Agricultural Marketing Service May 16, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This rule invites comments on modifications to the special purpose shipment regulations currently prescribed under the Washington potato marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington, and is administered locally by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee). This rule would modify the reporting requirements, procedures, and safeguard provisions for making certain special purpose potato shipments. Under the marketing order, such special purpose shipments may be exempted from the quality, assessment, or inspection requirements. The changes include removal of the special purpose exemption for exported potatoes, clarify the reporting procedures for potatoes diverted to processing, and add safeguard provisions for shipments of seed potatoes and shipments to charitable organizations. These changes would help facilitate special purpose shipments, while enhancing the Committee's compliance program.