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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 9, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69673-69678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29031]

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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. 76, No. 217 / Wednesday, November 9, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 69673]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 930

[Doc. No. AO-370-A9; 11-0093; AMS-FV-10-0087; FV10-930-5]

Tart Cherries Grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, 
Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin; Recommended Decision and Opportunity 
To File Written Exceptions to Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 
930

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule and opportunity to file exceptions.

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SUMMARY: This is a recommended decision regarding proposed amendments 
to Marketing Order No. 930 (order), which regulates the handling of 
tart cherries grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, 
Washington, and Wisconsin. These amendments were proposed by the Cherry 
Industry Administrative Board (CIAB), which is responsible for local 
administration of the order. These amendments would revise: Section 
930.10, the definition of ``Handle,'' Section 930.50, ``Marketing 
Policy,'' and Section 930.58, ``Grower Diversion Privilege.''
    The proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and 
administration of the order. This recommended decision invites written 
exceptions on the proposed amendments.

DATES: Written exceptions must be filed by November 25, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Written exceptions should be filed with the Hearing Clerk, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1031-S, Washington, DC 20250-9200, 
Fax: (202) 720-9776 or via the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, 
or to Parisa Salehi at the Email address provided in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section. All comments should reference the document 
number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal 
Register. Comments will be made available for public inspection in the 
Office of the Hearing 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: Parisa Salehi, Marketing Order and 
Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0237, Washington, DC; Telephone: (202) 
720-9918, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: Parisa.Salehi@ams.usda.gov; or 
Martin Engeler, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and 
Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 2202 Monterey Street, Fresno, 
California, Telephone: (559) 487-5110, Fax: (559) 487-5906, or Email: 
Martin.Engeler@ams.usda.gov.
    Small businesses may request information on this proceeding by 
contacting Laurel May, Marketing Order Administration Division, Fruit 
and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 
0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 205-2830, Fax: (202) 
720-8938, Email: Laurel.May@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior document in this proceeding: Notice of 
Hearing issued on March 4, 2011, and published in the March 14, 2011, 
issue of the Federal Register (76 FR 13528).
    This action is governed by the provisions of sections 556 and 557 
of title 5 of the United States Code and is therefore excluded from the 
requirements of Executive Order 12866.

Preliminary Statement

    Notice is hereby given of the filing with the Hearing Clerk of this 
recommended decision with respect to the proposed amendment to 
Marketing Order 930 regulating the handling of tart cherries grown in 
Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and 
Wisconsin and the opportunity to file written exceptions thereto. 
Copies of this decision can be obtained from Parisa Salehi, whose 
address is listed above.
    This recommended decision is issued pursuant to the provisions of 
the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 
601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act'', and the applicable 
rules of practice and procedure governing the formulation of marketing 
agreements and orders (7 CFR part 900).
    The proposed amendments are based on the record of a public hearing 
held April 20 and 21, 2011, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and on April 26, 
2011, in Provo, Utah. Notice of this hearing was published in the 
Federal Register on March 14, 2011 (76 FR 13528).
    The proposed amendments were recommended by CIAB and submitted to 
USDA on September 22, 2010.
    The proposed amendments recommended by CIAB are summarized below.
    1. Amendment 1 would revise the term ``handle'' within the order. 
This proposal would revise existing Sec.  930.10, Handle, to exclude 
handler acquisition of grower diversion certificates from the 
definition of handle.
    2. Amendment 2 would revise the ``marketing policy'' provisions in 
Sec.  930.50 of the order so that grower-diverted cherries are not 
counted as production in the volume control formula.
    3. Amendment 3 would revise the existing Sec.  930.58, so grower-
diverted cherries are not treated as actual harvested cherries.
    In addition to the proposed amendments to the order, AMS proposed 
making any additional changes to the order as may be necessary to 
conform to any amendment that may result from the hearings.
    Eighteen industry witnesses testified at the hearing. These 
witnesses represented tart cherry producers and handlers in the 
production area, as well as CIAB staff, and all supported the proposed 
amendments.
    At the conclusion of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge 
established a deadline of June 28, 2011, for interested persons to file 
proposed findings and conclusions or written arguments and briefs based 
on the evidence received at the hearing. CIAB requested an extension of 
time to submit its brief. Its request was granted and the date for 
submission of briefs was set to July 8,

[[Page 69674]]

2011. One brief was filed; it supported the proposed amendments.

Material Issues

    The material issues presented on the record of hearing are as 
follows:
    (1) Whether to amend the order to exclude grower diversion 
certificates from the definition of handle;
    (2) Whether to amend the order so that grower diverted cherries are 
not counted as production in the volume control formula;
    (3) Whether to amend the order so that grower diverted cherries are 
not treated as actual harvested cherries.

