This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

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# Rules and Regulations Federal Register 

### 17027

Vol. 75, No. 64

Monday, April 5, 2010

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Agricultural Marketing Service**

**7 CFR Parts 916 and 917**

**[Doc. No. AMS–FV–09–0090; FV10–916/917– 1 IFR]** 

**Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Changes in Handling**  **Requirements for Fresh Nectarines**

**and Peaches**

**AGENCY :**  Agricultural Marketing Service,

USDA.

**ACTION :**  Interim rule with request for

comments.

**SUMMARY :**  This rule changes the handling requirements applicable to
well matured fruit covered under the nectarine and peach marketing orders (orders). The orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule updates the variety-specific size requirements to reflect changes in commercially significant varieties. This will enable handlers to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and reflects current industry practices.

**DATES :**  Effective April 6, 2010; comments received by June 4, 2010 will be considered prior to issuance of a final
rule.

**ADDRESSES :**  Interested persons are
invited to submit written comments concerning this rule. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Internet: http:// www.regulations.gov. All comments
should reference the document number and the date and page number of this
issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection at the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed

at: http://www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this
rule will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet at the address provided above.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Jerry L. Simmons, Marketing Specialist, or Kurt J. Kimmel, Regional Manager, California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487– 5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906; or E-mail: Jerry.Simmons@ams.usda.gov or Kurt.Kimmel@ams.usda.gov.

Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Antoinette Carter, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– 2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or E-mail: Antoinette.Carter@ams.usda.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  This rule is issued under Marketing Order Nos. 916 and 917, both as amended (7 CFR parts 916 and 917), regulating the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California, respectively,
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘ orders. ’’
The orders are effective under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601–674),
hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Act. ’’

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this rule in
conformance with Executive Order

12866.

This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
Reform. This 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 rule changes the handling requirements applicable to well matured
fruit covered under the nectarine and peach orders. This rule updates the variety-specific size requirements to reflect changes in commercially significant varieties. These changes will enable handlers to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and reflects current industry practices.

Sections 916.52 and 917.41 of the orders provide authority for handling regulations for fresh California nectarines and peaches. The regulations may include grade, size, maturity, quality, pack, and container requirements. The orders also provide that whenever such requirements are in effect, the fruit subject to such regulation must be inspected by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service (Inspection Service) and certified as meeting the applicable requirements.

The nectarine order has been in effect since 1939, and the peach order has
been in effect since 1958. The orders have been used over the years to establish quality control programs that include minimum grade, size, and maturity standards. These programs have helped improve the quality of product moving from the farm to market, and have helped growers and handlers more effectively market their crops. Additionally, the orders have been used to ensure that only satisfactory quality nectarines and peaches reach the consumer. This has helped increase and maintain market demand over the years.

Sections 916.53 and 917.42 authorize the modification, suspension, or termination of regulations issued under §§ 916.52 and 917.41, respectively.


### 17028 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 64 / Monday, April 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations

Changes in regulations have been implemented to reflect changes in industry operating practices and to solve marketing problems as they arise. The committees meet whenever needed, but at least annually, to discuss the orders and the various regulations in effect and to determine if, or what, changes may be necessary to reflect industry needs. As a result, regulatory changes have been made numerous times over the years to address industry changes and to improve program operations.

Currently, handling requirements are in effect for nectarines and peaches packed in containers marked ‘‘CA WELL

MAT ’’ or ‘‘California Well Matured. ’’ The

term ‘‘well matured’’ is defined in the orders’ rules and regulations, and has been used for many years by the industry to describe a level of maturity higher than the definition of ‘‘mature ’’ in
the United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines (7 CFR 51.3145 through 51.3160) and United States Standards for Grades of Peaches (7 CFR 51.1210 through 51.1223). Other handling requirements were suspended in 2007 to reduce handler inspection costs (72 FR 49128; August 28, 2007).

The committees met on December 10, 2009, and unanimously recommended that the handling requirements be revised for the 2010 season, which is expected to begin in April. No official crop estimate was available at the time of the committees’ meetings because the nectarine and peach trees were dormant. The committees will recommend a crop estimate at their meetings in early spring.

