Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Order No. 905, 43040-43046 [2015-17588]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 139 (Tuesday, July 21, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43040-43046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17588]


========================================================================
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. 80, No. 139 / Tuesday, July 21, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 43040]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 905

[Doc. No. AO-13-0163; AMS-FV-12-0069; FV13-905-1]


Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida; 
Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendments to 
Marketing Order No. 905

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule and referendum order.

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

SUMMARY: This decision proposes amendments to Marketing Order No. 905 
(order), which regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, 
tangerines, and tangelos (citrus) grown in Florida, and provides 
growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if 
they favor the changes. The amendments are based on proposals made by 
the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee), which is responsible 
for local administration of the order, and is comprised of growers and 
handlers. These amendments would: authorize regulation of new varieties 
and hybrids of citrus fruit; authorize the regulation of intrastate 
shipments of fruit; revise the process for redistricting the production 
area; change the term of office and tenure requirements for Committee 
members; authorize mail balloting procedures for Committee membership 
nominations; increase the capacity of financial reserve funds; 
authorize pack and container requirements for domestic shipments and 
authorize different regulations for different markets; eliminate the 
use of separate acceptance statements in the nomination process; and 
require handlers to register with the Committee. These proposed 
amendments are intended to improve the operation and administration of 
the order.

DATES: The referendum will be conducted from September 14 through 
October 5, 2015. The representative period for the purpose of the 
referendum is August 1, 2014, through July 31, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable 
Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0237, 
Washington, DC 20250-0237.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Schmaedick, Marketing Order 
and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, Post 
Office Box 952, Moab, UT 84532; Telephone: (202) 557-4783, Fax: (435) 
259-1502, or Michelle Sharrow, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, 
Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, Fax: 
(202) 720-8938, or Email: Melissa.Schmaedick@ams.usda.gov or 
Michelle.Sharrow@ams.usda.gov.
    Small businesses may request information on this proceeding by 
contacting Jeffrey Smutny, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, 
Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, Fax: 
(202) 720-8938, or Email: Jeffrey.Smutny@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior documents in this proceeding: Notice 
of Hearing issued on March 28, 2013, and published in the March 28, 
2013, issue of the Federal Register (78 FR 18899), and a Recommended 
Decision issued on February 23, 2015, and published in the March 3, 
2015, issue of the Federal Register (80 FR 11335).
    This action is governed by the provisions of sections 556 and 557 
of title 5 of the United States Code and is therefore excluded from the 
requirements of Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13175.

Preliminary Statement

    The proposed amendments are based on the record of a public hearing 
held on April 24, 2013, in Winter Haven, Florida, to consider such 
amendments to the order. The hearing was held pursuant to the 
provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as 
amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act,'' and 
the applicable rules of practice and procedure governing the 
formulation of marketing agreements and orders (7 CFR part 900). Notice 
of this hearing was published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2013 
(78 FR 18899). The notice of hearing contained nine proposals submitted 
by the Committee.
    The amendments in this decision would:
    (1) Authorize regulation of new varieties and hybrids of citrus 
fruit;
    (2) Authorize the regulation of intrastate shipments of fruit;
    (3) Revise the process for redistricting the production area;
    (4) Change the term of office and tenure requirements for Committee 
members;
    (5) Authorize mail balloting procedures for Committee membership 
nominations;
    (6) Increase the capacity of financial reserve funds;
    (7) Authorize pack and container requirements for domestic 
shipments and authorize different regulations for different markets;
    (8) Eliminate the use of separate acceptance statements in the 
nomination process; and
    (9) Require handlers to register with the Committee.
    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) also proposed to make such 
changes to the order as may be necessary, if any of the proposed 
changes are adopted, so that all of the order's provisions conform to 
the effectuated amendments.
    A conforming change is needed in the title of 7 CFR part 905. It is 
proposed to be revised to ``ORANGES, GRAPEFRUIT, TANGERINES, AND 
PUMMELOS GROWN IN FLORIDA'' to reflect the proposed addition of 
pummelos as a regulated fruit and the inclusion of tangelos as a 
regulated hybrid variety.
    Upon the basis of evidence introduced at the hearing and the record 
thereof, the Administrator of AMS on February 23, 2015, filed with the 
Hearing Clerk, USDA, a Recommended Decision and Opportunity to File 
Written Exceptions thereto by April 2, 2015. None were filed.