Findings and Conclusions

    The following findings and conclusions on the material issues are 
based on evidence presented at the hearing and the record thereof.

Material Issue Number 1--Definition of Handle

    Section 930.10 of the order should be amended to exclude handler 
acquisition of grower diversion certificates from the definition of 
handle.
    Under Section 930.10 of the order, the current definition of 
``handle'' includes the converting of cherries commercially into a 
processed product, and obtaining grower diversion certificates. Under 
the order, a ``handler'' is any person who first handles cherries. 
Marketing order obligations are applicable to handlers, and are based 
upon the quantity of cherries handled by handlers.
    Volume control provisions under the order provide a mechanism for 
the industry to set aside crop in large crop years to help stabilize 
supply and prices. When volume control is in effect, free and 
restricted percentages are established. These percentages are applied 
to cherries and grower diversion certificates acquired by handlers from 
growers. Handlers can market free percentage cherries to any market. To 
meet their restricted percentage obligation, handlers have three 
options: place cherries in inventory reserve, acquire grower diversion 
certificates, or divert cherries themselves.
    Grower diversion provisions under the order provide another method 
of managing supply by allowing growers the opportunity to undertake in-
orchard diversion of cherries prior to or during harvest. When a grower 
chooses to divert cherries from production, the CIAB issues a grower 
diversion certificate to that grower representing the quantity of the 
diverted cherries that were left in the orchard. Growers can redeem the 
diversion certificates with handlers, who then use the certificates as 
one of their compliance tools to satisfy their restricted percentages.
    Under current order provisions, handler acquisition of grower 
diversion certificates is treated the same as actual cherries 
delivered. Thus, when volume regulation is in effect, free and 
restricted percentages apply to the quantity of cherries (including 
grower diversion certificates) handled by each handler. As handlers 
acquire grower diversion certificates in order to help satisfy their 
restricted obligation, their restricted obligation increases. The 
result is a reduction in value to handlers of the grower diversion 
certificates, which in turn causes a disincentive for growers to divert 
cherries.
    Because the current order provisions regarding handler acquisitions 
of grower diversion certificates reduces the value of grower diversion 
certificates to handlers, growers are less likely to divert cherries 
from production than they would be if handler acquisition of grower 
diversion certificates was not considered ``handling'', and handlers' 
restricted obligations did not increase with the acquisition of such 
certificates.
    According to hearing evidence, currently, when a handler utilizes 
the grower diversion certificates, the handler compensates the grower 
at a reduced rate because the certificates' worth as a compliance tool 
to a handler is reduced. Witnesses testified that as a result, growers 
have less incentive to divert cherries and utilize grower diversion 
certificates. Data was presented at the hearing to illustrate the 
potential difference in costs associated with diverting cherries by 
leaving them un-harvested versus harvesting them. The data illustrates 
that costs to both growers and handlers would be reduced, if this 
amendment is implemented. A discussion of the costs and possible 
reimbursement to growers, as well as the benefits, is included in the 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis section of this recommended decision.
    Record evidence supports that if this amendment is implemented, it 
would satisfy its intent to increase the value of grower diversion 
certificates, and thus provide incentives for growers to leave some 
fruit un-harvested, as they would receive full credit for diverting a 
portion of their crops. According to the record, one of the primary 
reasons the order was established was to improve grower returns. The 
record indicates that while the order has benefited growers, prices in 
general do not reach the growers' costs of production in some years. 
The record further indicates, however, that if this proposal is 
implemented, it would provide additional benefits to growers, and help 
provide long-term sustainability of the industry.
    Record evidence indicates that the current marketing order 
provisions discourage in-orchard diversions, especially in those years 
when the restricted percentage is large. Therefore, this aspect in the 
order should be restructured to better serve the needs of the tart 
cherry industry. Witnesses testified that if the term ``handle'' is 
amended according to this proposal, it provides an incentive for 
growers to divert a portion of their crop in high volume crop years. 
Grower diversion can reduce growers' costs of harvesting and 
transporting fruit. It can also help improve prices by decreasing the 
supply of cherries in handlers' inventories. When the available supply 
of cherries to the market is decreased, the price depressing effect of 
oversupply is no longer present, resulting in a positive effect for 
both growers and handlers.
    Witnesses testified that the intent of this recommendation is to 
remove the disincentive for growers to divert cherries from production. 
The record indicates that increased grower diversion activity will help 
to reduce excess supply, which in turn is expected to positively impact 
grower returns. In addition, grower costs associated with harvesting 
and transporting cherries to handlers will be reduced as more cherries 
are diverted in orchard. Witnesses supported the idea that increasing 
the value of un-harvested cherries would improve the volume control 
provisions of the order, and would incentivize growers to divert their 
cherries in orchard. There was no opposition testimony against this 
proposed amendment. For the reasons stated herein, it is recommended 
that Sec.  930.10, Handle, be amended to exclude the phrase ``or obtain 
grower diversion certificates issued pursuant to Sec.  930.58.''