Both orders provide authority (in §§ 916.52 and 917.41) to establish size requirements. Size regulations encourage producers to leave fruit on the tree longer, which improves both the size and maturity of the fruit. Acceptable fruit size provides greater consumer satisfaction and promotes repeat purchases, thereby increasing returns to producers and handlers. In addition, increased fruit size results in increased numbers of packed containers of nectarines and peaches per acre, which is also a benefit to producers and
handlers.

Varieties recommended for specific size regulations have been reviewed and
such recommendations are based on the specific characteristics of each variety.
The committees conduct studies each season on the range of sizes attained by the regulated varieties and those varieties with the potential to become regulated, and determine whether revisions to the size requirements are appropriate. Nectarines: Section 916.356 of the order’s rules and regulations specifies minimum size requirements for fresh nectarines in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(9). This rule revises paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(6) of § 916.356 to establish variety-specific minimum size requirements for 10 varieties of nectarines that were produced in commercially significant quantities of more than 10,000 containers for the first time during the 2009 season. This rule also removes the variety-specific minimum size requirements for twelve varieties of nectarines whose shipments fell below 5,000 containers during the

2009 season.

For example, one of the varieties
recommended for addition to the variety-specific minimum size requirements is the Snow Pearl TM variety of nectarines, recommended for regulation at a minimum size 84. A
minimum size of 84 means that a packed standard lug box will contain
not more than 84 nectarines. Studies of the size ranges attained by the Snow
Pearl TM variety revealed that 100 percent of the containers met the minimum size of 84 during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Sizes ranged from size 30 to size 80, with 23.1 percent of the containers meeting the size 30, 25 percent meeting the size 40, 48.9 percent meeting the size 50, 2 percent meeting the size 60, .1 percent meeting the size 70, and .9 percent meeting the
size 80 in the 2009 season.

A review of other varieties with the same harvesting period indicated that
the Snow Pearl TM variety was also comparable to those varieties in its size ranges for that time period. Discussions
with handlers known to handle the variety confirm this information regarding minimum size and harvesting period, as well. Thus, the recommendation to place the Snow
Pearl TM variety in the variety-specific minimum size regulation at a minimum size 84 is appropriate. This
recommendation results from size studies conducted over a two-year period.

Historical data such as this provides
the committee with the information necessary to recommend the appropriate sizes at which to regulate various nectarine varieties. In addition, producers and handlers of the varieties affected are personally invited to
comment when such size
recommendations are deliberated.
Producer and handler comments are
also considered at both committee and subcommittee meetings when the staff receives such comments, either in writing or verbally. For reasons similar to those discussed in the preceding paragraph, paragraph (a)(4) of § 916.356 is revised to include the Honey Lite, June Sweet, and Kay
Diamond nectarine varieties and paragraph (a)(6) of § 916.356 is revised to include the Crimson Sweet, July Bright, June Ice, Raspberry Jewel, Red Baron 2, Snow Pearl TM , and 225LP242

nectarine varieties.

This rule also revises paragraph (a)(2) of § 916.356 to remove the May Fire and May Glo nectarine varieties; paragraph (a)(3) of § 916.356 to remove the May Glo nectarine variety; paragraph (a)(4) of § 916.356 to remove the Early Pearl nectarine variety; and paragraph (a)(6) of § 916.356 to remove the Alta Red, Autumn Blaze, Autumn Fire, Big Jim, La Reina, Neptune, P–R Red, Royal Giant,
and Terra White nectarine varieties from the variety-specific minimum size requirements because fewer than 5,000
containers of each of these varieties were produced during the 2009 season.
Nectarine varieties removed from the nectarine variety-specific minimum sizerequirements become subject to the nonlisted variety size requirements specified in paragraphs (a)(7), (a)(8), and (a)(9) of § 916.356.

Peaches: Section 917.459 of the order’s rules and regulations specifies minimum size requirements for fresh peaches in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(6), and paragraphs (b) and (c). This rule revises paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) of § 917.459 to establish variety-specific minimum size requirements for eight peach varieties that were produced in commercially significant quantities of more than 10,000 containers for the first time during the 2009 season. This rule also removes the variety-specific minimum size requirements for eleven varieties of peaches whose shipments fell below 5,000 containers during the

2009 season.

