Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon; Modification of Handling Regulations, 49776-49780 [2018-21480]
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[FR Doc. 2018–21548 Filed 10–2–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–C9–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 945
[Doc. No. AMS–SC–17–0077; SC18–945–1
FR]
Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain
Designated Counties in Idaho, and
Malheur County, Oregon; Modification
of Handling Regulations
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This final rule implements a
recommendation from the Idaho-Eastern
Oregon Potato Committee (Committee)
to revise the varietal classifications that
determine the size requirements for
Irish potatoes grown in certain
designated counties of Idaho, and
Malheur County, Oregon. As provided
under section 8e of the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, this
modification also applies to all
imported long type Irish potatoes. This
final rule also makes administrative
revisions to the subpart headings to
bring the language into conformance
with the Office of Federal Register
requirements.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Effective November 2, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barry Broadbent, Marketing Specialist,
or Gary D. Olson, Regional Manager,
Northwest Marketing Field Office,
Marketing Order and Agreement
Division, Specialty Crops Program,
AMS, USDA; Telephone: (503) 326–
2724, Fax: (503) 326–7440, or Email:
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Barry.Broadbent@usda.gov or
GaryD.Olson@usda.gov.
Small businesses may request
information on complying with this
regulation by contacting Richard Lower,
Marketing Order and Agreement
Division, Specialty Crops Program,
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington,
DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720–
2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Email:
Richard.Lower@ams.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final
rule, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, amends
regulations issued to carry out a
marketing order as defined in 7 CFR
900.2(j). This final rule is issued under
Marketing Agreement No. 98 and Order
No. 945, as amended (7 CFR part 945),
regulating the handling of Irish potatoes
grown in certain designated counties in
Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon.
Part 945 (referred to as the ‘‘Order’’) is
effective under the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674), hereinafter
referred to as the ‘‘Act.’’ The Committee
locally administers the Order and is
comprised of potato producers and
handlers operating within the
production area.
Section 8e of the Act provides that
whenever certain specified
commodities, including potatoes, 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.
The Department of Agriculture
(USDA) is issuing this final rule in
conformance with Executive Orders
13563 and 13175. This action falls
within a category of regulatory actions
that the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive
Order 12866 review. Additionally,
because this final rule does not meet the
definition of a significant regulatory
action, it does not trigger the
requirements contained in Executive
Order 13771. See OMB’s Memorandum
titled ‘‘Interim Guidance Implementing
Section 2 of the Executive Order of
January 30, 2017, titled ‘Reducing
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory
Costs’ ’’ (February 2, 2017).
This final rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This final 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
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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.
There are no administrative
procedures which must be exhausted
prior to any judicial challenge to the
provisions of import regulations issued
under section 8e of the Act.
Under the terms of the Order, fresh
market shipments of Idaho-Eastern
Oregon potatoes are required to be
inspected and are subject to minimum
grade, size, quality, maturity, pack, and
container requirements. This final rule
revises the varietal classifications that
determine the size requirements for
potatoes handled under the Order. As
required under section 8e of the Act, the
revisions to the Order’s varietal
classifications will also be applied to
imported long type potatoes.
At its meeting on November 8, 2017,
the Committee unanimously
recommended revising the varietal
classifications that determine the size
requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade
potatoes. Sections 945.51 and 945.52
provide authority for the establishment
and modification of grade, size, quality,
and maturity regulations applicable to
the handling of potatoes.
Section 945.341 establishes minimum
grade, size, quality, maturity, pack, and
container requirements for potatoes
handled subject to the Order. The
Order’s handling regulations currently
have two different size requirements for
U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes. The
requirements are applied based upon
the varietal classification of the subject
potato. Prior to this action, the varietal
classifications that determine which of
the different size requirements are
applicable are designated as ‘‘round
varieties’’ in § 945.341(a)(2)(i) and as
‘‘all other varieties’’ in
§ 945.341(a)(2)(ii).
This final rule removes the
designation ‘‘round varieties’’ in
§ 945.341(a)(2)(i) to make the size
requirements in that paragraph
applicable to all U.S. No. 2 grade
potatoes, unless otherwise specified. In
addition, this final rule changes the
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designation for ‘‘all other varieties’’ in
§ 945.341(a)(2)(ii) to ‘‘Russet types,’’
maintaining the larger size requirements
for ‘‘Russet types’’ only.
