Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Amendment to the Marketing Order, 33288-33291 [2024-09049]
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33288
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 89, No. 83
Monday, April 29, 2024
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 927
[Doc. No. AMS–SC–22–0079]
Pears Grown in Oregon and
Washington; Amendment to the
Marketing Order
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule and referendum
order.
AGENCY:
This rulemaking proposes an
amendment to Marketing Order No. 927,
which regulates the handling of pears
grown in Oregon and Washington. The
proposed amendment would revise the
Fresh Pear Committee’s approval
requirement for recommending
modifications to the marketing order’s
fresh pear handling regulations from 80
to 75 percent.
DATES: The referendum will be
conducted from May 13 through May
27, 2024. Only pear growers who grew
pears within the designated production
area during the period July 1, 2022,
through June 30, 2023, are eligible to
vote in this referendum.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons with
questions and comments are invited to
submit written questions and comments
to the Docket Clerk, Market
Development Division, Specialty Crops
Program, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237,
Washington, DC 20250–0237; or
Telephone: (202) 720–8085.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Geronimo Quinones, Marketing
Specialist, or Matthew Pavone, Chief,
Rulemaking Services Branch, Market
Development Division, Specialty Crops
Program, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0237,
Washington, DC 20250–0237;
Telephone: (202) 720–8085, or Email:
Geronimo.Quinones@usda.gov or
Matthew.Pavone@usda.gov.
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SUMMARY:
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Small businesses may request
information on complying with this
regulation by contacting Richard Lower,
Market Development Division, Specialty
Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237,
Washington, DC 20250–0237;
Telephone: (202) 720–8085, or Email:
Richard.Lower@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
action, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553,
proposes to amend regulations issued to
carry out a marketing order as defined
in 7 CFR 900.2(j). This proposal is
issued under Marketing Order No. 927,
as amended (7 CFR part 927), regulating
the handling of pears grown in Oregon
and Washington. Part 927 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 growers and
handlers of pears operating within the
area of production.
The Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS) is issuing this proposed rule in
conformance with Executive Orders
12866, 13563, and 14094. Executive
Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies
to assess all costs and benefits of
available regulatory alternatives and, if
regulation is necessary, to select
regulatory approaches that maximize
net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, public health
and safety effects, distributive impacts,
and equity). Executive Order 13563
emphasizes the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits,
reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and
promoting flexibility. Executive Order
14094 reaffirms, supplements, and
updates Executive Order 12866 and
further directs agencies to solicit and
consider input from a wide range of
affected and interested parties through a
variety of means. This action falls
within a category of regulatory actions
that the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive
Order 12866 review.
This proposed rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 13175—
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments, which
requires agencies to consider whether
their rulemaking actions would have
Tribal implications. AMS has
determined this proposed rule is
unlikely to have substantial direct
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effects on one or more Indian Tribes, on
the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian Tribes, or on
the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian Tribes.
This proposed rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This rule shall not be
deemed to preclude, preempt, or
supersede any State program covering
pears grown in Oregon and Washington.
The Act provides that administrative
proceedings must be exhausted before
parties may file suit in court. Under sec.
8c(15)(A) of the Act (7 U.S.C.
608c(15)(A)), any handler subject to an
order may file with the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (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.
Section 1504 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(2008 Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 110–246)
amended sec. 8c(17) of the Act, which
in turn required the addition of
supplemental rules of practice to 7 CFR
part 900 (73 FR 49307; August 21,
2008). The amendment of sec. 8c(17) of
the Act and the supplemental rules of
practice authorize the use of informal
rulemaking (5 U.S.C. 553) to amend
Federal fruit, vegetable, and nut
marketing agreements and orders. USDA
may use informal rulemaking to amend
marketing orders depending upon the
nature and complexity of the proposed
amendment, the potential regulatory
and economic impacts on affected
entities, and any other relevant matters.