For example, one of the varieties
recommended for addition to the variety-specific minimum size requirements is the Ivory Duchess variety of peaches, which was recommended for regulation at a
minimum size 80. A minimum size of 80 means that a packed standard lug box contains not more than 80 peaches. Studies of the size ranges attained by the Ivory Duchess variety revealed that 100 percent of the containers met the minimum size of 80 during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Sizes ranged from size 30 to size 80, with 7.7 percent of the containers meeting the size 30, 50.5 percent meeting the size 40, 5.5 percent meeting the size 50, 25.3 percent meeting the size 60, 1.7 percent meeting the size 70, and 9.3 percent meeting the
size 80 in the 2009 season.


### 17029 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 64 / Monday, April 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations

A review of other varieties with the same harvesting period indicated that the Ivory Duchess variety was also comparable to those varieties in its size ranges for that time period. Discussions with handlers known to pack the variety confirm this information regarding minimum size and the harvesting period, as well. Thus, the recommendation to place the Ivory Duchess variety in the variety-specific minimum size regulation at a minimum size 80 is appropriate.

Historical data such as this provides
the committee with the information necessary to recommend the appropriate sizes at which to regulate various peach varieties. In addition, producers and
handlers of the varieties affected are personally invited to comment when
such size recommendations are
deliberated. Producer and handler
comments are also considered at committee meetings when the staff receives such comments, either in writing or verbally.

For reasons similar to those discussed in the preceding paragraph, paragraph (a)(5) of § 917.459 is revised to include the Ivory Duchess peach variety and paragraph (a)(6) of § 917.459 is revised to include the Crimson Jewel, Golden Moon, Ivory King, Pearl Princess, Snow Duchess, 116LM397, and 382LN469 peach varieties.

This rule also revises paragraph (a)(2) of § 917.459 to remove the April Snow peach variety; paragraph (a)(3) of § 917.459 to remove the Snow Kist peach variety; paragraph (a)(5) of § 917.459 to remove the David Sun and Sweet Crest peach varieties; and paragraph (a)(6) of § 917.459 to remove the Coral Princess, Jasper Treasure, Royal Lady, September Lady, Spring Candy, Sugar Lady, and Sweet Kay peach varieties from the variety-specific minimum size requirements because less than 5,000 containers of each of these varieties was produced during the
2009 season. Peach varieties removed from the peach variety-specific minimum size requirements become subject to the non-listed variety size requirements specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of § 917.459.

The committees recommended these changes in the minimum size requirements based on a continuing review of the sizing and maturity relationships for these nectarine and peach varieties, and the consumer acceptance levels for various fruit sizes. This rule is designed to establish minimum size requirements for fresh nectarines and peaches consistent with expected crop and market conditions. This should help establish and maintain orderly marketing conditions for these fruits in the interests of producers, handlers, and consumers.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Pursuant to 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 action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this initial regulatory flexibility analysis.

The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of business 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.

Industry Information

There are approximately 101 California nectarine and peach handlers subject to regulation under the orders covering nectarines and peaches grown in California, and about 475 producers
of these fruits in California. Small agricultural service firms, which include handlers, are defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) (13 CFR 121.201) as those having annual receipts of less than $7,000,000, and small agricultural producers are defined as those having annual receipts of less than $750,000. A majority of these handlers and producers may be
classified as small entities.

The committees’ staff has estimated
that there are fewer than 50 handlers in the industry who would not be
considered small entities. For the 2009 season, the committees’ staff estimated that the average handler price received was $11.50 per container or container equivalent of nectarines or peaches. A handler would have to ship at least 608,696 containers to have annual receipts of $7,000,000. Given data on shipments maintained by the committees’ staff and the average handler price received during the 2009 season, the committees’ staff estimates that small handlers represent approximately 50 percent of all the handlers within the industry.

The committees’ staff has also estimated that fewer than 50 producers in the industry would not be considered small entities. For the 2009 season, the committees estimated the average producer price received was $6.50 per container or container equivalent for nectarines and peaches. A producer would have to produce at least 115,385 containers of nectarines and peaches to have annual receipts of $750,000. Given data maintained by the committees’ staff and the average producer price received during the 2009 season, the committees’ staff estimates that small producers represent more than 80 percent of the producers within the industry.