Material Issue Number 2--Marketing Policy

    Section 930.50 of the order should be amended so that grower 
diverted cherries are not counted as production in the volume control 
formula. Section 930.50(d) of the order currently provides in part that 
``No later than September 15 of each crop year the Board shall review 
actual production during the current crop year * * *.'' Section 
930.50(d), would be revised to read as follows: ``No later than 
September 15 of each crop year the Board shall review the most current 
information available including, but not limited to, processed 
production and grower diversion of cherries during the current crop 
year.''

[[Page 69675]]

    Section 930.50 provides the parameters for computing volume control 
percentages under the order. The CIAB must meet on or about July 1 of 
each crop year to review sales data, inventory data, current crop 
forecasts, and market conditions. From this information, the CIAB 
computes an optimum supply, which essentially represents the desirable 
amount of cherries needed to satisfy market demands for the upcoming 
crop year. The CIAB also considers the carryin inventory and production 
for the upcoming crop year to determine if the supply of cherries is 
expected to exceed the optimum supply. If the expected supply exceeds 
the optimum supply, free and restricted volume control percentages are 
computed and implemented. Under current order provisions, cherries that 
have been diverted from production by growers are considered as part of 
the production when computing volume control percentages, because they 
are considered to be ``handled'' when they are acquired by handlers, as 
discussed under Material Issue Number 1. This proposed amendment would 
require the CIAB to consider the quantity of grower diversion 
certificates acquired by handlers when computing volume control 
percentages, under the optimum supply formula (OSF) and is consistent 
with the proposed amendment under Material Issue Number 1.
    Through the volume control provisions of the order, the supply and 
demand of tart cherries are brought into proper relationship with each 
other. When the supply of tart cherries available to the market exceeds 
the average demand for them in the domestic or ``free'' market, the 
crop is restricted in terms of what may move into the free market. The 
restricted cherries therefore are kept out of the domestic market. A 
restricted percentage is calculated pursuant to Section 930.50 of the 
order and each handler's acquisition of cherries and grower diversion 
certificates is subject to that percentage.
    The volume control mechanism under the order involves growers 
diverting cherries from production by leaving them unharvested in the 
orchard. Handlers can coordinate with their growers during large crop 
years by encouraging them to divert cherries from production. Handlers 
can then acquire from the growers the diversion certificates issued to 
growers by the CIAB and use them as credit against their restriction or 
reserve obligation.
    As previously discussed, handlers must currently include the pounds 
of cherries represented by the grower certificates they acquire as part 
of their ``handling,'' as though these cherries had been delivered and 
processed. This results in grower-diverted cherries being included as 
part of production when the CIAB computes volume control percentages.
    Witnesses testified that grower diversion certificates contribute 
to the supply for the purpose of the OSF. Consequently, grower in-
orchard diversions effectively increase the supply of restricted 
cherries in any given year, even though none of these cherries are 
delivered or processed. A restricted percentage is calculated pursuant 
to the OSF, and each handler's handle of restricted cherries is subject 
to that percentage.
    Witnesses testified that the fluctuation of the restriction 
percentage and its impact upon grower diversion certificates creates 
considerable uncertainty. This uncertainty stems from the fact that 
grower diversions are part of the supply calculation in the OSF, 
currently and contribute to restriction determination.
    If these amendments are implemented, grower diversion certificates 
would not be included as part of production in the volume control 
formula. This is because, if the cherries are diverted, they would not 
be added to the supply and would therefore not be part of OSF.
    An additional change will be made to this section to the factors 
that the CIAB considers when it computes the preliminary and interim 
percentages or determines the final percentages to recommend to the 
Secretary. Section 930.50(e) will be amended to include an additional 
factor and phrase: ``to be the quantity of grower-diverted cherries 
during the crop year.'' The order currently includes only nine factors. 
A new section 930.50(e) would include an additional factor, ``(10) The 
quantity of grower-diverted cherries during the crop year.'' This 
change will require the CIAB to consider grower diversion of cherries 
in OSF when it computes final percentages.
    For the reasons stated above, it is recommended that Sec.  930.50, 
Marketing Policy, be amended to exclude grower diverted cherries from 
the calculation of actual production in the volume control formula, and 
to include an additional factor when computing preliminary or interim 
percentages, or determining final percentages for recommendation to the 
Secretary, by the CIAB. No opposition testimony was given regarding 
this proposed amendment, and it is thus recommended for adoption.