AMS has considered these factors and
has determined that the amendment
proposed herein is not unduly complex
and the nature of the proposed
amendment is appropriate for utilizing
the informal rulemaking process to
amend the Order. This proposed rule
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 83 / Monday, April 29, 2024 / Proposed Rules
would revise the approval requirement
for recommending modifications to the
Order’s fresh pear handling regulations.
A discussion of the potential regulatory
and economic impacts on affected
entities is discussed later in the ‘‘Final
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis’’ section
of this proposed rule. The amendment
would apply equally to all producers
and handlers, regardless of size. The
proposed amendment also has no
additional impact on the reporting,
record-keeping, or compliance costs of
small businesses.
The Committee recommended the
proposed amendment to the Order
following deliberations at a public
meeting held on June 2, 2022. The
Committee recommended this change
by vote of nine in favor and two
opposed, with one abstention. The two
opposing voters did not feel the
proposed change was necessary, and the
abstention voter wanted an even lower
voter approval requirement. The
Committee submitted its formal
recommendation to amend the Order
through the informal rulemaking
process on August 23, 2022, and
subsequently provided AMS
clarification about the recommendation
on December 1, 2022.
A proposed rule soliciting public
comments on the proposed amendment
was published in the Federal Register
on October 10, 2023 (88 FR 69888).
AMS received one comment—
supporting the proposed rule. Based on
all the information available to AMS at
this time, including the comment
received in response to the proposed
rule, no substantive changes will be
made to the proposed amendment.
AMS will conduct a producer
referendum to determine support for the
proposed amendment. If appropriate, a
final rule will then be issued to
effectuate the amendment, if it is
favored by producers in the referendum.
In 2020, the Committee recommended
a regulation change for the Anjou pear
variety in three separate motions, each
receiving a separate vote. A
subcommittee was then formed to
investigate how the proposed
modification to the voting requirement
might have affected the 2020 voting
outcomes. The subcommittee analyzed
the three motions by comparing each
voting outcome at 75- and 80-percent
concurrence requirement levels. Of the
three, two motions did not have enough
Committee support at either voting level
and received only 52 percent and 66
percent of the vote, respectively. The
third motion for the regulation change
received 86 percent affirmative support
by vote. Therefore, the subcommittee
concluded that changing the
requirement to 75 percent would not
have altered the outcome of those votes.
While a majority of the Committee
believes the current 80-percent voter
affirmation requirement is too high, two
members believe the change to 75
percent is not necessary, and one
member believes the change is not
impactful enough.
The Committee considered
alternatives, including a 70-percent
requirement. However, after running
simulations with historical data to
assess the impact of a 70- or 75-percent
requirement, the Committee determined
75 percent to be optimal in that it did
not materially affect vote outcomes for
recommendations. Additionally, the
adjustment from an 80- to 75-percent
voting requirement establishes
regulatory consistency with other
Committee recommendations that have
a 75-percent voting requirement. As
such, the Committee believes this
proposal would provide more
continuity to all Committee voting
procedures without materially changing
voting outcomes, thereby mitigating
confusion and improving the efficiency
of its operations.
Proposal—Prerequisites to
Recommendations
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to requirements set forth in
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
U.S.C. 601–612), AMS has considered
the economic impact of this action 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 are unique in that they are brought
about through group action of
essentially small entities acting on their
own behalf.
Currently, §§ 927.33(a) and 927.52(a)
of the Order provide that all decisions
of the Committee require a supporting
vote of 75 percent or greater; except that
a decision to recommend changes to the
regulations concerning the shipment of
fresh pears requires a supporting vote of
80 percent or greater. The voting
requirements in § 927.52 of the Order
utilize a weighted calculation of votes
based on the handling of specific pear
varieties. The Committee recommended
modifying the current 80 percent voting
requirement to 75 percent to align these
voting requirements, mitigate confusion,
and simplify the Order.
