[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32193-32198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14939]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 929

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-17-0066; SC17-929-3 FR]


Cranberries Grown in States of Massachusetts, et al.; 
Establishment of Handler Diversion and Reporting Requirements and New 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule implements a recommendation to establish handler 
diversion and reporting requirements under the marketing order for 
cranberries grown in the production area (Order). This action 
establishes the procedures handlers use to divert fruit through 
disposal or into noncompetitive outlets. The reporting requirements 
support the diversion procedures by providing the necessary 
documentation to help ensure compliance when a volume regulation is 
established.

DATES: Effective August 13, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Jamieson, Marketing Specialist, 
or Christian D. Nissen, Regional Director, Southeast Marketing Field 
Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops 
Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 291-8614, or 
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cd89a2bfa4bee387aca0a4a8bea2a38daca0bee3b8bea9ace3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eaae85988399c4a08b87838f998584aa8b8799c49f998e8bc48d859c">[email protected]</span></a> or <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#094a617b607a7d6068672747607a7a6c674968647a277c7a6d68276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c586adb7acb6b1aca4abeb8bacb6b6a0ab85a4a8b6ebb0b6a1a4eba2aab3">[email protected]</span></a>.
    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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e0b2898388819284ceac8f978592a0818d93ce95938481ce878f96"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c092a9a3a8a1b2a4ee8cafb7a5b280a1adb3eeb5b3a4a1eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, 
amends regulations used to carry out a marketing order as defined in 7 
CFR 900.2(j). This final rule is issued under Marketing Agreement and 
Order No. 929, as amended (7 CFR part 929), regulating the handling of 
cranberries grown in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, 
Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York. Part 929 
(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 of cranberries 
operating within the production area, and a public member.
    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this 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 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 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.
    This final rule establishes handler diversion and reporting 
requirements under the Order. This rule establishes procedures handlers 
use to divert fruit through disposal or into noncompetitive outlets. 
The reporting requirements support the diversion procedures by 
providing the necessary documentation to help ensure compliance when a 
volume regulation is established. This action was recommended by the 
Committee at its August 31, 2017, September 15, 2017, and October 13, 
2017, meetings.
    The Order provides for the use of volume regulation to stabilize 
prices and improve grower returns during periods of oversupply. Section 
929.51(a)(2) specifies that a handler withholding program must be

[[Page 32194]]