Material Issue Number 3--Grower Diversion Privilege

    Section 930.58 provides parameters for grower diversion of cherries 
under the order. Section 930.58(a) of the order provides that grower 
delivery of diversion certificates to a handler shall be treated as 
though they were actual harvested cherries. Section 930.58(a) should be 
modified to eliminate the phrase ``as though there were actual 
harvested cherries'' to correspond to the proposed definition of 
handle.
    As discussed under Material Issue Numbers 1 and 2, the proposed 
amendments to section 930.10 and section 930.50 would change how grower 
diversion of cherries are accounted for under the order. Grower 
diversion certificates acquired by handlers would no longer be counted 
as handled cherries, and would also not be included as production in 
the volume control formula. The proposed amendment to section 930.58(a) 
would make reference to the treatment of grower diversion certificates 
consistent with the proposed amendments to sections 930.10 and 930.50 
by removing the reference that grower diversion certificates are 
treated as handled cherries.
    No testimony opposing this proposal was provided at the hearing. 
For the reasons stated above, it is recommended that a Sec.  930.58, 
Grower diversion privilege, be revised so that grower diverted cherries 
would not be considered and accounted for as actual harvested cherries.

Small Business Considerations

    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA), 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 so that small businesses will not be 
unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders and amendments 
thereto are unique in that they are normally brought about through 
group action of essentially small entities for their own benefit.
    There are approximately 40 handlers of tart cherries subject to 
regulation under the order and approximately 600 producers of tart 
cherries in the regulated area. Small agricultural service firms, which 
include handlers, have been defined by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA)(13 CFR 121.201) as those having annual receipts of 
less than $7,000,000, and small

[[Page 69676]]