Committee members reported that the
Idaho-Eastern Oregon potato industry
has been producing and shipping an
increasing number of non-traditional
potato varieties, such as oblong,
fingerling, and banana potatoes. Prior to
this final rule, the size requirements
contained in the handling regulations
did not adequately differentiate between
the various types of potatoes to
effectively regulate the unique varieties
that are now being marketed from the
production area. Without a clear
distinction, there existed the potential
to inhibit orderly marketing of such
potatoes by requiring them to adhere to
size requirements that were never
intended to be applied to that type or
variety. Designating potatoes as ‘‘round
varieties’’ and ‘‘all other varieties’’ was
appropriate when the regulations were
initially established, but potatoes from
the production area are now segmented
into two different market sectors: Russet
type potatoes and all other non-Russet
varieties. The characteristics of each of
these market sectors continues to need
different minimum size requirements.
However, with the previous size
requirement classifications in the
handling regulations, some varieties of
potatoes were being required to meet
size requirements that did not match
their natural characteristics or their
intended market outlet.
For example, Russet varieties are
primarily utilized as baked potatoes or
are peeled and further prepared by the
consumer as products such as french
fries, potato salad, or mashed potatoes.
The Committee intends for the size
requirements for these potatoes to be
greater than for other varieties of
potatoes and those size requirements
match the likely utilization of such
potatoes. Non-Russet type potatoes are
typically marketed fresh and are
prepared and consumed whole. These
types, while predominantly round
varieties, include unique varieties that
could not be described as ‘‘round’’ but
are also not comparable to Russet types.
Requiring non-Russet type potatoes to
meet size requirements intended for
potatoes used for baking or french fries
puts those potatoes at a marketing
disadvantage.
The Committee believes that potato
size is a significant consideration of
potato buyers. Providing potato buyers
with the sizes desired by their
customers for the type of potato that is
being marketed is important to
promoting potato sales. The size
requirements intended to facilitate
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orderly marketing should not
unintentionally inhibit a market
segment, even if that segment is a minor
one. Modifying the size requirement
classifications to meet the intent of the
Committee will help facilitate the
growth of the emerging market for
unique potato varieties. This change is
expected to improve the marketing of
Idaho-Eastern Oregon potatoes and
enhance overall returns to handlers and
producers.
This final rule relaxes the current
handling regulations for non-round
potatoes that are also not Russet type.
Such potatoes will be subject to the
smaller size requirements that have
been, and will continue to be, applied
to round varieties of potatoes. The
Committee believes that, while these
potatoes represent a small market
segment relative to the total output from
the production area, the market is
expected to grow, and the Order’s
handling regulations should be
responsive to it.
Section 8e mandates the regulation of
certain imported commodities whenever
those same commodities are regulated
by a domestic marketing order. Irish
potatoes are one of the commodities
specifically covered by section 8e in the
Act. In addition, section 8e stipulates
that whenever two or more such
marketing orders regulating the same
agricultural commodity produced in
different areas are concurrently in effect,
imports must comply with the
provisions of the order which regulates
the commodity produced in the area
with which the imported commodity is
in the ‘‘most direct competition.’’ 7 CFR
980.1(a)(2)(iii) contains the
determination that imports of long type
potatoes during each month of the year
are in most direct competition with
potatoes of the same type produced in
the area covered by the Order.
Minimum grade, size, quality, and
maturity requirements for potatoes
imported into the United States are
currently in effect under § 980.1.
Section 980.1(b)(2) stipulates that,
through the entire year, the grade, size,
quality, and maturity requirements of
the Order applicable to potatoes of all
long types shall be the respective grade,
size, quality, and maturity requirements
for imported potatoes of all long types.
Therefore, this action relaxes the
minimum size requirements for imports
of non-round U.S. No. 2 grade long type
potatoes, other than Russet types,
accordingly.
This final rule also allows potato
importers to respond to the changing
demands of domestic consumers. The
domestic market’s increasing preference
for unique potato varieties applies to
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imported potatoes as well as to
domestically produced potatoes. In
addition, the higher prices that the
unique potatoes are expected to
command will also apply to imported
product. Thus, importers are expected
to benefit along with domestic
producers and handlers by increased
sales of U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes and
increased total revenue.
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to the 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
rule on small entities. Accordingly,
AMS has prepared this final regulatory
flexibility analysis.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit
regulatory actions to the scale of
businesses 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. Import regulations issued under
the Act are based on those established
under Federal marketing orders.
There are approximately 32 handlers
of Idaho-Eastern Oregon potatoes who
are subject to regulation under the Order
and about 450 potato producers in the
regulated area. In addition, there are
approximately 255 importers of all types
of potatoes, many of which import long
types, who are subject to regulation
under the Act. Small agricultural service
firms, which include potato handlers
and importers, are defined by the Small
Business Administration (SBA) as those
having annual receipts of less than
$7,500,000, and small agricultural
producers are defined as those whose
annual receipts are less than $750,000
(13 CFR 121.201).