Under authority provided in §§ 916.52 and 917.41 of the orders, grade, size, maturity, pack, and container marking requirements are established for fresh shipments of California nectarines and peaches, respectively. Such requirements are in effect on a continuing basis.

Sections 916.356 and 917.459 of the orders’ rules and regulations establish
minimum sizes for various varieties of nectarines and peaches. This rule makes adjustments to the minimum sizes
authorized for certain varieties of each commodity for the 2010 season. Minimum size regulations are put in place to encourage producers to leave fruit on the trees for a longer period of time, increasing both maturity and fruit
size. Increased fruit size increases the number of packed containers per acre, and coupled with heightened maturity levels, also provides greater consumer satisfaction, which in turn fosters repeat purchases that benefit producers and
handlers alike.

Annual adjustments to minimum sizes of nectarines and peaches, such as these, are recommended by the committees based upon historical data, producer and handler information regarding sizes attained by different varieties, and trends in consumer purchases.

An alternative to such action would include not establishing minimum size regulations for these new varieties. Such an action, however, would be a significant departure from the committees’ past practices and represent a significant change in the regulations as they currently exist. For these reasons,
this alternative was not recommended.

The committees make recommendations regarding the revisions in handling requirements after considering all available information, including comments received by committee staff. At the meetings, the impact of and alternatives to these
recommendations are deliberated. The
committees consist of individual producers and handlers with many years of experience in the industry and are familiar with industry practices and trends. All committee meetings are open to the public and comments are widely solicited. In addition, minutes of all meetings are distributed to committee
members and others who have requested them, and are also available on the committees’ Web site, thereby


### 17030 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 64 / Monday, April 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations

increasing the availability of this critical information within the industry.

Regarding the impact of this action on the affected entities, both large and small entities are expected to benefit from the changes, and the costs of compliance are not expected to be significantly different between large and
small entities.

This rule will not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on either small or large nectarine and peach 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.

In addition, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this
rule.

The committees have appointed a number of joint subcommittees to
review certain issues and make
recommendations to the committees. The Compliance Subcommittee met on November 3, 2009, and discussed this
issue in detail. Their recommendations were presented at the meetings of both committees on December 10, 2009. As with all committee meetings, the November 3 and December 10 meetings were public meetings, and all entities, both large and small, were able to express their views on this issue. All of the committees’ meetings are widely publicized throughout the nectarine and peach industry, and all interested parties are invited to attend and participate in committee deliberations.

Finally, interested persons are invited
to submit comments on this interim rule, including the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on
small businesses.

A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at the following Web site: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ ams.fetchTemplateData. do?template=TemplateN& page=MarketingOrdersSmallBusiness
Guide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Antoinette Carter at the previously
mentioned address in the **FOR FURTHER**

**INFORMATION CONTACT** section.

This rule invites comments on changes to the handling requirements currently prescribed under the marketing orders for California fresh nectarines and peaches. Any comments received will be considered prior to
finalization of this rule.

After consideration of all relevant material presented, including the committees’ recommendation, and other information, it is found that this interim rule, as hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the

Act.

Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also found and determined upon good cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest to give preliminary notice prior to putting this rule into effect, and that good cause exists for not postponing the effective date of this rule until 30 days after publication in the Federal Register because: (1) This rule should be implemented as soon as possible, since shipments of California nectarines and peaches are expected to begin in early April; (2) the committees met and unanimously recommended these changes at public meetings, and interested persons had opportunities to provide input at all those meetings; and (3) the rule provides a 60-day comment period, and any written comments received will be considered prior to any
finalization of this rule.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 916

Marketing agreements, Nectarines, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

7 CFR Part 917

Marketing agreements, Peaches, Pears, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

■ For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 916 and 917 are
amended as follows:

■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR parts 916 and 917 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.