recommended by the Committee no later than August 31 and that such 
recommendation shall include the free and restricted percentages for 
the crop year. On August 31, 2017, the Committee met and recommended 
free and restricted percentages of 85 percent free and 15 percent 
restricted. Handler diversion is one method that handlers can utilize 
to meet restricted percentage requirements.
    Section 929.54 provides, in part, that whenever the Secretary of 
Agriculture (Secretary) has fixed the free and restricted percentages 
for any fiscal period, each handler shall withhold from handling a 
portion of the cranberries acquired during such period. This section 
also provides the authority for the Committee to establish, with the 
approval of the Secretary, rules and regulations necessary to 
administer this section. Section 929.56 provides special provisions 
relating to withheld (restricted) cranberries, and Sec.  929.57 
provides authority for the Committee to establish, with the approval of 
the Secretary, outlets for withheld cranberries which are 
noncompetitive with outlets for unrestricted (free percentage) 
cranberries.
    Section 929.62 provides, in part, authority to require handlers to 
submit reports of cranberries acquired, held in inventory, quantity 
handled, total cranberries withheld from handling, the portion of such 
withheld cranberries on hand, and the quantity and manner of 
disposition of any such withheld cranberries diverted. Section 
929.62(f) further provides authority for the Committee, with the 
approval of the Secretary, to collect other reports and information 
from handlers needed to perform its duties.
    This final rule uses these authorities to establish new Sec. Sec.  
929.157 and 929.162. Section 929.157 establishes the procedures to be 
used for handler diversion when free and restricted percentages are 
instituted. Section 929.162 requires handlers of cranberries, during 
years when free and restricted percentages are applied, to report to 
the Committee diversion plans and year-end reports, information on 
cranberries diverted and cranberries shipped to noncompetitive outlets, 
and other information to verify compliance with the program, using six 
specific Committee forms.
    The Committee recommended establishing free and restricted 
percentages under a handler withholding volume regulation for the 2017-
18 season in response to historically high inventory levels for 
cranberries. As this is the first time the Committee has used this 
volume regulation provision under the Order, it recognized the need to 
establish procedures outlining the diversion requirements for 
restricted fruit.
    Free percentage cranberries can be used to supply any available 
market, including juice, sweetened dried cranberries, sauce, and frozen 
cranberries. Restricted percentage cranberries can be diverted through 
disposal or utilized in markets that are noncompetitive with free 
cranberries. Possible outlets for restricted cranberries include, in 
part, for fresh export, except to Canada; charity; research and 
development projects; and any nonhuman food use. Handlers also have the 
option to divert processed products in lieu of fresh fruit to meet up 
to 50 percent of their restricted obligation.
    At the 2017 meetings in August, September, and October, the 
Committee discussed the handler diversion procedures and the associated 
reporting requirements necessary to help ensure compliance with a free 
and restricted percentage volume regulation. As a result, the Committee 
developed and approved six specific forms and related procedures to be 
used during seasons when free and restricted percentages are 
established for volume regulation.
    Committee members discussed the need for Committee staff to know 
how handlers plan to meet their restricted percentage obligation and 
if, at the end of the season, they met their diversion requirement. As 
a result, the Committee developed two specific forms to be added to the 
reporting requirements under the Order.
    With the first form, the Handler Withholding Report (CMC-JUN), 
handlers provide information on how they plan to meet their restricted 
percentage obligation. The form will be submitted to the Committee by 
June 1 during years with established free and restricted percentages 
and requires the following information: The name and address of the 
handler, the amount of cranberries to be acquired, the amount of 
cranberries to be diverted by disposal, the amount of cranberries to be 
diverted to noncompetitive outlets, and the types of cranberry products 
to be withheld. The Committee will use this information to estimate the 
amount of fruit that will be taken off the market, the proposed 
disposition of the fruit, and as a starting point for tracking handler 
compliance.
    The second form, the Final Handler Withholding Report (CMC-AUG), 
will be submitted by the end of the crop year. The report requires the 
same information as the Handler Withholding Report but provides the 
Committee with the actual year-end seasonal totals. This form is due by 
August 31. The final report will be used to verify that handlers met 
their restricted percentage obligation.
    Handlers have several diversion options available to meet their 
restricted percentage obligation. One method of diversion available to 
handlers is the disposal of fresh cranberries or cranberry products. In 
its discussions, Committee members expressed concern regarding 
verifying the accuracy of the amount of fruit or processed product 
diverted using this method. The Committee recommended that all 
disposals take place under the supervision of a non-industry-related 
third party who will review the handler's disposal documentation, 
witness the disposal whenever possible, and certify as to the 
completion of the disposal process. The Committee initially agreed to 
hire two inspectors to supervise and verify handler compliance. 
However, due to the size of the production area, the Committee hired 
four inspectors, one from each of the primary growing regions, who will 
perform these tasks. The inspection and verification costs will be paid 
by the handler.
    To facilitate this process, the Committee recommended establishing 
another form. This form, the Handler Disposal Certification (CMC-DISP), 
will be the primary form used to initiate, track, and certify this 
method of diversion during years in which a free and restricted 
percentage volume regulation has been established. The form will be 
used to notify the Committee of the handler's intent to dispose of 
cranberries or cranberry products. Information required on the form 
include the handler's name and address; the amount of fruit to be 
diverted; the type of cranberry product to be diverted; the amount of 
processed fruit diverted, if any; and the lot identification 
information.
    Upon receipt of the form, the Committee office will notify the 
inspector in the handler's growing region. The inspector will contact 
the handler to schedule a date for the disposal to take place, usually 
within a week of receipt of the notification. The inspector will meet 
with the handler on that date to verify the documentation provided and, 
when possible, witness the disposal.
    The Committee recognized that, due to scheduling conflicts, the 
inspector may not be available to visually witness each disposal of 
restricted cranberries. Therefore, the Committee agreed that, should 
the inspector not be available to witness the diversion within seven