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33289
There are approximately 708 growers
of fresh pears in the production area and
27 handlers subject to regulation under
the Order. At the time this analysis was
prepared, small agricultural producers
of pears were defined by the Small
Business Administration as those
having annual receipts equal to or less
than $3,500,000 (North American
Industry Classification System code
111339, Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming),
and small agricultural service firms
were defined as those whose annual
receipts are equal to or less than
$34,000,000 (North American Industry
Classification System Code 115114,
Postharvest Crop Activities) (13 CFR
121.201).
According to the National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
the 2020 average grower price received
for fresh pears produced in Oregon and
Washington was $11.39 per 44-pound
standard box or equivalent. Committee
data indicates total production was
16,290,225 44-pound standard boxes or
equivalent in the 2019–20 fiscal period.
The total 2019–20 fiscal period value of
assessable fresh ‘‘summer/fall’’ and
‘‘winter’’ pears grown in Oregon and
Washington was $185,545,663
(16,290,225 44-pound standard boxes or
equivalent multiplied by $11.39 per box
equals $185,545,663). Dividing the crop
value by the estimated number of
growers (708), yields an estimated
average receipt per grower of $262,070.
According to USDA Market News
data, the reported average terminal price
for 2020 Oregon and Washington fresh
pears was $34.87 per 44-pound standard
box or equivalent (data reported in 4⁄5
bushel). Multiplying the Committeereported 2019–20 Oregon and
Washington total production of
16,290,225 44-pound standard boxes or
equivalent by the estimated average
price per box or equivalent of $34.87
equals $568,040,146. Dividing this
figure by 27 regulated handlers yields
estimated average annual handler
receipts of $21,038,524.
Therefore, using the above data, the
majority of growers and handlers of
Oregon and Washington fresh pears may
be classified as small entities.
This proposed rule would revise a
provision in the Order’s subpart
regulating handling of pears grown in
Oregon and Washington. This proposal
would align the approval requirement
for recommending modifications to the
Order’s fresh pear handling regulations,
which is 80 percent, with all other
Committee voting requirements within
the Order. Currently, all other
Committee recommendations require 75
percent concurrence. The different
voting requirements sometimes result in
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confusion for some Committee
members, which can disrupt Committee
operations.
The proposed amendment has no
anticipated impact on the reporting,
record-keeping, or compliance costs of
small businesses.
The proposed amendment would not
directly increase or decrease costs to
members of the pear industry.
Alternatives to the proposed
amendment were considered, including
making no changes at this time.
However, the Committee believes it is
necessary to bring all voting
requirements in-line for clarity and
understanding to ensure the efficient
execution of the Order.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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. 0581–0189, Fruit
Crops. No changes in those
requirements are necessary because of
this action. Should any changes become
necessary, they would be submitted to
OMB for approval.
This proposed rule would impose no
additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large
pear handlers. As with all Federal
marketing order programs, reports and
forms are periodically reviewed to
reduce information requirements and
duplication by industry and publicsector agencies.
AMS is committed to complying with
the E-Government Act, to promote the
use of the internet and other
information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and
services, and for other purposes.
USDA has not identified any relevant
Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with this action.
The Committee’s meetings are widely
publicized throughout the pear
production area. All interested persons
are invited to attend the meetings and
encouraged to participate in Committee
deliberations on all issues. Like all
Committee meetings, the meeting held
on June 2, 2022, was open to the public,
and all entities, both large and small,
were encouraged to express their views
on the proposed amendment.
A proposed rule concerning this
action published in the Federal Register
on October 10, 2023 (88 FR 69888). A
copy of the rule was sent via email to
Committee staff for distribution to all
Committee members and Oregon and
Washington pear growers and handlers.
The proposed rule was also made
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available by USDA through the internet
and the Office of the Federal Register. A
60-day comment period ending
December 11, 2023, was provided to
allow interested persons to respond to
the proposals. AMS received one
comment—supportive of the proposed
amendment—during the comment
period. Based on all the information
available to AMS at this time, including
the comment received in response to the
proposed rule, no substantive changes
will be made to the amendment as
proposed.