During the 2016–2017 fiscal period,
the most recent full year of statistics
available, 37,449,300 hundredweight of
Idaho-Eastern Oregon potatoes were
inspected under the Order and sold into
the fresh market. Based on information
provided by the National Agricultural
Statistics Service, the average producer
price for the 2016 Idaho potato crop was
$6.75 per hundredweight. Multiplying
$6.75 by the shipment quantity of
37,449,300 hundredweight yields an
annual crop revenue estimate of
$252,782,775. The average annual fresh
potato revenue for each of the 450
producers is therefore calculated to be
$561,740 ($252,782,775 divided by 450),
which is less than the SBA threshold of
$750,000. Consequently, on average,
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most of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon potato
producers may be classified as small
entities.
In addition, based on information
reported by USDA’s Market News
Service, the average f.o.b. shipping
point price for the 2016–2017 Idaho
potato crop was $11.79 per
hundredweight. Multiplying $11.79 by
the shipment quantity of 37,449,300
hundredweight yields an annual crop
revenue estimate of $441,527,247. The
average annual fresh potato revenue for
each of the 32 handlers is therefore
calculated to be $13,797,726
($441,527,247 divided by 32), which is
above the SBA threshold of $7,500,000
for agricultural service firms. Therefore,
most of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon potato
handlers would be classified as large
entities.
Further, based on information from
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service
(FAS), potato importers imported
11,157,190 hundredweight of potatoes
into the U.S. in 2016 (the most recent
full year for which statistics are
available). FAS also reported the total
value of potato imports for 2016 to be
$212,331,000. The average annual
revenue of the estimated 255 potato
importers is therefore calculated to be
$832,670 ($212,331,000 divided by 255),
which is significantly less than the SBA
threshold of $7,500,000. Consequently,
on average, most of the entities
importing potatoes into the U.S. may be
classified as small entities.
This final rule revises the varietal
classifications that determine the size
requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade
potatoes handled under the Order.
Specifically, this action removes the
designation ‘‘round varieties’’ in
§ 945.341(a)(2)(i) to make the size
requirements in that paragraph
applicable to all U.S. No. 2 grade
potatoes, unless otherwise specified. In
addition, this final rule changes the
designation for ‘‘all other varieties’’ in
§ 945.341(a)(2)(ii) to ‘‘Russet types,’’
maintaining the larger size requirements
that have been applied to all non-round
varieties, but will now only apply them
to ‘‘Russet types.’’
Pursuant to section 8(e) of the Act,
this revision to the Order’s varietal
classifications that determine the size
requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade
potatoes will also be applied to
imported long type Irish potatoes.
This action was recommended by the
Committee to ensure that the size profile
of non-round, non-Russet type U.S. No.
2 grade potatoes will consistently be a
size preferred by consumers. This
change is expected to improve the
marketability of Idaho-Eastern Oregon
potatoes and increase returns to
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handlers and producers. Authority for
this final rule is provided in §§ 945.51
and 945.52 of the Order.
At the November 8, 2017, meeting, the
Committee discussed the impact of this
change on handlers and producers. The
change to the varietal classifications that
determine the size requirements is a
relaxation in regulation. The regulatory
change is expected to have a positive, or
neutral, impact on industry participants.
The Committee relied on the opinions
of producers and handlers familiar with
the industry to draw its conclusions
regarding the recommended handling
regulation change. The Committee
received anecdotal evidence from
industry members at the November 8,
2017, meeting that there is some
confusion in the industry with regards
to which size requirements apply to
which varieties of potatoes and that
some varieties are being inspected and
sized to requirements that were not
intended by the Committee. The change
to the size requirements clarifies which
size requirements are applicable to
which potatoes.
This change is expected to lead to
increased revenue for handlers and
producers. Prior to this action, nonround potato varieties that are not
Russet type are required to conform to
the larger size requirements, even
though the Committee does not believe
that this meets its intent with regards to
the handling regulation. Better defining
the distinct classifications of potatoes
will allow more of the non-round, nonRusset type potatoes to enter the market,
thereby allowing the sale of potatoes
that would have otherwise been
restricted. The benefits derived from
this action are not expected to be
disproportionately greater or less for
small handlers or producers than for
larger entities.
The Committee discussed alternatives
to this change. One consideration was
making no change at all to the current
regulation. Another alternative was to
further differentiate between various
varieties and types of potatoes in the
handling regulations. There was some
discussion of adding another
classification. After consideration of all
the alternatives, the Committee decided
that the changes effectuated by this
action will provide the greatest amount
of benefit to the industry with the least
amount of burden to producers and
handlers.