[[Page 32195]]

days, the handler may proceed with the disposal. The inspector will 
then verify and complete the certification upon the inspector's next 
visit to the handler's facility. If the cranberries or cranberry 
product were disposed of at a landfill, through composting, 
incineration, at a wastewater treatment facility, or any other site, 
the inspector may request receipts, visual proof, or any other 
additional information needed to support the disposal as reported on 
the form. Once the verification process is completed, the inspector 
will sign the certification section of the form, and return it to the 
Committee.
    Another method of diversion available is to divert cranberries or 
cranberry products to noncompetitive outlets. Section 929.57 specifies 
that cranberries withheld from handling may be disposed of only through 
diversion to such outlets as the Committee, with the approval of the 
Secretary, finds are noncompetitive to outlets for unrestricted (free 
percentage) cranberries. The Committee discussed various outlets and 
recommended the following: Foreign countries, except Canada; charitable 
institutions; any nonhuman food use; and research and development 
projects approved by the Committee dealing with the development of 
foreign and domestic markets, including but not limited to dehydration, 
radiation, freeze drying, or freezing of cranberries. The Committee 
further recommended that cranberries may not be converted into canned, 
frozen, or dehydrated cranberries or other cranberry products by any 
commercial process when being diverted to foreign countries. The 
specific outlets are being considered under a separate rulemaking 
action.
    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) submitted and received 
OMB's approval on the five initial forms. Handlers complete the forms 
and submit them to the Committee for purposes of tracking compliance 
with the handler withholding requirement. OMB approved the forms on 
October 16, 2017, and assigned them OMB No. 0581-0304. Upon full 
completion of the forms-approval process, AMS will seek to merge the 
five forms into the OMB-approved 0581-0189 Fruit Crops containing other 
forms related to the Federal marketing order for cranberries.
    Two specific reporting requirements relating to the diversion of 
fruit to noncompetitive outlets are added to part 929: A Handler 
Application for Outlets for Withheld Fruit (CMC-OUT) and a Third-Party 
Confirmation of Receipt of Withheld Fruit (CMC-CONF). Should a handler 
elect to divert cranberries or cranberry products to noncompetitive 
outlets, the handler must first request Committee approval of the 
outlet or research project using the Handler Application for Outlets 
for Withheld Fruit prior to each disposal activity of this type. 
Information requested on the form includes, among other things, the 
handler's name and address, information identifying the noncompetitive 
outlet, the amount and type of cranberry products to be diverted, and 
how the cranberries will be utilized. The Committee will review the 
information and approve or disapprove the diversion request.
    If the request is approved and the product is delivered, the 
receiving outlet needs to acknowledge receipt of the product by 
completing the Third-Party Confirmation of Receipt of Withheld Fruit 
form, and the handler then returns the completed form to the Committee.
    The two above-described reporting requirements help track the 
disposition of withheld cranberries in noncompetitive outlets and 
facilitates the compliance process under the recommended handler 
withholding.
    The last form approved by the Committee provides handlers a method 
for appealing any decision made by the Committee relating to the 
diversion process. Should a handler disagree with a Committee decision, 
such as denying the request for approval of a noncompetitive outlet, or 
a determination that diversion could not be verified, the handler can 
appeal the decision by submitting a Handler Withholding Appeal form 
(CMC-APPL). The handler making the appeal is required to submit the 
form within 30 days of receiving the determination from the Committee. 
This form includes information about why the handler is making the 
appeal and provides additional information to support the appeal. The 
appeal request is reviewed by an Appeals Subcommittee (Subcommittee) 
for re-consideration. The Subcommittee consists of two independent 
growers, two members from the major cooperative, and one public member. 
The handler will be notified of the Subcommittee's determination within 
30 days. If the appeal is denied by the Subcommittee, the handler has 
the option of appealing the decision to the Secretary within 15 days 
after the notification of the Subcommittee's findings.
    In order to enable the Committee to inform the industry of the 
information needed for handlers to manage their inventories in a way 
that complies with the industry-supported handler withholding program, 
the five initial forms were previously submitted to OMB for approval. 
These five forms (CMC-JUN, CMC-DISP, CMC-OUT, CMC-CONF and CMC-APPL) 
were approved by OMB on October 16, 2017, for use for a six-month 
period, beginning the date of approval. This final rule is necessary 
for the industry to use the forms beyond the six-month period.
    Establishing these handler diversion and reporting requirements 
facilitates the implementation of, and ensures compliance with, free 
and restricted percentages when recommended by the Committee.