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/smallbusinesses. Any questions about the
compliance guide should be sent to
Richard Lower at the previously
mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
Findings and Conclusions
AMS has determined that the findings
and conclusions, and general findings
and determinations included in the
proposed rule set forth in the October
10, 2023, issue of the Federal Register
(88 FR 69888) are appropriate and
necessary and 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 Pears Grown in Oregon and
Washington.’’ 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 proposed
rule 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
pears grown in Oregon and Washington
is approved by growers, as defined
under the terms of the Order, who
during the representative period were
engaged in the production of pears in
the production area. The representative
period for the conduct of such
referendum is hereby determined to be
July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
The agents designated by the
Secretary to conduct the referendum are
Josh Wilde and Barry Broadbent, West
Region Branch, Market Development
Division, Specialty Crops Program,
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AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324–
3375, Fax: (863) 291–8614, or Email:
Joshua.R.Wilde@usda.gov and
Barry.Broadbent@usda.gov,
respectively.
Order Amending the Order Regulating
the Handling of Pears Grown in Oregon
and Washington 1
Findings and Determinations
The findings and determinations
hereinafter set forth are supplementary
to the findings and determinations
which were previously made in
connection with the issuance of
Marketing Order 927; 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.
1. Marketing Order 927 as hereby
proposed to be amended and all the
terms and conditions thereof, would
tend to effectuate the declared policy of
the Act;
2. Marketing Order 927 as hereby
proposed to be amended regulates the
handling of pears grown in Oregon and
Washington and is applicable only to
persons in the respective classes of
commercial and industrial activity
specified in the Order;
3. Marketing Order 927 as hereby
proposed to be amended is limited in
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 marketing orders
applicable to subdivisions of the
production area would not effectively
carry out the declared policy of the Act;
4. Marketing Order 927 as hereby
proposed to be 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 pears
produced or packed in the production
area; and
5. All handling of pears grown or
handled in the production area, as
defined in Marketing Order 927 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
1 This order shall not become effective unless and
until the requirements of § 900.14 of the rules of
practice and procedure governing proceedings to
formulate marketing agreements and marketing
orders have been met.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 83 / Monday, April 29, 2024 / Proposed Rules
handling of pears grown in Oregon and
Washington 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 proposed rule issued
by the Administrator and published in
the Federal Register (88 FR 69888) on
October 10, 2023, 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 927
Marketing agreements, Pears,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
PART 927—PEARS GROWN IN
OREGON AND WASHINGTON
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
part 927 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
2. Amend § 927.52 by revising
paragraph (a) to read as follows:
■
§ 927.52 Prerequisites to
recommendations.
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(a) Decisions of the Fresh Pear
Committee or the Processed Pear
Committee with respect to any
recommendations to the Secretary
pursuant to the establishment or
modification of a supplemental rate of
assessment for an individual variety or
subvariety of pears shall be made by
affirmative vote of not less than 75
percent of the applicable total number
of votes, computed in the manner
described in paragraph (b) of this
section, of all members. Decisions of the
Fresh Pear Committee pursuant to the
provisions of § 927.50 shall be made by
an affirmative vote of not less than 75
percent of the applicable total number
of votes, computed in the manner
prescribed in paragraph (b) of this
section, of all members.
*
*
*
*
*
Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–09049 Filed 4–26–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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Trussell, Office of Nuclear Material
Safety and Safeguards, telephone: 301–
415–6244, email: Gregory.Trussell@
nrc.gov. Both are staff of the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555–0001.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
10 CFR Part 72
[NRC–2024–0034]
RIN 3150–AL07
List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage
Casks: NAC International, Inc., NAC–
UMS Universal Storage System,
Certificate of Compliance No. 1015,
Renewal of Initial Certificate and
Amendment Nos. 1 Through 9
Table of Contents
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
I. Obtaining Information and
Submitting Comments
AGENCY:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) is proposing to
amend its spent fuel storage regulations
by revising the NAC International, Inc.,
NAC–UMS Universal Storage System
listing within the ‘‘List of approved
spent fuel storage casks’’ to renew the
initial certificate and Amendment Nos.