Further, the Committee’s meeting was
widely publicized throughout the potato
industry, and all interested persons
were invited to attend the meeting and
participate in Committee deliberations.
Like all Committee meetings, the
November 8, 2017, meeting was a public
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meeting, and all entities, both large and
small, were able to express their views
on this issue.
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), the Order’s information
collection requirements have been
previously approved by OMB and
assigned OMB No. 0581–0178,
Vegetable and Specialty Crops. No
changes in those requirements are
necessary as a result of this action.
Should any changes become necessary,
they would be submitted to OMB for
approval.
This final rule imposes no additional
reporting or recordkeeping requirements
on either small or large potato 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.
As noted in the initial regulatory
flexibility analysis, USDA has not
identified any relevant Federal rules
that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with
this final rule.
AMS is committed to complying with
the E-Government Act, to promote the
use of the internet and other
information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and
services, and for other purposes.
A proposed rule concerning this
action was published in the Federal
Register on May 9, 2018 (83 FR 21188).
A copy of the proposed rule was
provided to the handlers by the
Committee. Finally, the proposal was
made available through the internet by
USDA and the Office of the Federal
Register. A 60-day comment period
ending July 9, 2018, was provided to
allow interested persons to respond to
the proposal.
One comment was received. The
commenter questioned why the
proposed change would only apply to
the Order’s production area and not to
all potato growing regions. Marketing
orders only regulate the production area
as defined in each respective order.
Therefore, this change can only apply to
the handling of potatoes in the Order’s
production area as defined in § 945.4.
The commenter did not otherwise
address the merits of the proposal.
Accordingly, no changes will be made
to the rule as proposed, based on the
comment received.
A small business guide on complying
with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
marketing agreements and orders may
be viewed at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/
rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses.
Any questions about the compliance
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guide should be sent to Richard Lower
at the previously mentioned address in
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section.
In accordance with section 8e of the
Act, the United States Trade
Representative has concurred with the
issuance of this final rule.
After consideration of all relevant
material presented, including the
information and recommendation
submitted by the Committee and other
available information, it is hereby found
that this rule, as hereinafter set forth,
will tend to effectuate the declared
policy of the Act.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 945
Marketing agreements, Potatoes,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
For the reasons set forth above, 7 CFR
part 945 is amended as follows:
PART 945—IRISH POTATOES GROWN
IN CERTAIN DESIGNATED COUNTIES
IN IDAHO, AND MALHEUR COUNTY,
OREGON
1. The authority citation for part 945
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart A].
2. Redesignate ‘‘Subpart—Order
Regulating Handling’’ as ‘‘Subpart A—
Order Regulating Handling’’.
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart B
and Amended]
■ 3. Redesignate ‘‘Subpart—Rules and
Regulations’’ as subpart B and revise the
heading to read as follows:
■
Subpart B—Administrative
Requirements
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart C]
4. Redesignate ‘‘Subpart—Assessment
Rates’’ as ‘‘Subpart C—Assessment
Rates’’.
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart D
and Amended]
■ 5. Redesignate ‘‘Subpart—Handling
Regulations’’ as subpart D and revise the
heading to read as follows:
■
Subpart D—Handling Requirements
6. In § 945.341, revise paragraphs
(a)(2)(i) and (ii) to read as follows:
■
§ 945.341
Handling regulation.
*
*
*
*
*
(a) * * *
(2) Size—(i) All varieties, except
Russet types. 17⁄8 inches minimum
diameter, unless otherwise specified on
the container in connection with the
grade.
E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM
03OCR1
49780
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(ii) Russet types. 2 inches minimum
diameter, or 4 ounces minimum weight:
Provided, That at least 40 percent of the
potatoes in each lot shall be 5 ounces or
heavier.
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: September 27, 2018.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–21480 Filed 10–2–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0905; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–090–AD; Amendment
39–19424; AD 2018–19–23]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013–01–
02, which applied to certain The Boeing
Company Model 747–100, 747–100B,
747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C,
747–200F, 747–300, 747–400, 747–
400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes; and Model 757–200,
757–200PF, and 757–300 series
airplanes. AD 2013–01–02 required
replacing the control switches of certain
cargo doors. This AD requires
replacement of certain cargo door
control switches with a new, improved
switch; installation of an arm switch in
certain cargo doors; operational and
functional tests; and applicable oncondition actions. This AD also adds
airplanes to the applicability. This AD
was prompted by reports of
uncommanded cargo door operation.