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, and rules issued thereunder, are unique in that 
they are brought about through group action of essentially small 
entities acting on their own behalf.
    There are approximately 1,100 cranberry growers in the regulated 
area and approximately 65 cranberry handlers subject to regulation 
under the Order. Small agricultural producers are defined by the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) as those having annual receipts of less 
than $750,000, and small agricultural service firms are defined as 
those whose annual receipts are less than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201).
    According to industry and Committee data, the average grower price 
for cranberries during the 2016-17 crop year was $23.50 per barrel, and 
total sales were around 9.5 million barrels. The value for cranberries 
that crop year totaled $223,250,000 ($23.50 per barrel multiplied by 
9.5 million barrels). Taking the total value of production for 
cranberries and dividing it by the total number of cranberry growers 
(1,100) provides an average return per grower of $202,955. Based on 
USDA's Market News reports, the average free on board (f.o.b.) price 
for cranberries was around $30.00 per barrel. Multiplying the f.o.b. 
price by total utilization of 9.5 million barrels results in an 
estimated handler-level cranberry value of $285 million. Dividing this 
figure by the number of handlers (65) yields an estimated average 
annual handler receipt of $4.3

[[Page 32196]]

million, which is below the SBA threshold for small agricultural 
service firms. Therefore, the majority of growers and handlers of 
cranberries may be classified as small entities.
    This final rule establishes handler diversion and reporting 
requirements under the Order. This final rule establishes procedures 
handlers will use to divert fruit through disposal or into 
noncompetitive outlets. The reporting requirements support the 
diversion procedures by providing the necessary documentation to help 
ensure compliance when a volume regulation is established. This rule 
establishes new Sec. Sec.  929.157 and 929.162. The authority for this 
action is provided in Sec. Sec.  929.54, 929.56, 929.57, and 929.62.
    These actions could result in some additional costs to the 
industry. Specifically, handlers could incur some additional costs as a 
result of inspector verification and certification of the diversion 
process. In addition, requiring reports of cranberries acquired, 
handled, and withheld imposes an increase in the reporting burden on 
all cranberry handlers. However, the benefits are expected to outweigh 
the costs and increase in reporting burden. The provisions considered 
in this action will help facilitate the implementation of any 
recommended handler withholding volume regulation and help ensure 
compliance with the recommended regulation. Consequently, these changes 
will help provide important guidance during times when market 
conditions support the need for establishing volume regulation.
    The impact of this rule will be beneficial to growers and handlers. 
Establishing diversion procedures benefits the entire industry by 
ensuring handler diversion is conducted consistently and accurately by 
all handlers, which also helps ensure compliance with the handler 
withholding program. Authorizing various diversion outlets means 
handlers are not required to divert cranberries only through 
destruction. Instead, fruit can be utilized in noncompetitive outlets, 
such as for charitable purposes. The benefits of this rule are expected 
to be equally available to all cranberry growers and handlers, 
regardless of their size, and are greater than any associated costs.
    The Committee discussed other alternatives to this action, 
including using different methods of ensuring accurate diversion of 
restricted fruit. One method considered was allowing handlers to self-
report their diversion of restricted fruit without a formal 
verification process. However, the Committee deemed this insufficient 
verification to ensure compliance with the program. Members were 
concerned that fruit could be re-routed to a different handling 
facility for processing, and without established verification 
procedures, the industry would not have confidence that restricted 
fruit was being properly diverted. The Committee also considered the 
value and importance of each of the forms and whether all were 
required. However, the Committee agreed each of the recommended forms 
provide important information for the industry and for administering 
the Order. Therefore, these alternatives were rejected.
    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), this collection has been submitted to OMB for approval. 
The five currently approved forms in 0581-0304 and one additional form 
will be merged with forms currently approved under OMB No. 0581-0189, 
Fruit Crops. This final rule establishes the use of six new reporting 
requirements and six new Committee forms, which impose a total annual 
burden increase of 38.4 hours. The forms, ``Handler Withholding 
Report,'' ``Handler Disposal Certification,'' ``Handler Application for 
Outlets for Withheld Fruit,'' ``Third-Party Confirmation of Receipt of 
Withheld Fruit,'' ``Handler Withholding Appeal,'' and ``Final Handler 
Withholding Report,'' require the minimum information necessary to 
effectively carry out the requirements of the Order. The information 
will enable the Committee to ensure compliance when a volume regulation 
is established.
    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 rule. Further, the public comment received 
concerning the proposal did not address the initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis.
    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.
    Further, the Committee's meetings were widely publicized throughout 
the cranberry industry, and all interested persons were invited to 
attend the meetings and participate in Committee deliberations on all 
issues. Additionally, the Committee's meetings held August 31, 
September 15, and October 13, 2017, were public meetings, and all 
entities, both large and small, were able to express views on this 
issue.
    A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the Federal 
Register on February 15, 2018 (83 FR 6800). Copies of the proposed rule 
were sent via email to Committee members and cranberry handlers. 
Finally, the proposed rule was made available through the internet by 
USDA and the Office of the Federal Register. A 60-day comment period 
ending April 16, 2018, was provided to allow interested persons to 
respond to the proposal.
    Two comments were received which did not address the merits of the 
proposed rule. Accordingly, no changes will be made to the rule as 
proposed based on the comments received.
    The proposed rule contained administrative revisions to the Order's 
subpart headings to bring the language into conformance with the Office 
of Federal Register requirements. These revisions are not included in 
this rule as they were included in a final rule published in the 
Federal Register on April 4, 2018 (83 FR 14350).
    A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and 
specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: http://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.
    After consideration of all relevant matter presented, including the 
information and recommendation of 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 929