1 through 9 of Certificate of Compliance
No. 1015. The renewal of the initial
certificate of compliance and
Amendment Nos. 1 through 9 for 40
years changes the certificate’s
conditions and technical specifications
to address aging management activities
related to the structures, systems, and
components important to safety of the
dry storage system to ensure that these
will maintain their intended functions
during the period of extended storage
operations.
SUMMARY:
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the AMS proposes to amend
7 CFR part 927 as follows:
Submit comments by May 29,
2024. Comments received after this date
will be considered if it is practical to do
so, but the NRC is able to ensure
consideration only for comments
received on or before this date.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID NRC–2024–
0034, at https://www.regulations.gov. If
your material cannot be submitted using
https://www.regulations.gov, call or
email the individuals listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of
this document for alternate instructions.
You can read a plain language
description of this proposed rule at
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/
NRC-2024-0034. For additional
direction on obtaining information and
submitting comments, see ‘‘Obtaining
Information and Submitting Comments’’
in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
section of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher Markley, Office of Nuclear
Material Safety and Safeguards;
telephone: 301–415–6293, email:
Christopher.Markley@nrc.gov and Greg
DATES:
PO 00000
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33291
I. Obtaining Information and Submitting
Comments
II. Rulemaking Procedure
III. Background
IV. Plain Writing
V. Availability of Documents
A. Obtaining Information
Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2024–
0034, when contacting the NRC about
the availability of information for this
action. You may obtain publicly
available information related to this
action by any of the following methods:
• Federal Rulemaking website: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID NRC–2024–0034. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Helen
Chang, telephone: 301–415–3228, email:
Helen.Chang@nrc.gov. For technical
questions contact the individual listed
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this document.
• NRC’s Agencywide Documents
Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly
available documents online in the
ADAMS Public Documents collection at
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/
adams.html. To begin the search, select
‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For
problems with ADAMS, please contact
the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR)
reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301–
415–4737, or by email to
PDR.Resource@nrc.gov. For the
convenience of the reader, instructions
about obtaining materials referenced in
this document are provided in the
‘‘Availability of Documents’’ section.
• NRC’s PDR: The PDR, where you
may examine and order copies of
publicly available documents, is open
by appointment. To make an
appointment to visit the PDR, please
send an email to PDR.Resource@nrc.gov
or call 1–800–397–4209 or 301–415–
4737, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern
time, Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
B. Submitting Comments
The NRC encourages electronic
comment submission through the
Federal rulemaking website (https://
www.regulations.gov). Please include
Docket ID NRC–2024–0034 in your
comment submission.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33288-33291]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09049]
========================================================================
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 83 / Monday, April 29, 2024 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 33288]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 927
[Doc. No. AMS-SC-22-0079]
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Amendment to the Marketing
Order
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule and referendum order.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This rulemaking proposes an amendment to Marketing Order No.
927, which regulates the handling of pears grown in Oregon and
Washington. The proposed amendment would revise the Fresh Pear
Committee's approval requirement for recommending modifications to the
marketing order's fresh pear handling regulations from 80 to 75
percent.
DATES: The referendum will be conducted from May 13 through May 27,
2024. Only pear growers who grew pears within the designated production
area during the period July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, are
eligible to vote in this referendum.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons with questions and comments are invited
to submit written questions and comments to the Docket Clerk, Market
Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; or
Telephone: (202) 720-8085.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Geronimo Quinones, Marketing
Specialist, or Matthew Pavone, Chief, Rulemaking Services Branch,
Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237;
Telephone: (202) 720-8085, or Email: [email protected] or
[email protected].