agricultural producers are defined as those having annual receipts of 
less than $750,000. A majority of the tart cherry producers and 
handlers are considered small entities under the SBA standards.
    The geographic region regulated by the order includes the states of 
Michigan, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and 
Wisconsin. Acreage devoted to tart cherry production in the regulated 
area has declined in recent years. According to data presented at the 
hearings, bearing acreage in 1987-88 totaled 50,050 acres; by 2010-11 
it had declined to 35,650 acres. Michigan accounts for 73 percent of 
total U.S. bearing acreage with 26,200 bearing acres. Utah is second, 
with a reported 3,300 acres, or approximately nine percent of the 
total. The remaining states' acreage ranges from 600 to 1,800 acres. 
The order includes authority for (1) Volume regulation, (2) promotion 
and research, and (3) grade and quality standards. Volume regulation is 
used under the order to augment supplies during low supply years, with 
product placed in reserves during large supply years.
    Production of tart cherries can fluctuate widely from year to year. 
The magnitude of these fluctuations is one of the most pronounced for 
any agricultural commodity in the United States, and is due in large 
part to weather related conditions during the bloom and growing 
seasons. This fluctuation in supply presents a marketing challenge for 
the tart cherry industry because demand for the product is relatively 
inelastic, meaning a change in supply has a proportionately larger 
change in price.
    According to data presented at the hearing, production has ranged 
from a low of 62.5 million pounds in 2002-03 to a high of 395.6 million 
pounds in 1995-96. For 2010-11, Michigan accounted for 71 percent of 
total U.S. production with 135 million pounds. Utah is second, with a 
reported 23 million pounds, or approximately twelve percent of the 
total. The remaining states produce between 15.4 and 1.2 million 
pounds.
    During the hearings, multiple witnesses testified that they did not 
believe that the proposed amendments would have any adverse impacts on 
small agricultural service firms or small agricultural producers as 
defined by the SBA. According to the record, the proposed amendments 
would help agricultural businesses and growers by encouraging growers 
to divert some of their tart cherries in the orchard during years of 
extremely large supply. The proposed amendments would result in higher 
grower returns during years of extremely large supply. Processors would 
not incur the cost of processing and storing excess tart cherries. 
Furthermore, the growers who divert their crop do not incur harvest and 
transportation costs. The proposed amendments would result in a lower 
possibility of market saturation. Overall the supply of tart cherries 
in extremely large supply years result in higher returns for growers.
    The proposed amendments are intended to provide additional 
flexibility in administering the volume control provisions of the 
order, and to improve its operation and administration. Record evidence 
indicates that the proposed amendments are intended to benefit all 
producers and handlers under the order, regardless of size.
    There are three proposed amendments. Amendment one would amend 
Section 930.10 of the order to change the definition of ``handle,'' so 
that handler acquisition of grower diversion certificates is not 
considered handling. Amendment two would amend the ``marketing policy'' 
provisions in Section 930.50 of the order so that grower-diverted 
cherries are not counted as production in the OSF. Amendment three 
would amend section 930.58 of the order so that grower-diverted 
cherries are not treated as actual harvested cherries. The proposed 
amendments would modify how grower diversions are accounted for under 
the order.
    Evidence presented when the order was promulgated indicated that a 
grower diversion program could benefit the industry by managing 
fluctuating supply. Witnesses indicated that the order has been 
successful in this regard. However, the record indicated that the order 
should be more flexible in addressing how grower diversions are 
utilized under the order.
    The most efficient method to deal with a surplus is at the lowest 
level of the production and processing chain. The industry wastes the 
least amount of resources if it diverts cherries in the orchard. Once 
they are harvested, chilled, washed, de-stemmed, sorted, pitted, and 
packed, significantly higher costs are incurred and there is a greater 
risk of waste. Diverting surplus cherries in the orchard is the most 
cost effective method of dealing with a surplus situation and provides 
the largest benefit to growers through lower costs.
    The order establishes an opportunity for growers to undertake in-
orchard diversions of cherries (Sec.  930.58). These diversions are 
done during harvest in accordance with procedures defined under the 
order and are overseen by the CIAB. The CIAB issues grower diversion 
certificates to the growers that represent the pounds of cherries that 
were left in the orchard.
    Growers redeem the diversion certificates with handlers, who use 
them as one of their compliance alternatives to meet their reserve or 
restricted obligation. However, under the current order definition of 
``handle,'' handlers must include the pounds of cherries represented by 
the certificates as part of the total cherries that have been delivered 
and processed.
    Consequently, grower in-orchard diversions effectively increase the 
supply of restricted cherries even though none of those cherries were 
delivered for processing. Grower diversion certificates are considered 
to be part of the total quantity of cherries that a handler receives 
and processes, and contribute to the total supply of restricted 
cherries in the OSF. This creates confusion for both the growers and 
processors.
    The OSF is the mechanism specified in the order and used by CIAB to 
determine the relationship between the demand and supply of tart 
cherries in a given year. When the supply of tart cherries exceeds the 
average demand, volume regulation is implemented.
    In an effort to stabilize supply and prices, the tart cherry 
industry uses volume regulation which allows the industry to set free 
and restricted percentages. Free percentage cherries can be marketed by 
handlers to any outlet, while restricted percentage cherries are placed 
in a reserve inventory. The primary purpose of setting restricted 
percentages and placing cherries in a reserve inventory is to attempt 
to balance supply with demand.
    A related component of OSF under the order involves growers 
diverting cherries by leaving them unharvested in the orchard. Handlers 
can coordinate with their growers in large crop years by encouraging 
them to divert cherries from production. Handlers can then acquire the 
diversion certificates issued to growers and use them as credit toward 
their restriction or reserve obligations.
    The interaction of sections 930.10 and 930.50 of the order 
establishes that grower in-orchard diversion is subject to the 
restriction percentage calculated for the year. Because of this, grower 
diversion certificates have less value when growers redeem them with 
handlers. Therefore, when a handler utilizes the grower diversion 
certificates received from growers, the certificates have a reduced 
value as a compliance

