen (Spring
Flame[supreg] 22), Candy Red, Crimson Lady, Crown Princess, Early May
Crest, Flavorcrest, Honey Sweet, Ivory Duchess, Ivory Queen, June Lady,
Magenta Queen, May Crest, May Sweet, Prima Peach IV, Queencrest, Rich
May, Sauzee Queen, Scarlet Queen, Sierra Snow, Snow Brite, Springcrest,
Spring Lady, Spring Snow, Springtreat (60EF32), Sugar Time (214LC68),
Supecheight (012-094), Supechnine, Sweet Scarlet, or Zee Diamond
variety peaches unless:
* * * * *
(6) Any package or container of 116LM397, 382LN469, August Lady,
August Saturn, Autumn Flame, Autumn Jewel, Autumn Red, Autumn Rich,
Autumn Rose, Autumn Snow, Autumn Sun, Burpeachtwo (Henry II[supreg]),
Burpeachthree (September Flame[supreg]), Burpeachfour (August
Flame[supreg]), Burpeachfive (July Flame[supreg]), Burpeachsix (June
Flame[supreg]), Burpeachseven (Summer Flame[supreg] 29),
Burpeachfifteen (Summer Flame[supreg] 34), Burpeachtwenty (Summer
Flame[supreg]), Burpeachtwentyone (Summer Flame[supreg] 26), Candy
Princess, Country Sweet, Crimson Jewel, Diamond Candy, Diamond
Princess, Earlirich, Early Elegant Lady, Elegant Lady, Fancy Lady, Fay
Elberta, Full Moon, Galaxy, Glacier White, Golden Moon, Henry III,
Henry IV, Ice Princess, Ivory King, Ivory Princess, Jasper Gem, Jillie
White, Joanna Sweet, John Henry, Kaweah, Klondike, Last Tango, Natures
10, O'Henry, Peach-N-Cream, Pearl Princess, Pink Giant, Pink
Moon, Prima Gattie 8, Prima Peach 13, Prima Peach XV, Prima Peach 20,
Prima Peach 23, Prima Peach XXVII, Queen Jewel, Rich Lady, Ruby Queen,
Ryan Sun, Saturn (Donut), September Blaze, September Snow, September
Sun, Sierra Gem, Sierra Rich, Snow Beauty, Snow Blaze, Snow Duchess,
Snow Fall, Snow Gem, Snow Giant, Snow Jewel, Snow King, Snow Magic,
Snow Princess, Sprague Last Chance, Strawberry, Sugar Crisp, Sugar
Giant, Summer Dragon, Summer Fling, Summer Lady, Summer Sweet, Summer
Zee, Sweet Blaze, Sweet Dream, Sweet Henry, Sweet September, Tra Zee,
Valley Sweet, Vista, White Lady, or Zee Lady variety peaches unless:
* * * * *
Dated: March 30, 2010.
Rayne Pegg,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-7569 Filed 4-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P