Small businesses may request information on complying with this
regulation by contacting Richard Lower, Market Development Division,
Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP
0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-8085, or Email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This action, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553,
proposes to amend regulations issued to carry out a marketing order as
defined in 7 CFR 900.2(j). This proposal is issued under Marketing
Order No. 927, as amended (7 CFR part 927), regulating the handling of
pears grown in Oregon and Washington. Part 927 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 growers and handlers of pears operating within the area of
production.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is issuing this proposed
rule in conformance with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14094.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs
and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563
emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits,
reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive
Order 14094 reaffirms, supplements, and updates Executive Order 12866
and further directs agencies to solicit and consider input from a wide
range of affected and interested parties through a variety of means.
This action falls within a category of regulatory actions that the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive Order
12866 review.
This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13175--
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, which
requires agencies to consider whether their rulemaking actions would
have Tribal implications. AMS has determined this proposed rule is
unlikely to have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian
Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. This rule shall not be deemed to preclude,
preempt, or supersede any State program covering pears grown in Oregon
and Washington.
The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted
before parties may file suit in court. Under sec. 8c(15)(A) of the Act
(7 U.S.C. 608c(15)(A)), any handler subject to an order may file with
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (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.
Section 1504 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(2008 Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 110-246) amended sec. 8c(17) of the Act,
which in turn required the addition of supplemental rules of practice
to 7 CFR part 900 (73 FR 49307; August 21, 2008). The amendment of sec.
8c(17) of the Act and the supplemental rules of practice authorize the
use of informal rulemaking (5 U.S.C. 553) to amend Federal fruit,
vegetable, and nut marketing agreements and orders. USDA may use
informal rulemaking to amend marketing orders depending upon the nature
and complexity of the proposed amendment, the potential regulatory and
economic impacts on affected entities, and any other relevant matters.
AMS has considered these factors and has determined that the
amendment proposed herein is not unduly complex and the nature of the
proposed amendment is appropriate for utilizing the informal rulemaking
process to amend the Order. This proposed rule
[[Page 33289]]
would revise the approval requirement for recommending modifications to
the Order's fresh pear handling regulations. A discussion of the
potential regulatory and economic impacts on affected entities is
discussed later in the ``Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis''
section of this proposed rule. The amendment would apply equally to all
producers and handlers, regardless of size. The proposed amendment also
has no additional impact on the reporting, record-keeping, or
compliance costs of small businesses.
The Committee recommended the proposed amendment to the Order
following deliberations at a public meeting held on June 2, 2022. The
Committee recommended this change by vote of nine in favor and two
opposed, with one abstention. The two opposing voters did not feel the
proposed change was necessary, and the abstention voter wanted an even
lower voter approval requirement. The Committee submitted its formal
recommendation to amend the Order through the informal rulemaking
process on August 23, 2022, and subsequently provided AMS clarification
about the recommendation on December 1, 2022.
A proposed rule soliciting public comments on the proposed
amendment was published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2023 (88
FR 69888). AMS received one comment--supporting the proposed rule.
Based on all the information available to AMS at this time, including
the comment received in response to the proposed rule, no substantive
changes will be made to the proposed amendment.
AMS will conduct a producer referendum to determine support for the
proposed amendment. If appropriate, a final rule will then be issued to
effectuate the amendment, if it is favored by producers in the
referendum.
Proposal--Prerequisites to Recommendations
Currently, Sec. Sec. 927.33(a) and 927.52(a) of the Order provide
that all decisions of the Committee require a supporting vote of 75
percent or greater; except that a decision to recommend changes to the
regulations concerning the shipment of fresh pears requires a
supporting vote of 80 percent or greater. The voting requirements in
Sec. 927.52 of the Order utilize a weighted calculation of votes based
on the handling of specific pear varieties. The Committee recommended
modifying the current 80 percent voting requirement to 75 percent to
align these voting requirements, mitigate confusion, and simplify the
Order.