Small Business Considerations

    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA), AMS has considered the economic impact of this 
action on small entities.

[[Page 43041]]

Accordingly, AMS has prepared this initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
businesses subject to such actions so that small businesses will not be 
unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders and amendments 
thereto are unique in that they are normally brought about through 
group action of essentially small entities for their own benefit.
    According to the 2007 US Census of Agriculture, the number of 
citrus growers in Florida was 6,061. According to the National 
Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS) Citrus Fruit Report, published 
September 19, 2012, the total number of acres used in citrus production 
in Florida was 495,100 for the 2011/12 season. Based on the number of 
citrus growers from the US Census of Agriculture and the total acres 
used for citrus production from NASS, the average citrus farm size is 
81.7 acres. NASS also reported the total value of production for 
Florida citrus at $1,804,484,000. Taking the total value of production 
for Florida citrus and dividing it by the total number of acres used 
for citrus production provides a return per acre of $3,644.69. A small 
grower as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) (13 CFR 
121.201) is one that grosses less than $750,000 annually. Multiplying 
the return per acre of $3,644.69 by the average citrus farm size of 
81.7 acres, yields an average return of $297,720.51. Therefore, a 
majority of Florida citrus producers are considered small entities 
under SBA's standards.
    According to the industry, there were 44 handlers for the 2011/12 
season, down 25 percent from the 2002/03 season. A small agricultural 
service firm as defined by the SBA is one that grosses less than 
$7,000,000 annually. Based on information submitted by industry, twenty 
one handlers would be considered small entities under SBA's standards. 
A majority of citrus handlers are considered large entities under SBA's 
standards.
    The production area regulated under the order covers the portion of 
the state of Florida which is bound by the Suwannee River, the Georgia 
Border, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Acreage devoted to 
citrus production in the regulated area has declined in recent years.
    According to data presented at the hearing, bearing acreage for 
oranges reached a high of 605,000 acres during the 2000/01 crop year. 
Since then, bearing acreage for oranges has decreased 28 percent. For 
grapefruit, bearing acreage reached a high of 107,800 acres during the 
2000/01 crop year. Since the 2000/01 crop year, bearing acreage for 
grapefruit has decreased 58 percent. For tangelos, bearing acreage 
reached a high for the 2000/01 crop year of 10,800 acres for Florida. 
Since the 2000/01 crop year, bearing acreage for tangelos has decreased 
62 percent. For tangerines and mandarins, bearing acreage reached a 
high for the 2000/01 crop year of 25,500 acres. Since the 2000/01 crop 
year, bearing acreage for tangerines and mandarins has decreased 53 
percent.
    According to data presented at the hearing, the total utilized 
production for oranges reached a high during the 2003/04 crop year of 
242 million boxes. Since the 2000/01 crop year, total utilized 
production for oranges has decreased 34 percent. For grapefruit, the 
total utilized production reached a high during the 2001/02 crop year 
of 46.7 million boxes. Since the 2000/01 crop year, total utilized 
production for grapefruit has decreased 59 percent. For tangelos, the 
total utilized production reached a high during the 2002/03 crop year 
of 2.4 million boxes. Since the 2000/01 crop year, total utilized 
production for tangelos has decreased 45 percent. For tangerines and 
mandarins, the total utilized production reached a high during the 
2001/02 crop year of 6.6 million boxes. Since the 2000/01 crop year, 
total utilized production for tangerines and mandarins has decreased 23 
percent.
    During the hearing held on April 24, 2013, interested persons were 
invited to present evidence on the probable regulatory and 
informational impact of the proposed amendments to the order on small 
businesses. The evidence presented at the hearing shows that none of 
the proposed amendments would have any burdensome effects on small 
agricultural producers or firms.