    Cranberries, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 929 is 
amended as follows:

PART 929--CRANBERRIES GROWN IN STATES OF MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE 
ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW JERSEY, WISCONSIN, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, 
OREGON, WASHINGTON, AND LONG ISLAND IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK

0
1. The authority citation for part 929 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 32197]]


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


0
2. Add Sec.  929.157 to read as follows:


Sec.  929.157   Handler diversion.

    (a) Methods of diversion. Handlers may divert cranberries by 
disposing of cranberries or cranberry products. Diversion by disposal 
may take place prior to placing the cranberries into the processing 
line or after processing. Handlers may also divert cranberries or 
cranberry products to approved, noncompetitive outlets for withheld 
fruit. Whole berries or processed products diverted must come from the 
current crop year. Any information collected of a confidential and/or 
proprietary nature would be held in confidence pursuant to Sec.  
929.65.
    (1) Diversion through disposal. This type of diversion is to be 
carried out under the supervision of the Committee, and the cost of 
such supervision is to be paid by the handler. Handlers shall notify 
the Committee of their intent to dispose of cranberries or cranberry 
products using Form CMC-DISP as specified in Sec.  929.162(c). 
Following notification, a Committee inspector will meet with the 
handler to verify the documentation provided and, when possible, 
witness the destruction. The Committee inspector may request receipts, 
visual proof, or any other information needed to support the disposal 
as reported. Once the verification process has been completed, the 
Committee inspector will sign the certification section of Form CMC-
DISP and return it to the Committee.
    (2) Diversion through noncompetitive outlets. To divert cranberries 
or cranberry products to a noncompetitive outlet, handlers must apply 
to the Committee using Form CMC-OUT as specified in Sec.  929.162(d) 
prior to each disposal activity of this type. The Committee will review 
the information and approve or disapprove the diversion request. Once 
the cranberries or cranberry products are delivered to the approved 
noncompetitive outlets, the Committee must receive satisfactory 
documentation of the transaction using Form CMC-CONF as specified in 
Sec.  929.162(e).
    (b) Committee notification and handler plan. Any handler intending 
to divert cranberries or cranberry products pursuant to Sec.  929.54 
must notify the Committee of such intent and provide a plan by June 1 
that shows how the handler intends to meet the restricted percentage 
obligation. The handler shall submit this plan using Form CMC-JUNE as 
specified in the reporting requirements under Sec.  929.162(a). The 
handler will have until August 31 to fulfill the plan, by which time 
the handler shall submit a final report detailing how the restricted 
percentage obligation was met using Form CMC-AUG as specified in Sec.  
929.162(b).
    (c) Request for review. (1) If a handler is dissatisfied with a 
determination made by the Committee which affects such handler, the 
handler may submit to the Committee within 30 days after receipt of the 
Committee's determination, a request for a review by an appeals 
subcommittee composed of two independent growers and two cooperative 
representatives, as well as a public member. The appeals subcommittee 
shall be appointed by the Committee chairperson. The handler may 
forward with the request any pertinent materials for consideration of 
the appeal.
    (2) The subcommittee shall review the information submitted by the 
handler and render a decision within 30 days of receipt of such appeal. 
The subcommittee shall notify the handler of its decision, accompanied 
by the reasons for its conclusions and findings.
    (3) The handler may further appeal to the Secretary, within 15 days 
after notification of the subcommittee's findings, if such handler is 
not satisfied with the appeals subcommittee's decision. The Committee 
shall forward a file to the Secretary with all pertinent information 
related to the handler's appeal. The Secretary shall inform the handler 
and all interested parties of the Secretary's decision. All decisions 
by the Secretary are final.