[[Page 69677]]

tool in meeting the restricted obligation. Because the certificates 
have a reduced value growers will deliver most of their crop to 
handlers instead of diverting cherries in the orchard in large crop 
years.
    The intent of these amendments is to remove the grower disincentive 
for in-orchard diversion. If the method grower diversions are accounted 
for is changed, the grower diversion program is expected to help 
mitigate the negative effects of oversupply, by increasing the amount 
of cherries diverted from production.
    This action is expected to have a positive impact on growers with 
respect to the value of the grower diversion certificates. If the value 
of the certificates increases, grower diversion of cherries in large 
crop years is expected to increase. Increased grower diversion activity 
will help to reduce excess supplies, which in turn is expected to have 
a positive impact on grower returns. In addition, grower costs 
associated with harvesting and transporting cherries to handlers will 
be reduced as more cherries are diverted.
    This action is also expected to have a positive impact on handlers. 
As more fruit is diverted in the orchard, handlers will avoid the 
processing and storage costs that they would otherwise incur if growers 
harvested and delivered the fruit. Reducing the available supply of 
cherries is expected to mitigate the price depressing effects that 
oversupply typically has on the market, resulting in a positive effect 
for both growers and handlers.
    Testimony at the hearing supported that the amendments, which would 
encourage grower diversions, would not have a negative impact on small 
growers or handlers. The hearing record supported that these amendments 
would benefit small growers by providing better opportunities to divert 
cherries in the orchard in large crop years. Small handlers are not 
always able to ship to export markets or have as much new product 
activity as larger handlers. Small handlers would benefit from these 
amendments by providing diversion credits as a way to meet their 
restrictions.
    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 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and 
assigned OMB No. 0581-0177 (Tart cherries Grown in the States of 
Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington and 
Wisconsin). No changes in those requirements is necessary a result of 
this action. Should any change become necessary, it would be submitted 
to OMB for approval.
    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. USDA has not 
identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap or 
conflict with this proposed rule. All of these amendments are designed 
to enhance the administration and functioning of the marketing order to 
the benefit of the industry.
    The implementation of these requirements is not expected to have 
any additional costs on handler. In fact, these proposed changes are 
expected to reduce costs for both growers and handlers.
    In addition, the meetings regarding these proposals as well as the 
hearing dates were widely publicized throughout the existing tart 
cherry production area and all interested persons were invited to 
attend the meetings and the hearings and participate in CIAB 
deliberations on all issues. All CIAB meetings and the hearing were 
public forums and all entities, both large and small, were able to 
express views on these issues. The CIAB itself is composed of members 
representing handlers, producers and the public. Finally, interested 
persons are invited to submit information on the regulatory and 
informational impacts of this action on small businesses.
    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.

Civil Justice Reform

    The amendments to Marketing Order 930 proposed herein have been 
reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. They are 
not intended to have retroactive effect. If adopted, the proposed 
amendments would not preempt any State or local laws, regulations, or 
policies, unless they present an irreconcilable conflict with this 
proposal.
    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 the 
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 the entry of the ruling.

Rulings on Briefs of Interested Persons

    Briefs, proposed findings and conclusions, and the evidence in the 
record, were considered in making the findings and conclusions set 
forth in this recommended decision. To the extent that the suggested 
findings and conclusions filed by interested persons are inconsistent 
with the findings and conclusions of this recommended decision, the 
requests to make such findings or to reach such conclusions are denied.