We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 7, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:40 Oct 02, 2018
Jkt 247001
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0905.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0905; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3570; email: susan.l.monroe@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2013–01–02,
Amendment 39–17316 (78 FR 4051,
January 18, 2013) (‘‘AD 2013–01–02’’).
AD 2013–01–02 applied to certain The
Boeing Company Model 747–100, 747–
100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–
200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747–400,
747–400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes; and Model 757–200,
757–200PF, and 757–300 series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on October 6, 2017 (82
FR 46722). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of uncommanded cargo door
operation. The NPRM proposed to
require replacement of certain cargo
door control switches with a new,
improved switch; installation of an arm
switch in certain cargo doors;
operational and functional tests; and
applicable on-condition actions. The
NPRM also proposed to add airplanes to
the applicability. We are issuing this AD
to prevent failures of the cargo door
control switch from allowing
uncommanded movement of the cargo
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
door, which, if not corrected, could lead
to injuries to persons and damage to the
airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
FedEx Express and United Airlines
(UAL) stated they had no technical
objection to the NPRM.
Request To Withdraw the NPRM
Three commenters requested that the
NPRM be withdrawn. Virgin Atlantic
Airlines (VAA) and Deutsche Lufthansa
AG (DLH) pointed out there have been
no reported failures of the cargo door
control switches or incidents of
uncommanded door operation at VAA
or DLH since AD 2013–01–02 was
issued. United Parcel Service (UPS)
stated that the NPRM appears to be
based on a single event of an otherwise
reliable cargo door switch configuration,
based on industry data that show no
significant number of unscheduled
removals reported since AD 2013–01–02
was issued. DLH commented that the
operational area of the cargo door is a
safety critical area that requires the
operator to verify that the area is safe
and clear, whether an additional arm
switch is present or not. All commenters
stated that the repetitive inspections
required by AD 2013–01–02 should
remain in place and that accomplishing
the actions in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 747–52–2307, dated
May 23, 2017; and Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747–52–
2308, dated June 5, 2017; should be an
optional terminating action for the
inspections.
We disagree with the commenters’
request because our risk analysis
indicates that the actions mandated by
AD 2013–01–02 were inadequate to
mitigate the unsafe condition. Although
VAA and DLH have had no new
incidents, there have been multiple
reports of uncommanded cargo door
operation within the affected fleets.
Therefore, existing procedures for door
operation have not been adequate to
prevent the unsafe condition. We are
mandating the actions in this AD
because an unsafe condition exists,
which is likely to exist or develop on
other products of the same type design.
We have not changed this AD in this
regard.
E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM
03OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49776-49780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21480]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 945
[Doc. No. AMS-SC-17-0077; SC18-945-1 FR]
Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and
Malheur County, Oregon; Modification of Handling Regulations
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This final rule implements a recommendation from the Idaho-
Eastern Oregon Potato Committee (Committee) to revise the varietal
classifications that determine the size requirements for Irish potatoes
grown in certain designated counties of Idaho, and Malheur County,
Oregon. As provided under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937, this modification also applies to all imported
long type Irish potatoes. This final rule also makes administrative
revisions to the subpart headings to bring the language into
conformance with the Office of Federal Register requirements.
DATES: Effective November 2, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Broadbent, Marketing Specialist,
or Gary D. Olson, Regional Manager, Northwest Marketing Field Office,
Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS,
USDA; Telephone: (503) 326-2724, Fax: (503) 326-7440, or Email:
[[Page 49777]]
[email protected] or [email protected].
Small businesses may request information on complying with this
regulation by contacting Richard Lower, Marketing Order and Agreement
Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491,
Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553,
amends regulations issued to carry out a marketing order as defined in
7 CFR 900.2(j). This final rule is issued under Marketing Agreement No.
98 and Order No. 945, as amended (7 CFR part 945), regulating the
handling of Irish potatoes grown in certain designated counties in
Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon. Part 945 (referred to as the
``Order'') is effective under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act
of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the
``Act.'' The Committee locally administers the Order and is comprised
of potato producers and handlers operating within the production area.
Section 8e of the Act provides that whenever certain specified
commodities, including potatoes, 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.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this final rule in
conformance with Executive Orders 13563 and 13175. This action falls
within a category of regulatory actions that the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive Order 12866 review.
Additionally, because this final rule does not meet the definition of a
significant regulatory action, it does not trigger the requirements
contained in Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum titled
``Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of
January 30, 2017, titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling
Regulatory Costs'[thinsp]'' (February 2, 2017).
This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. This final 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.
There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted
prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of import regulations
issued under section 8e of the Act.