In 2020, the Committee recommended a regulation change for the
Anjou pear variety in three separate motions, each receiving a separate
vote. A subcommittee was then formed to investigate how the proposed
modification to the voting requirement might have affected the 2020
voting outcomes. The subcommittee analyzed the three motions by
comparing each voting outcome at 75- and 80-percent concurrence
requirement levels. Of the three, two motions did not have enough
Committee support at either voting level and received only 52 percent
and 66 percent of the vote, respectively. The third motion for the
regulation change received 86 percent affirmative support by vote.
Therefore, the subcommittee concluded that changing the requirement to
75 percent would not have altered the outcome of those votes.
While a majority of the Committee believes the current 80-percent
voter affirmation requirement is too high, two members believe the
change to 75 percent is not necessary, and one member believes the
change is not impactful enough.
The Committee considered alternatives, including a 70-percent
requirement. However, after running simulations with historical data to
assess the impact of a 70- or 75-percent requirement, the Committee
determined 75 percent to be optimal in that it did not materially
affect vote outcomes for recommendations. Additionally, the adjustment
from an 80- to 75-percent voting requirement establishes regulatory
consistency with other Committee recommendations that have a 75-percent
voting requirement. As such, the Committee believes this proposal would
provide more continuity to all Committee voting procedures without
materially changing voting outcomes, thereby mitigating confusion and
improving the efficiency of its operations.
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), AMS has considered the economic impact of
this action 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 are unique in that they are brought about through
group action of essentially small entities acting on their own behalf.
There are approximately 708 growers of fresh pears in the
production area and 27 handlers subject to regulation under the Order.
At the time this analysis was prepared, small agricultural producers of
pears were defined by the Small Business Administration as those having
annual receipts equal to or less than $3,500,000 (North American
Industry Classification System code 111339, Other Noncitrus Fruit
Farming), and small agricultural service firms were defined as those
whose annual receipts are equal to or less than $34,000,000 (North
American Industry Classification System Code 115114, Postharvest Crop
Activities) (13 CFR 121.201).
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
the 2020 average grower price received for fresh pears produced in
Oregon and Washington was $11.39 per 44-pound standard box or
equivalent. Committee data indicates total production was 16,290,225
44-pound standard boxes or equivalent in the 2019-20 fiscal period. The
total 2019-20 fiscal period value of assessable fresh ``summer/fall''
and ``winter'' pears grown in Oregon and Washington was $185,545,663
(16,290,225 44-pound standard boxes or equivalent multiplied by $11.39
per box equals $185,545,663). Dividing the crop value by the estimated
number of growers (708), yields an estimated average receipt per grower
of $262,070.
According to USDA Market News data, the reported average terminal
price for 2020 Oregon and Washington fresh pears was $34.87 per 44-
pound standard box or equivalent (data reported in \4/5\ bushel).
Multiplying the Committee-reported 2019-20 Oregon and Washington total
production of 16,290,225 44-pound standard boxes or equivalent by the
estimated average price per box or equivalent of $34.87 equals
$568,040,146. Dividing this figure by 27 regulated handlers yields
estimated average annual handler receipts of $21,038,524.
Therefore, using the above data, the majority of growers and
handlers of Oregon and Washington fresh pears may be classified as
small entities.
This proposed rule would revise a provision in the Order's subpart
regulating handling of pears grown in Oregon and Washington. This
proposal would align the approval requirement for recommending
modifications to the Order's fresh pear handling regulations, which is
80 percent, with all other Committee voting requirements within the
Order. Currently, all other Committee recommendations require 75
percent concurrence. The different voting requirements sometimes result
in
[[Page 33290]]
confusion for some Committee members, which can disrupt Committee
operations.
The proposed amendment has no anticipated impact on the reporting,
record-keeping, or compliance costs of small businesses.
The proposed amendment would not directly increase or decrease
costs to members of the pear industry.
Alternatives to the proposed amendment were considered, including
making no changes at this time. However, the Committee believes it is
necessary to bring all voting requirements in-line for clarity and
understanding to ensure the efficient execution of the Order.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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. 0581-0189, Fruit Crops.