Material Issue Number 1--Definitions of ``Fruit'' and ``Variety''

    The proposal described in Material Issue 1 would amend the 
definitions of ``fruit'' and ``variety'' in Sec.  905.4 and Sec.  905.5 
to update terminology and authorize regulation of additional varieties 
and hybrids of citrus.
    Currently, the New Varieties Development and Management 
Corporations, a non-profit research organization, is actively working 
to identify, acquire and sub-license promising citrus varieties and 
hybrids for the Florida citrus grower. In order to regulate these new 
varieties and hybrids, the definitions of fruit and variety must be 
amended so that these new varieties and hybrids can be regulated under 
the order.
    Witnesses supported this proposal and stated that Florida growers 
have invested heavily and steadily in the development of new citrus 
varieties to meet changing demand and consumer preferences. Witnesses 
stated that it is imperative that the order be amended to keep pace 
with a rapidly changing industry and maximize its relevance and utility 
to the industry. No significant impact on small business entities is 
anticipated from this proposed change.

Material Issue Number 2--Intrastate Shipments

    The proposal described in Material Issue 2 would amend the 
definition of ``handle or ship'' in Sec.  905.9 to authorize regulation 
of intrastate shipments.
    Currently, the Florida Citrus Commission, under the Florida 
Department of Citrus Rules Chapter 20, regulates the grade and size of 
intrastate shipments, while the Federal order regulates all interstate 
shipments and exports of fresh citrus. If the proposed amendment were 
implemented, authority to regulate intrastate shipments would be added 
to the Federal order. This amendment would allow for the eventual 
regulation of all fresh citrus shipments under the order if intrastate 
shipments were no longer regulated by the Florida Department of Citrus.
    Witnesses explained that adding the authority to regulate 
intrastate shipments to the order would be a precautionary measure. If 
the Florida Department of Citrus were to stop regulating fresh citrus 
shipments, having the authority to do so under the Federal order would 
facilitate a streamlined transition of regulation from one program to 
the other. Such a transition would benefit growers and handlers as 
shipments of fresh citrus could continue without interruption.
    Witnesses anticipated that handlers would incur little to no 
additional costs as a result of the proposed amendment. As currently 
proposed, the amendment would simply add an authority to the order. 
This authority would not be implemented unless warranted by other 
factors. If implemented, handlers of intrastate fresh citrus shipments 
would be subject to assessments under the order. However, the Florida 
Department of Citrus already collects assessments on intrastate 
shipments. Therefore, the cost of assessments collected on intrastate 
shipments, whether under the State or Federal program, would continue. 
In conclusion, it is determined that the benefits of adding the 
authority to regulate intrastate shipments of fresh

[[Page 43042]]

citrus to the order would outweigh any costs.

Material Issue Number 3--Redistricting

    The proposal described in Material Issue 3 would amend Sec.  905.14 
to revise the process for redistricting the production area.
    The proposed amendment would grant flexibility to the Committee in 
redefining grower districts within the production area when the 
criteria and relevant factors within the production area warrant 
redistricting. Disease and natural disasters over the past decade have 
significantly affected bearing acreage. The proposed amendment would 
allow the Committee at any time, subject to the approval of the 
Secretary, to base their determination of grower districts on the 
number of bearing trees, volume of fresh fruit, total number of citrus 
acres, and other relevant factors when conditions warrant 
redistricting.
    According to a witness, the proposed amendment would give the 
Committee, in future seasons, the flexibility to adjust grower 
districts to reflect the shift in production of fresh varieties and 
fresh volume. In addition, the Committee would be able to adjust grower 
districts based on the number of trees lost to disease and natural 
disasters. Thus, it is not expected that this proposal would result in 
any additional costs to growers or handlers.