Under the terms of the Order, fresh market shipments of Idaho-
Eastern Oregon potatoes are required to be inspected and are subject to
minimum grade, size, quality, maturity, pack, and container
requirements. This final rule revises the varietal classifications that
determine the size requirements for potatoes handled under the Order.
As required under section 8e of the Act, the revisions to the Order's
varietal classifications will also be applied to imported long type
potatoes.
At its meeting on November 8, 2017, the Committee unanimously
recommended revising the varietal classifications that determine the
size requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes. Sections 945.51 and
945.52 provide authority for the establishment and modification of
grade, size, quality, and maturity regulations applicable to the
handling of potatoes.
Section 945.341 establishes minimum grade, size, quality, maturity,
pack, and container requirements for potatoes handled subject to the
Order. The Order's handling regulations currently have two different
size requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes. The requirements are
applied based upon the varietal classification of the subject potato.
Prior to this action, the varietal classifications that determine which
of the different size requirements are applicable are designated as
``round varieties'' in Sec. 945.341(a)(2)(i) and as ``all other
varieties'' in Sec. 945.341(a)(2)(ii).
This final rule removes the designation ``round varieties'' in
Sec. 945.341(a)(2)(i) to make the size requirements in that paragraph
applicable to all U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes, unless otherwise
specified. In addition, this final rule changes the designation for
``all other varieties'' in Sec. 945.341(a)(2)(ii) to ``Russet types,''
maintaining the larger size requirements for ``Russet types'' only.
Committee members reported that the Idaho-Eastern Oregon potato
industry has been producing and shipping an increasing number of non-
traditional potato varieties, such as oblong, fingerling, and banana
potatoes. Prior to this final rule, the size requirements contained in
the handling regulations did not adequately differentiate between the
various types of potatoes to effectively regulate the unique varieties
that are now being marketed from the production area. Without a clear
distinction, there existed the potential to inhibit orderly marketing
of such potatoes by requiring them to adhere to size requirements that
were never intended to be applied to that type or variety. Designating
potatoes as ``round varieties'' and ``all other varieties'' was
appropriate when the regulations were initially established, but
potatoes from the production area are now segmented into two different
market sectors: Russet type potatoes and all other non-Russet
varieties. The characteristics of each of these market sectors
continues to need different minimum size requirements. However, with
the previous size requirement classifications in the handling
regulations, some varieties of potatoes were being required to meet
size requirements that did not match their natural characteristics or
their intended market outlet.
For example, Russet varieties are primarily utilized as baked
potatoes or are peeled and further prepared by the consumer as products
such as french fries, potato salad, or mashed potatoes. The Committee
intends for the size requirements for these potatoes to be greater than
for other varieties of potatoes and those size requirements match the
likely utilization of such potatoes. Non-Russet type potatoes are
typically marketed fresh and are prepared and consumed whole. These
types, while predominantly round varieties, include unique varieties
that could not be described as ``round'' but are also not comparable to
Russet types. Requiring non-Russet type potatoes to meet size
requirements intended for potatoes used for baking or french fries puts
those potatoes at a marketing disadvantage.
The Committee believes that potato size is a significant
consideration of potato buyers. Providing potato buyers with the sizes
desired by their customers for the type of potato that is being
marketed is important to promoting potato sales. The size requirements
intended to facilitate
[[Page 49778]]
orderly marketing should not unintentionally inhibit a market segment,
even if that segment is a minor one. Modifying the size requirement
classifications to meet the intent of the Committee will help
facilitate the growth of the emerging market for unique potato
varieties. This change is expected to improve the marketing of Idaho-
Eastern Oregon potatoes and enhance overall returns to handlers and
producers.
This final rule relaxes the current handling regulations for non-
round potatoes that are also not Russet type. Such potatoes will be
subject to the smaller size requirements that have been, and will
continue to be, applied to round varieties of potatoes. The Committee
believes that, while these potatoes represent a small market segment
relative to the total output from the production area, the market is
expected to grow, and the Order's handling regulations should be
responsive to it.
Section 8e mandates the regulation of certain imported commodities
whenever those same commodities are regulated by a domestic marketing
order. Irish potatoes are one of the commodities specifically covered
by section 8e in the Act. In addition, section 8e stipulates that
whenever two or more such marketing orders regulating the same
agricultural commodity produced in different areas are concurrently in
effect, imports must comply with the provisions of the order which
regulates the commodity produced in the area with which the imported
commodity is in the ``most direct competition.'' 7 CFR 980.1(a)(2)(iii)
contains the determination that imports of long type potatoes during
each month of the year are in most direct competition with potatoes of
the same type produced in the area covered by the Order.
Minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements for
potatoes imported into the United States are currently in effect under
Sec. 980.1. Section 980.1(b)(2) stipulates that, through the entire
year, the grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements of the Order
applicable to potatoes of all long types shall be the respective grade,
size, quality, and maturity requirements for imported potatoes of all
long types. Therefore, this action relaxes the minimum size
requirements for imports of non-round U.S. No. 2 grade long type
potatoes, other than Russet types, accordingly.
This final rule also allows potato importers to respond to the
changing demands of domestic consumers. The domestic market's
increasing preference for unique potato varieties applies to imported
potatoes as well as to domestically produced potatoes. In addition, the
higher prices that the unique potatoes are expected to command will
also apply to imported product. Thus, importers are expected to benefit
along with domestic producers and handlers by increased sales of U.S.
No. 2 grade potatoes and increased total revenue.
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to the 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 rule on small
entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final regulatory
flexibility analysis.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of
businesses 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. Import regulations issued under
the Act are based on those established under Federal marketing orders.
There are approximately 32 handlers of Idaho-Eastern Oregon
potatoes who are subject to regulation under the Order and about 450
potato producers in the regulated area. In addition, there are
approximately 255 importers of all types of potatoes, many of which
import long types, who are subject to regulation under the Act. Small
agricultural service firms, which include potato handlers and
importers, are defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as
those having annual receipts of less than $7,500,000, and small
agricultural producers are defined as those whose annual receipts are
less than $750,000 (13 CFR 121.201).
During the 2016-2017 fiscal period, the most recent full year of
statistics available, 37,449,300 hundredweight of Idaho-Eastern Oregon
potatoes were inspected under the Order and sold into the fresh market.
Based on information provided by the National Agricultural Statistics
Service, the average producer price for the 2016 Idaho potato crop was
$6.75 per hundredweight. Multiplying $6.75 by the shipment quantity of
37,449,300 hundredweight yields an annual crop revenue estimate of
$252,782,775. The average annual fresh potato revenue for each of the
450 producers is therefore calculated to be $561,740 ($252,782,775
divided by 450), which is less than the SBA threshold of $750,000.
Consequently, on average, most of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon potato
producers may be classified as small entities.
In addition, based on information reported by USDA's Market News
Service, the average f.o.b. shipping point price for the 2016-2017
Idaho potato crop was $11.79 per hundredweight. Multiplying $11.79 by
the shipment quantity of 37,449,300 hundredweight yields an annual crop
revenue estimate of $441,527,247. The average annual fresh potato
revenue for each of the 32 handlers is therefore calculated to be
$13,797,726 ($441,527,247 divided by 32), which is above the SBA
threshold of $7,500,000 for agricultural service firms. Therefore, most
of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon potato handlers would be classified as
large entities.
Further, based on information from USDA's Foreign Agricultural
Service (FAS), potato importers imported 11,157,190 hundredweight of
potatoes into the U.S. in 2016 (the most recent full year for which
statistics are available). FAS also reported the total value of potato
imports for 2016 to be $212,331,000. The average annual revenue of the
estimated 255 potato importers is therefore calculated to be $832,670
($212,331,000 divided by 255), which is significantly less than the SBA
threshold of $7,500,000. Consequently, on average, most of the entities
importing potatoes into the U.S. may be classified as small entities.
This final rule revises the varietal classifications that determine
the size requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes handled under the
Order. Specifically, this action removes the designation ``round
varieties'' in Sec. 945.341(a)(2)(i) to make the size requirements in
that paragraph applicable to all U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes, unless
otherwise specified. In addition, this final rule changes the
designation for ``all other varieties'' in Sec. 945.341(a)(2)(ii) to
``Russet types,'' maintaining the larger size requirements that have
been applied to all non-round varieties, but will now only apply them
to ``Russet types.''
Pursuant to section 8(e) of the Act, this revision to the Order's
varietal classifications that determine the size requirements for U.S.
No. 2 grade potatoes will also be applied to imported long type Irish
potatoes.
This action was recommended by the Committee to ensure that the
size profile of non-round, non-Russet type U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes
will consistently be a size preferred by consumers. This change is
expected to improve the marketability of Idaho-Eastern Oregon potatoes
and increase returns to
[[Page 49779]]
handlers and producers. Authority for this final rule is provided in
Sec. Sec. 945.51 and 945.52 of the Order.
At the November 8, 2017, meeting, the Committee discussed the
impact of this change on handlers and producers. The change to the
varietal classifications that determine the size requirements is a
relaxation in regulation. The regulatory change is expected to have a
positive, or neutral, impact on industry participants.