General Findings

    The findings hereinafter set forth are supplementary to the 
findings and determinations which were previously made in connection 
with the issuance of the order; 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. The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, and all of the terms and conditions thereof, would 
tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act;
    2. The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the 
production area in the same manner as, and is applicable only to, 
persons in the respective classes of commercial and industrial activity 
specified in the marketing order upon which a hearing has been held;
    3. The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, is limited in its application to the smallest regional 
production area which is practicable, consistent with carrying out the 
declared policy of the Act, and the issuance of several orders 
applicable to subdivisions of the production area would not effectively 
carry out the declared policy of the Act;
    4. The marketing order, as amended, and as hereby proposed to be 
further amended, prescribes, insofar as practicable, such different 
terms applicable to different parts of the production area as are 
necessary to give

[[Page 69678]]

due recognition to the differences in the production and marketing of 
tart cherries grown in the production area; and
    5. All handling of tart cherries grown in the production area as 
defined in the marketing order, is in the current of interstate or 
foreign commerce or directly burdens, obstructs, or affects such 
commerce.
    A 15-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to 
respond to this proposal. Fifteen days is deemed appropriate because 
these proposed changes have been widely publicized and implementation 
of the changes, if adopted, would be desirable to benefit the industry 
prior to the next crop year which begins on July 1, 2012. All written 
exceptions timely received will be considered and a grower referendum 
will be conducted before any of these proposals are implemented.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 930

    Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Tart cherries.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 930 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 930--TART CHERRIES GROWN IN THE STATES OF MICHIGAN, NEW YORK, 
PENNSYLVANIA, OREGON, UTAH, WASHINGTON, AND WISCONSIN

    1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 930 continues to read as 
follows:

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

    2. Revise the introductory paragraph in Sec.  930.10 to read as 
follows:

Sec.  930.10  Handle.

    Handle means the process to brine, can, concentrate, freeze, 
dehydrate, pit, press or puree cherries, or in any other way convert 
cherries commercially into a processed product, or divert cherries 
pursuant to Sec.  930.59, or to otherwise place cherries into the 
current of commerce within the production area or from the area to 
points outside thereof: Provided, That the term handle shall not 
include:
* * * * *
    3. Revise paragraphs (d) and (e) of Sec.  930.50 to read as 
follows:

Sec.  930.50  Marketing Policy.

* * * * *
    (d) Final percentages. No later than September 15 of each crop 
year, the Board shall review the most current information available 
including, but not limited to, processed production and grower 
diversions of cherries during the current crop year. The Board shall 
make such adjustments as are necessary between free and restricted 
tonnage to achieve the optimum supply and recommend such final free 
market tonnage and restricted percentages to the Secretary and announce 
them in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section. The difference 
between any final free market tonnage percentage designated by the 
Secretary and 100 percent shall be the final restricted percentage. 
With its recommendation, the Board shall report on its consideration of 
the factors in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (e) Factors. When computing preliminary and interim percentages, or 
determining final percentages for recommendation to the Secretary, the 
Board shall give consideration to the following factors:
    (1) The estimated total production of cherries;
    (2) The estimated size of the crop to be handled;
    (3) The expected general quality of such cherry production;
    (4) The expected carryover as of July 1 of canned and frozen 
cherries and other cherry products;
    (5) The expected demand conditions for cherries in different market 
segments;
    (6) Supplies of competing commodities;
    (7) An analysis of economic factors having a bearing on the 
marketing of cherries;
    (8) The estimated tonnage held by handlers in primary or secondary 
inventory reserves;
    (9) Any estimated release of primary or secondary inventory reserve 
cherries during the crop year; and
    (10) The quantity of grower-diverted cherries during the crop year.
* * * * *
    4. Revise paragraph (a) of Sec.  930.58 to read as follows:

Sec.  930.58  Grower Diversion privilege.

    (a) In general. Any grower may voluntarily elect to
    divert, in accordance with the provisions of this section, all or a 
portion of the cherries which otherwise, upon delivery to a handler, 
would become restricted percentage cherries. Upon such diversion and 
compliance with the provisions of this section, the Board shall issue 
to the diverting grower a grower diversion certificate which such 
grower may deliver to a handler. Any grower diversions completed in 
accordance with this section, but which are undertaken in districts 
subsequently exempted by the Board from volume regulation under Sec.  
930.52(d), shall qualify for diversion credit.
* * * * *

    Dated: November 3, 2011.
David R. Shipman,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-29031 Filed 11-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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