Material Issue Number 4--Term of Office

    The proposal described in Material Issue 4 would amend Sec.  905.20 
to change the term of office of Committee members from one to two 
years, and change the tenure limits for Committee members from three to 
four years.
    According to a witness, a two-year term would allow for biennial 
nomination meetings, which would provide administrative efficiencies 
and stability. The current one-year term of office is administratively 
inefficient and requires additional Committee resources. Moreover, 
limiting terms to one year results in an annual effort to nominate and 
appoint new members. This process is costly to the Committee and 
requires time and resources for industry members to participate. A two-
year term would reduce these costs. For the reasons described above, it 
is determined that the proposed amendment would benefit industry 
participants and improve administration of the order. The costs of 
implementing this proposal would be minimal, if any.

Material Issue Number 5--Mail Balloting

    The proposal described in Material Issue 5 would amend Sec.  905.22 
to authorize mail balloting procedures for Committee membership 
nominations. Nomination meetings have low participation rates due to 
time, travel, and administrative costs.
    The proposed amendment would allow the Committee to conduct the 
nomination and/or election of members and alternates by mail or other 
means according to the rules and regulations recommended by the 
Committee and approved by the Secretary. Currently, the Committee holds 
grower nomination meetings in each of the three grower districts and 
one shipper nomination meeting annually. Witnesses indicated that 
attending these meetings is costly due to travel expenses and time away 
from their growing or handling operations. While the proposed amendment 
would result in some increased expenses for printing and mailing of 
ballot materials, witnesses indicated that the potential savings to 
growers and handlers far exceed those costs.
    Moreover, witnesses indicated that the additional benefit of 
increased participation in the nomination process as a result of 
materials being sent to all interested parties would outweigh the costs 
of conducting nominations by mail. This would be particularly true in 
the case of small business entities that have fewer resources and 
relatively less flexibility in managing their businesses compared to 
larger businesses. For these reasons, it is determined that the cost 
savings, increased participation, and other benefits gained from 
conducting nomination meetings via mail would outweigh the potential 
costs of implementing this proposal.

Material Issue Number 6--Financial Reserves Fund

    The proposal described in Material Issue 6 would amend Sec.  905.42 
to authorize the Committee to increase the capacity of its financial 
reserve funds from approximately six months of a fiscal period's 
expenses to approximately two fiscal periods' expenses. Such reserve 
funds could be used to cover any expenses authorized by the Committee 
or to cover necessary liquidation expenses if the order is terminated.
    The proposed amendment would allow the Committee to increase their 
reserves up to two fiscal periods' expenses. Currently, reserves are 
capped at approximately one half of one year's expenses. Witnesses 
explained that the current cap on reserves is too restrictive and could 
limit the Committee's ability to develop and implement projects 
requiring advertising, promotion or research without raising the 
assessment rate during the season.
    As discussed earlier in this decision, witnesses considered the 
need to develop and promote new hybrid varieties and markets to be 
essential to reviving the health of the fresh citrus sector. According 
to them, not increasing the reserve cap would inhibit the Committee's 
ability to address these needs.
    Also, without the proposed amendment it would become more difficult 
for the Committee to avoid assessment rate increases annually or during 
a season. According to the record, the proposed amendment would also 
provide greater stability in the administration of the order's 
assessment rate. Under the current reserve limit, the Committee would 
need to increase the assessment rate mid-season if the need for 
additional revenues for research or promotion activities occurs after 
the assessment rate and budget are finalized. Increasing the assessment 
rate mid-season confuses industry members and creates additional 
burdens in administering the order.
    For the reasons discussed above, it is determined that the benefits 
of increasing the maximum level of funds that can be held in the 
financial reserves would outweigh the costs.

Material Issue Number 7--Regulation of Shipments

    The proposal described in Material Issue 7 would amend Sec.  905.52 
to: authorize different regulations for different market destinations; 
allow for the regulation of pack and container requirements for 
interstate shipments; and, in the absence of state regulation, allow 
for the establishment of requirements for intrastate shipments.
    This would allow shippers to meet varying customer demands in 
different market destinations. In addition, the proposed amendment 
would allow regulation and orderly marketing to continue for intrastate 
shipments if Florida State fresh citrus regulations were discontinued. 
This authority will not be implemented unless state regulations were no 
longer in effect.
    The proposed amendment to regulate containers and establish quality 
standards for the production area would not have any adverse effects on 
small businesses if approved. Continued orderly marketing of fresh 
citrus shipments within the State of Florida would equally benefit all 
segments of the industry and consumers by

[[Page 43043]]

maintaining quality standards and consistency.