0
3. Add Sec.  929.162 to read as follows:


Sec.  929.162   Handler diversion reports.

    (a) Handler withholding report. Handlers shall submit to the 
Committee, by June 1, a handler withholding report. The report shall be 
submitted using Form CMC-JUN and contain the following information:
    (1) The name and address of the handler;
    (2) The amount of cranberries acquired;
    (3) The amount of cranberries withheld by disposal;
    (4) The amount of cranberries diverted to noncompetitive outlets;
    (5) The form of cranberry products withheld; and
    (6) The total withholding obligation.
    (b) Handler Withholding Final Report. Handlers shall submit to the 
Committee, by August 31, a final handler withholding report. The final 
report shall be submitted using Form CMC-AUG and contain the following 
information:
    (1) The name and address of the handler;
    (2) The seasonal total of cranberries acquired;
    (3) The seasonal total of cranberries withheld by disposal;
    (4) The seasonal total of cranberries diverted to noncompetitive 
outlets;
    (5) The form of cranberry products withheld during the season; and
    (6) The total withholding obligation.
    (c) Handler disposal certification. Handlers shall submit to the 
Committee Form CMC-DISP for each lot of cranberries or cranberry 
products to be diverted through disposal. The form shall contain the 
following information:
    (1) Name and address of the handler;
    (2) Marketable cranberries in whole fruit or processed cranberries 
converted to whole fruit equivalent disposed of in this lot;
    (3) Form of cranberries;
    (4) Volume if in processed form;
    (5) Lot details;
    (6) Disposal site and method; and
    (7) Inspector certification of the completion of the disposal.
    (d) Handler application for outlets for withheld fruit. Handlers 
shall submit to the Committee Form CMC-OUT for approval for each lot of 
cranberries or cranberry products to be diverted to noncompetitive 
outlets in accordance with Sec.  929.57. The form shall contain the 
following information:
    (1) Name and address of the handler;
    (2) Project type;
    (3) Product form;
    (4) Quantity of cranberries in whole fruit or processed cranberries 
converted to whole fruit equivalent diverted;
    (5) A description of the project and how the cranberries will be 
used.
    (e) Third-party confirmation of receipt of withheld fruit. Handlers 
shall submit to the Committee Form CMC-CONF for each diversion to a 
noncompetitive outlet to verify the receipt of the cranberries or 
cranberry product by the approved outlet. The form shall contain the 
following information:
    (1) Name and address of the handler;
    (2) Project type;
    (3) Product form;
    (4) Quantity of cranberries in whole fruit or processed cranberries 
converted to whole fruit equivalent utilized; and
    (5) Confirmation or documentation of receipt from the receiving 
outlet.
    (f) Handler withholding appeal. Handlers may appeal a determination 
made by the Committee relating to a handler withholding regulation 
using the appeals process outlined in Sec.  929.157(c) and Form CMC-
APPL, which shall contain the following information:
    (1) Name and address of the handler;
    (2) Reason for appeal; and
    (3) Information in support of appeal.


[[Page 32198]]


    Dated: July 9, 2018.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14939 Filed 7-11-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P


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