**PART 916—NECTARINES GROWN IN**
**CALIFORNIA**

■ 2. Section 916.356 is amended by revising the introductory text of paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(6)
to read as follows:

**§ 916.356 California nectarine grade and size regulation.** 

(a) * * * (2) Any package or container of April Glo variety nectarines unless:

* * * * *

(3) Any package or container of Burnectfive (Spring Flare ® 21), Burnectten (Spring Flare ® 19), Crimson Baby, Earliglo, Honey May, May
Pearl TM , Polar Ice, Polar Light, Red Jewel or Zee Fire variety nectarines
unless:

* * * * *

(4) Any package or container of Arctic Star, Burnectone (Spring Ray ® ), Burnecttwelve (Sweet Flair ® 21), Burnectthirteen (Snow Flare ® 22), Burnectfourteen (Snow Flare ® 21), Diamond Bright, Diamond Pearl, Gee Sweet, Honey Lite, June Pearl, June Sweet, Kay Diamond, Kay Fire, Kay Glo, Kay Sweet, Prima Diamond IV, Prima Diamond VI, Prima Diamond XIII, Prince Jim, Prince Jim 1, Red Roy, Rose Bright, Rose Diamond, Royal Glo, or Zee Grand variety nectarines unless:

* * * * *

(6) Any package or container of 15G225, 225LP242, Arctic Belle, Arctic Blaze, Arctic Ice, Arctic Jay, Arctic Mist, Arctic Pride, Arctic Queen, Arctic Snow (White Jewel), Arctic Sweet, August Bright, August Fire, August Glo, August Lion, August Pearl, August Red, August Sweet, Bright Pearl, Burnectfour (Summer Flare ® 35), Burnectseven (Summer Flare ® 28), Burnecteleven (Summer Flare ® 30), Burnectfifteen (Summer Flare ® 27), Burnectseventeen (Summer Flare ® 32), Candy Gold, Candy Pearl, Crimson Sweet, Diamond Ray, Early Red Jim, Fire Pearl, Fire Sweet, Giant Pearl, Grand Bright, Grand Candy, Grand Pearl, Grand Sweet, Honey Blaze, Honey Dew, Honey Diva, Honey Fire, Honey Kist, Honey Rose, Honey Royale, July Bright, July Pearl, July Red, June Ice, Kay Pearl, La Pinta, Larry’s Red, Late Red Jim, Mike’s Red, Orange Honey, Prima Diamond IX, Prima Diamond X, Prima Diamond XIX, Prima Diamond XXIV, Prima Diamond XXVIII, Prince Jim 3, Raspberry Jewel, Red Baron 2, Red Bright, Red Diamond, Red Glen, Red Jim, Red Pearl, Regal Pearl, Regal Red, Ruby Bright, Ruby Diamond, Ruby Pearl, Ruby Sweet, Saucer, September Bright (26P–490), September Free, September Red, Signature, Snow Pearl, Sparkling June, Spring Bright, Spring Pearl TM , Spring Sweet, Sugar
Pearl TM , Sugarine, Summer Blush, Summer Bright, Summer Diamond, Summer Fire, Summer Jewel, Summer Lion, Summer Red, Sunburst, Sun Valley Sweet, Zee Glo or Zephyr variety
nectarines unless:

* * * * *

**PART 917—FRESH PEARS AND**
**PEACHES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA**

■ 3. Section 917.459 is amended by revising the introductory text of


### 17031 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 64 / Monday, April 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations

paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(5), and (a)(6)
to read as follows:

**§ 917.459 California peach grade and size regulation.** 

(a) * * * (2) Any package or container of Earlitreat, Snow Angel, Supechfifteen, or Super Lady variety peaches unless:

* * * * *

(3) Any package or container of Island Prince, Snow Peak, Spring Princess, or Super Rich variety peaches unless:

* * * * *

(5) Any package or container of Babcock, Bev’s Red, Bright Princess, Brittney Lane, Burpeachone (Spring
Flame ® 21), Burpeachfourteen (Spring
Flame ® 20), Burpeachnineteen (Spring
Flame ® 22), Candy Red, Crimson Lady, Crown Princess, Early May Crest, Flavorcrest, Honey Sweet, Ivory Duchess, Ivory Queen, June Lady, Magenta Queen, May Crest, May Sweet, Prima Peach IV, Queencrest, Rich May, Sauzee Queen, Scarlet Queen, Sierra Snow, Snow Brite, Springcrest, Spring Lady, Spring Snow, Springtreat (60EF32), Sugar Time (214LC68), Supecheight (012–094), Supechnine, Sweet Scarlet, or Zee Diamond variety peaches unless:

* * * * *

(6) Any package or container of 116LM397, 382LN469, August Lady, August Saturn, Autumn Flame, Autumn Jewel, Autumn Red, Autumn Rich, Autumn Rose, Autumn Snow, Autumn Sun, Burpeachtwo (Henry II ® ), Burpeachthree (September Flame ® ), Burpeachfour (August Flame ® ), Burpeachfive (July Flame ® ), Burpeachsix (June Flame ® ), Burpeachseven (Summer Flame ® 29), Burpeachfifteen (Summer Flame ® 34), Burpeachtwenty (Summer Flame ® ), Burpeachtwentyone (Summer Flame ® 26), Candy Princess, Country Sweet, Crimson Jewel, Diamond Candy, Diamond Princess, Earlirich, Early Elegant Lady, Elegant Lady, Fancy Lady, Fay Elberta, Full Moon, Galaxy, Glacier White, Golden Moon, Henry III, Henry IV, Ice Princess, Ivory King, Ivory Princess, Jasper Gem, Jillie White, Joanna Sweet, John Henry, Kaweah, Klondike, Last Tango, Natures #10, O’Henry, Peach-N-Cream, Pearl Princess, Pink Giant, Pink Moon, Prima Gattie 8, Prima Peach 13, Prima Peach XV, Prima Peach 20, Prima Peach 23, Prima Peach XXVII, Queen Jewel, Rich Lady, Ruby Queen, Ryan Sun, Saturn (Donut), September Blaze, September Snow, September Sun, Sierra Gem, Sierra Rich, Snow Beauty, Snow Blaze, Snow Duchess, Snow Fall, Snow Gem, Snow Giant, Snow Jewel, Snow King, Snow Magic, Snow Princess, Sprague Last Chance, Strawberry, Sugar Crisp, Sugar Giant, Summer Dragon, Summer Fling, Summer Lady, Summer Sweet, Summer Zee, Sweet Blaze, Sweet Dream, Sweet Henry, Sweet September, Tra Zee, Valley Sweet, Vista, White Lady, or Zee Lady variety peaches
unless:

* * * * *

Dated: March 30, 2010.
Rayne Pegg, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing

Service.

[FR Doc. 2010–7569 Filed 4–2–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE P**

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Agricultural Marketing Service**

**7 CFR Parts 925 and 944**

**[Doc. No. AMS–FV–09–0085; FV10–925–1 IFR]** 

**Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported**  **Table Grapes; Relaxation of Handling Requirements** 

**AGENCY :**  Agricultural Marketing Service,

USDA.

**ACTION :**  Interim rule with request for

comments.

**SUMMARY :**  This rule relaxes the handling requirements prescribed under the California table grape marketing order (order) and the table grape import regulation. The order regulates the handling of table grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California and is administered locally by the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (committee). The import regulation is authorized under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and regulates the importation of table grapes
into the United States. This rule relaxes the one-quarter pound minimum bunch size requirement for the 2010 and subsequent seasons for grapes packed in consumer packages holding 2 pounds net weight or less. Under the relaxation, up to 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single clusters
of at least five berries each. This action
continues the relaxation that was prescribed on a one-year test basis in 2009 and provides California desert grape handlers and importers the flexibility to respond to an ongoing marketing opportunity to meet
consumer needs.

**DATES :**  Effective April 8, 2010; comments received by May 5, 2010 will be considered prior to issuance of a final
rule.

**ADDRESSES :**  Interested persons are
invited to submit written comments concerning this rule. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938; or Internet: http:// www.regulations.gov. All comments
should reference the document number and the date and page number of this
issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the Office of the Docket Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed

at: http://www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this
rule will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet at the address provided above.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Jerry Simmons, Marketing Specialist, or Kurt J. Kimmel, Regional Manager, California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487–5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906, or E-mail: Jerry.Simmons@ams.usda.gov or Kurt.Kimmel@ams.usda.gov

.

Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Antoinette Carter, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– 2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or E-mail: Antoinette.Carter@ams.usda.gov

.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  This rule is issued under Marketing Order No. 925, as amended (7 CFR part 925), regulating the handling of grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California, hereinafter referred to as the

‘‘ order. ’’ 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. ’’

This rule is also issued under section 8e of the Act, which provides that whenever certain specified commodities, including table grapes, 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.