Material Issue Number 8--Nomination Acceptance

    The proposal described in Material Issue 8 would Amend Sec.  905.28 
to eliminate the use of separate acceptance statements in the 
nomination process. Currently, nominees complete both background and 
acceptance statements when they are nominated. The elimination of the 
acceptance statement would reduce paperwork and administrative costs. 
Therefore, it is determined that the proposed amendment would benefit 
both large and small-scale fresh citrus businesses, and would reduce 
costs and improve the administration of the order.

Material Issue Number 9--Handler Registration

    The proposal described in Material Issue 9 would Amend Sec.  905.7 
to require handlers to register with the Committee. Currently, the 
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of 
Fruit and Vegetables has a registration program for handlers of Florida 
citrus. The Committee contracts annually with the Division to obtain 
information on each handler's regulated shipments, both interstate and 
export, on a monthly basis.
    A handler registration form would serve as an efficient means for 
obtaining handler information that would improve communication between 
the Committee and handlers. It would also assist the Committee in 
monitoring and enforcing compliance. If a handler were to not comply 
with regulations in effect under the order, the Committee would have 
that handler's contact information on file to begin the compliance 
enforcement process. Moreover, if a handler failed to respond to 
compliance enforcement requests, the Committee could revoke a handler's 
registration. Without the registration, a handler would not be able to 
ship citrus subject to order regulation.
    Witnesses stated that while a handler registration program may 
result in additional administrative costs, the benefits of this 
proposed amendment would outweigh those costs. Also, the proposal would 
not disproportionately disadvantage small-sized businesses as all 
handlers, regardless of size, would be required to register with the 
Committee. Furthermore, the new requirement would not result in a 
direct cost to handlers as the cost of administering a handler 
registration program would be borne by the Committee.
    For these reasons, it is determined that the benefits of requiring 
handlers to register with the Committee would be greater than the 
costs.
    Interested persons were invited to present evidence at the hearing 
on the probable regulatory and informational impact of the proposed 
amendments to the order on small entities. The record evidence 
indicates that implementation of the proposals to authorize regulation 
of new varieties and hybrids of citrus fruit; authorize the regulation 
of intrastate shipments of fruit; revise the process for redistricting 
the production area; change the term of office and tenure requirements 
for Committee members; authorize mail balloting procedures for 
Committee membership nominations; increase the capacity of financial 
reserve funds; authorize pack and container requirements for intrastate 
shipments and authorize different regulations for different markets; 
eliminate the use of separate acceptance statements in the nomination 
process; and, require handlers to register with the Committee would 
improve the operation of the order and are not anticipated to impact 
small businesses disproportionately.
    USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, 
overlap or conflict with this proposed rule. These amendments are 
intended to improve the operation and administration of the order and 
to assist in the marketing of fresh Florida citrus.
    Committee meetings regarding these proposals, as well as the 
hearing date and location, were widely publicized throughout the 
Florida citrus industry, and all interested persons were invited to 
attend the meetings and the hearing to participate in Committee 
deliberations on all issues. All Committee meetings and the hearing 
were public forums and all entities, both large and small, were able to 
express views on these issues. Finally, interested persons are invited 
to submit information on the regulatory and informational impacts of 
this action on small businesses.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Current information collection requirements for Part 905 are 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Number 
0581-0189--``Generic OMB Fruit Crops.'' In accordance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the termination 
of the Letter of Acceptance has been submitted to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. The Letter of Acceptance has 
no time or cost burden associated with it due to the fact that handlers 
simply sign the form upon accepting nomination to the Committee. As a 
result, the current number of hours associated with OMB No. 0581-0189, 
Generic Fruit Crops, would remain the same: 7,786.71 hours.
    No other changes in these requirements are anticipated as a result 
of this proceeding. Should any such changes become necessary, they 
would be submitted to OMB for approval.
    As with all Federal marketing order programs, reports and forms are 
periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and 
duplication by industry and public sector agencies.
    In addition, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules 
that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this rule.
    AMS is committed to complying with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act, which requires Government agencies in general to 
provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting 
business electronically to the maximum extent possible.
    AMS is also 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.