The Committee relied on the opinions of producers and handlers
familiar with the industry to draw its conclusions regarding the
recommended handling regulation change. The Committee received
anecdotal evidence from industry members at the November 8, 2017,
meeting that there is some confusion in the industry with regards to
which size requirements apply to which varieties of potatoes and that
some varieties are being inspected and sized to requirements that were
not intended by the Committee. The change to the size requirements
clarifies which size requirements are applicable to which potatoes.
This change is expected to lead to increased revenue for handlers
and producers. Prior to this action, non-round potato varieties that
are not Russet type are required to conform to the larger size
requirements, even though the Committee does not believe that this
meets its intent with regards to the handling regulation. Better
defining the distinct classifications of potatoes will allow more of
the non-round, non-Russet type potatoes to enter the market, thereby
allowing the sale of potatoes that would have otherwise been
restricted. The benefits derived from this action are not expected to
be disproportionately greater or less for small handlers or producers
than for larger entities.
The Committee discussed alternatives to this change. One
consideration was making no change at all to the current regulation.
Another alternative was to further differentiate between various
varieties and types of potatoes in the handling regulations. There was
some discussion of adding another classification. After consideration
of all the alternatives, the Committee decided that the changes
effectuated by this action will provide the greatest amount of benefit
to the industry with the least amount of burden to producers and
handlers.
Further, the Committee's meeting was widely publicized throughout
the potato industry, and all interested persons were invited to attend
the meeting and participate in Committee deliberations. Like all
Committee meetings, the November 8, 2017, meeting was a public meeting,
and all entities, both large and small, were able to express their
views on this issue.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), the Order's information collection requirements have been
previously approved by OMB and assigned OMB No. 0581-0178, Vegetable
and Specialty Crops. No changes in those requirements are necessary as
a result of this action. Should any changes become necessary, they
would be submitted to OMB for approval.
This final rule imposes no additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large potato 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.
As noted in the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, USDA has
not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with this final rule.
AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information
and services, and for other purposes.
A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the Federal
Register on May 9, 2018 (83 FR 21188). A copy of the proposed rule was
provided to the handlers by the Committee. Finally, the proposal was
made available through the internet by USDA and the Office of the
Federal Register. A 60-day comment period ending July 9, 2018, was
provided to allow interested persons to respond to the proposal.
One comment was received. The commenter questioned why the proposed
change would only apply to the Order's production area and not to all
potato growing regions. Marketing orders only regulate the production
area as defined in each respective order. Therefore, this change can
only apply to the handling of potatoes in the Order's production area
as defined in Sec. 945.4. The commenter did not otherwise address the
merits of the proposal. Accordingly, no changes will be made to the
rule as proposed, based on the comment received.
A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and
specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses. Any questions
about the compliance guide should be sent to Richard Lower at the
previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section.
In accordance with section 8e of the Act, the United States Trade
Representative has concurred with the issuance of this final rule.
After consideration of all relevant material presented, including
the information and recommendation submitted by the Committee and other
available information, it is hereby found that this rule, as
hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of
the Act.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 945
Marketing agreements, Potatoes, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
For the reasons set forth above, 7 CFR part 945 is amended as
follows:
PART 945--IRISH POTATOES GROWN IN CERTAIN DESIGNATED COUNTIES IN
IDAHO, AND MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON
0
1. The authority citation for part 945 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart A].
0
2. Redesignate ``Subpart--Order Regulating Handling'' as ``Subpart A--
Order Regulating Handling''.
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart B and Amended]
0
3. Redesignate ``Subpart--Rules and Regulations'' as subpart B and
revise the heading to read as follows:
Subpart B--Administrative Requirements
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart C]
0
4. Redesignate ``Subpart--Assessment Rates'' as ``Subpart C--Assessment
Rates''.
[Subpart Redesignated as Subpart D and Amended]
0
5. Redesignate ``Subpart--Handling Regulations'' as subpart D and
revise the heading to read as follows:
Subpart D--Handling Requirements
0
6. In Sec. 945.341, revise paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (ii) to read as
follows:
Sec. 945.341 Handling regulation.
* * * * *
(a) * * *
(2) Size--(i) All varieties, except Russet types. 1\7/8\ inches
minimum diameter, unless otherwise specified on the container in
connection with the grade.
[[Page 49780]]
(ii) Russet types. 2 inches minimum diameter, or 4 ounces minimum
weight: Provided, That at least 40 percent of the potatoes in each lot
shall be 5 ounces or heavier.
* * * * *
Dated: September 27, 2018.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21480 Filed 10-2-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P