No changes in those requirements are necessary because of this action.
Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to OMB for
approval.
This proposed rule would impose no additional reporting or
recordkeeping requirements on either small or large pear handlers. As
with all Federal marketing order programs, reports and forms are
periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and
duplication by industry and public-sector agencies.
AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information
and services, and for other purposes.
USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate,
overlap, or conflict with this action.
The Committee's meetings are widely publicized throughout the pear
production area. All interested persons are invited to attend the
meetings and encouraged to participate in Committee deliberations on
all issues. Like all Committee meetings, the meeting held on June 2,
2022, was open to the public, and all entities, both large and small,
were encouraged to express their views on the proposed amendment.
A proposed rule concerning this action published in the Federal
Register on October 10, 2023 (88 FR 69888). A copy of the rule was sent
via email to Committee staff for distribution to all Committee members
and Oregon and Washington pear growers and handlers. The proposed rule
was also made available by USDA through the internet and the Office of
the Federal Register. A 60-day comment period ending December 11, 2023,
was provided to allow interested persons to respond to the proposals.
AMS received one comment--supportive of the proposed amendment--during
the comment period. Based on all the information available to AMS at
this time, including the comment received in response to the proposed
rule, no substantive changes will be made to the amendment as proposed.
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.
Findings and Conclusions
AMS has determined that the findings and conclusions, and general
findings and determinations included in the proposed rule set forth in
the October 10, 2023, issue of the Federal Register (88 FR 69888) are
appropriate and necessary and 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 Pears Grown in
Oregon and Washington.'' 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 proposed rule 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 pears grown in Oregon and Washington is approved by
growers, as defined under the terms of the Order, who during the
representative period were engaged in the production of pears in the
production area. The representative period for the conduct of such
referendum is hereby determined to be July 1, 2022, through June 30,
2023.
The agents designated by the Secretary to conduct the referendum
are Josh Wilde and Barry Broadbent, West Region Branch, Market
Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone:
(863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 291-8614, or Email: [email protected]
and [email protected], respectively.
Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Pears Grown in
Oregon and Washington 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 which were previously
made in connection with the issuance of Marketing Order 927; 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.
1. Marketing Order 927 as hereby proposed to be amended and all the
terms and conditions thereof, would tend to effectuate the declared
policy of the Act;
2. Marketing Order 927 as hereby proposed to be amended regulates
the handling of pears grown in Oregon and Washington and is applicable
only to persons in the respective classes of commercial and industrial
activity specified in the Order;
3. Marketing Order 927 as hereby proposed to be amended is limited
in 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 marketing orders applicable to
subdivisions of the production area would not effectively carry out the
declared policy of the Act;
4. Marketing Order 927 as hereby proposed to be 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 pears produced or
packed in the production area; and
5. All handling of pears grown or handled in the production area,
as defined in Marketing Order 927 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
[[Page 33291]]
handling of pears grown in Oregon and Washington 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 proposed rule issued by the Administrator and
published in the Federal Register (88 FR 69888) on October 10, 2023,
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 927
Marketing agreements, Pears, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the AMS proposes to
amend 7 CFR part 927 as follows:
PART 927--PEARS GROWN IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON
0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 927 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.
0
2. Amend Sec. 927.52 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 927.52 Prerequisites to recommendations.
(a) Decisions of the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear
Committee with respect to any recommendations to the Secretary pursuant
to the establishment or modification of a supplemental rate of
assessment for an individual variety or subvariety of pears shall be
made by affirmative vote of not less than 75 percent of the applicable
total number of votes, computed in the manner described in paragraph
(b) of this section, of all members. Decisions of the Fresh Pear
Committee pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 927.50 shall be made by
an affirmative vote of not less than 75 percent of the applicable total
number of votes, computed in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b) of
this section, of all members.
* * * * *
Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09049 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P