Civil Justice Reform

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

[[Page 43044]]

Findings and Conclusions

    The findings and conclusions, rulings, and general findings and 
determinations included in the Recommended Decision set forth in the 
March 3, 2015, issue of the Federal Register are hereby approved and 
adopted.

Marketing Order

    Annexed hereto and made a part hereof is the document entitled 
``Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Oranges, 
Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida.'' This document 
has been decided upon as the detailed and appropriate means of 
effectuating the foregoing findings and conclusions.
    It is hereby ordered, That this entire decision be published in the 
Federal Register.

Referendum Order

    It is hereby directed that a referendum be conducted in accordance 
with the procedure for the conduct of referenda (7 CFR 900.400-407) to 
determine whether the annexed order amending the order regulating the 
handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in 
Florida is approved or favored by producers, as defined under the terms 
of the order, who during the representative period were engaged in the 
production of citrus in the production area.
    The representative period for the conduct of such referendum is 
hereby determined to be August 1, 2014, through July 31, 2015.
    The agents of the Secretary to conduct such referendum are hereby 
designated to be Christian Nissen and Jennie Varela, Southeast 
Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit 
and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 1124 First Street South, Winter 
Haven, Florida 33880; telephone: (863) 324-3375; or fax: (863) 291-
8614, or Email: Christian.Nissen@ams.usda.gov or 
Jennie.Varela@ams.usda.gov, respectively.

Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Oranges, 
Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ This order shall not become effective unless and until the 
requirements of Sec.  900.14 of the rules of practice and procedure 
governing proceedings to formulate marketing agreements and 
marketing orders have been met.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Findings and Determinations

    The findings and determinations hereinafter set forth are 
supplementary to the findings and determinations that were previously 
made in connection with the issuance of the marketing order; and all 
said previous findings and determinations are hereby ratified and 
affirmed, except insofar as such findings and determinations may be in 
conflict with the findings and determinations set forth herein.
(a) Findings and Determinations Upon the Basis of the Hearing Record
    Pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement 
Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), and the applicable rules of 
practice and procedure effective thereunder (7 CFR part 900), a public 
hearing was held upon proposed further amendment of Marketing Order No. 
905, regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and 
tangelos grown in Florida.
    Upon the basis of the record, it is found that:
    (1) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, and all of the terms and conditions thereof, would 
tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act;
    (2) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, 
tangerines, and pummelos grown in the production area in the same 
manner as, and are applicable only to, persons in the respective 
classes of commercial and industrial activity specified in the 
marketing order upon which a hearing has been held;
    (3) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, is limited in its application to the smallest regional 
production area that is practicable, consistent with carrying out the 
declared policy of the Act, and the issuance of several orders 
applicable to subdivisions of the production area would not effectively 
carry out the declared policy of the Act;
    (4) The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, prescribes, insofar as practicable, such different 
terms applicable to different parts of the production area as are 
necessary to give due recognition to the differences in the production 
and marketing of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos grown in 
the production area; and
    (5) All handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos 
grown in the production area as defined in the marketing order is in 
the current of interstate or foreign commerce or directly burdens, 
obstructs, or affects such commerce.

Order Relative to Handling

    It is therefore ordered, That on and after the effective date 
hereof, all handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos 
grown in Florida shall be in conformity to, and in compliance with, the 
terms and conditions of the said order as hereby proposed to be amended 
as follows:
    The provisions of the proposed marketing order amending the order 
contained in the Recommended Decision issued on February 23, 2015, and 
published in the March 3, 2015, issue of the Federal Register will be 
and are the terms and provisions of this order amending the order and 
are set forth in full herein.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 905

    Grapefruit, Marketing agreements, Oranges, Pummelos, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Tangerines.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 7 CFR part 905 is proposed 
to be amended as follows:

PART 905--ORANGES, GRAPEFRUIT, TANGERINES, AND PUMMELOS GROWN IN 
FLORIDA

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 905 continues to read as 
follows:

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

0
2. Revise the heading of part 905 to read as set forth above.
0
3. Revise Sec.  905.4 to read as follows:


Sec.  905.4  Fruit.

    Fruit means any or all varieties of the following types of citrus 
fruits grown in the production area:
    (a) Citrus sinensis, Osbeck, commonly called ``oranges'';
    (b) Citrus paradisi, MacFadyen, commonly called ``grapefruit'';
    (c) Citrus reticulata, commonly called ``tangerines'' or 
``mandarin'';
    (d) Citrus maxima Merr (L.); Osbeck, commonly called ``pummelo''; 
and,
    (e) ``Citrus hybrids'' that are hybrids between or among one or 
more of the four fruits in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section 
and the following: trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), sour orange 
(C. aurantium), lemon (C. limon), lime (C. aurantifolia), citron (C. 
medica), kumquat (Fortunella species), tangelo (C. reticulata x C. 
paradisi or C. grandis), tangor (C. reticulata x C. sinensis), and 
varieties of these species. In addition, citrus hybrids include: 
tangelo (C. reticulata x C. paradisi or C. grandis), tangor (C. 
reticulata x C. sinensis), Temple oranges, and varieties thereof.
0
4. Revise Sec.  905.5 to read as follows:

[[Page 43045]]

Sec.  905.5  Variety.

    Variety or varieties means any one or more of the following 
classifications or groupings of fruit:
    (a) Oranges. (1) Early and Midseason oranges;
    (2) Valencia, Lue Gim Gong, and similar late maturing oranges of 
the Valencia type;
    (3) Navel oranges.
    (b) Grapefruit. (1) Red Grapefruit, to include all shades of color;
    (2) White Grapefruit.
    (c) Tangerines and mandarins. (1) Dancy and similar tangerines;
    (2) Robinson tangerines;
    (3) Honey tangerines;
    (4) Fall-Glo tangerines;
    (5) US Early Pride tangerines;
    (6) Sunburst tangerines;
    (7) W-Murcott tangerines;
    (8) Tangors.
    (d) Pummelos. (1) Hirado Buntan and other pink seeded pummelos;
    (2) [Reserved].
    (e) Citrus hybrids--(1) Tangelos. (i) Orlando tangelo;
    (ii) Minneola tangelo.
    (2) Temple oranges.
    (f) Other varieties of citrus fruits specified in Sec.  905.4, 
including hybrids, as recommended and approved by the Secretary: 
Provided, That in order to add any hybrid variety of citrus fruit to be 
regulated under this provision, such variety must exhibit similar 
characteristics and be subject to cultural practices common to existing 
regulated varieties.
0
5. Revise Sec.  905.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  905.7  Handler.

    Handler is synonymous with shipper and means any person (except a 
common or contract carrier transporting fruit for another person) who, 
as owner, agent, or otherwise, handles fruit in fresh form, or causes 
fruit to be handled. Each handler shall be registered with the 
Committee pursuant to rules recommended by the Committee and approved 
by the Secretary.
0
6. Revise Sec.  905.9 to read as follows:


Sec.  905.9  Handle or ship.

    Handle or ship means to sell, transport, deliver, pack, prepare for 
market, grade, or in any other way to place fruit in the current of 
commerce within the production area or between any point in the 
production area and any point outside thereof.
0
7. Revise Sec.  905.14 to read as follows:


Sec.  905.14  Redistricting.

    The Committee may, with the approval of the Secretary, redefine the 
districts into which the production area is divided or reapportion or 
otherwise change the grower membership of districts, or both: Provided, 
That the membership shall consist of at least eight but not more than 
nine grower members, and any such change shall be based, insofar as 
practicable, upon the respective averages for the immediately preceding 
three fiscal periods of: The number of bearing trees in each district; 
the volume of fresh fruit produced in each district; the total number 
of acres of citrus in each district; and other relevant factors. Each 
redistricting or reapportionment shall be announced on or prior to 
March 1 preceding the effective fiscal period.
0
8. Revise Sec.  905.20 to read as follows:


Sec.  905.20  Term of office.

    The term of office of members and alternate members shall begin on 
the first day of August of even-numbered years and continue for two 
years and until their successors are selected and have qualified. The 
consecutive terms of office of a member shall be limited to two terms. 
The terms of office of alternate members shall not be so limited. 
Members, their alternates, and their respective successors shall be 
nominated and selected by the Secretary as provided in Sec. Sec.  
905.22 and 905.23.
0
9. In Sec.  905.22, revise paragraphs (a) (1) and (b) (1) and add 
paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  905.22  Nominations.

    (a) Grower members. (1) The Committee shall give public notice of a 
meeting of producers in each district to be held not later than June 
10th of even-numbered years, for the purpose of making nominations for 
grower members and alternate grower members. The Committee, with the 
approval of the Secretary, shall prescribe uniform rules to govern such 
meetings and the balloting thereat. The chairman of each meeting shall 
publicly announce at such meeting the names of the persons nominated, 
and the chairman and secretary of each such meeting shall transmit to 
the Secretary their certification as to the number of votes so cast, 
the names of the persons nominated, and such other information as the 
Secretary may request. All nominations shall be submitted to the 
Secretary on or before the 20th day of June.
* * * * *
    (b) Shipper members. (1) The Committee shall give public notice of 
a meeting for bona fide cooperative marketing organizations which are 
handlers, and a meeting for other handlers who are not so affiliated, 
to be held not later than June 10th of even-numbered years, for the 
purpose of making nominations for shipper members and their alternates. 
The Committee, with the approval of the Secretary, shall prescribe 
uniform rules to govern each such meeting and the balloting thereat. 
The chairperson of each such meeting shall publicly announce at the 
meeting the names of the persons nominated and the chairman and 
secretary of each such meeting shall transmit to the Secretary their 
certification as to the number of votes cast, the weight by volume of 
those shipments voted, and such other information as the Secretary may 
request. All nominations shall be submitted to the Secretary on or 
before the 20th day of June.
* * * * *
    (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
this section, nomination and election of members and alternate members 
to the Committee may be conducted by mail, electronic mail, or other 
means according to rules and regulations recommended by the Committee 
and approved by the Secretary.
0
10. Revise Sec.  905.28 to read as follows:


Sec.  905.28  Qualification and acceptance.

    Any person nominated to serve as a member or alternate member of 
the Committee shall, prior to selection by the Secretary, qualify by 
filing a written qualification and acceptance statement indicating such 
person's qualifications and willingness to serve in the position for 
which nominated.
0
11. In Sec.  905.42, revise the first sentence of paragraph (a) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  905.42  Handler's accounts.

    (a) If, at the end of a fiscal period, the assessments collected 
are in excess of expenses incurred, the Committee, with the approval of 
the Secretary, may carry over such excess into subsequent fiscal 
periods as a reserve: Provided, That funds already in the reserve do 
not exceed approximately two fiscal periods' expenses. * * *
0
12. In Sec.  905.52, revise paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) and add paragraph 
(a)(6) to read as follows:


Sec.  905.52  Issuance of regulations.

    (a) * * *
    (4) Establish, prescribe, and fix the size, capacity, weight, 
dimensions, marking (including labels and stamps), or pack of the 
container or containers which may be used in the packaging, 
transportation, sale, shipment, or other handling of fruit.
    (5) Provide requirements that may be different for the handling of 
fruit within the production area, the handling of

[[Page 43046]]

fruit for export, or for the handling of fruit between the production 
area and any point outside thereof within the United States.
    (6) Any regulations or requirements pertaining to intrastate 
shipments shall not be implemented unless Florida statutes and 
regulations regulating such shipments are not in effect.
* * * * *

    Dated: July 14, 2015.
Rex. A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-17588 Filed 7-20-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P