Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/08/02/05-15168/nectarines-and-peaches-grown-in-california-revision-of-handling-requirements-for-fresh-nectarines
Timestamp: 2017-11-20 08:18:59
Document Index: 528251425

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A Rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service on 08/02/2005
44243-44249 (7 pages)
Docket No. FV05-916-1 FIR
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/05-15168 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/05-15168
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, with changes, an interim final rule revising the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by modifying the grade, size, maturity, and pack requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2005 season shipments. This rule also authorizes continued shipments of “CA Utility” quality nectarines and peaches, and revises weight-count standards for fruit in volume-filled containers. The marketing 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 enables 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.
California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, Telephone (559) 487-5901, Fax: (559) 487-5906; or George Kelhart, Technical Advisor, 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.
Under the orders, grade, size, maturity, pack and container requirements are established for fresh shipments of California nectarines and peaches. Such requirements are in effect on a continuing basis. The Nectarine Administrative Committee (NAC) and the Peach Commodity Committee (PCC), which are responsible for local administration of the orders, met on December 7, 2004, and unanimously recommended that these handling requirements be revised for the 2005 season, which began about the first week of April. The changes will: (1) revise varietal maturity, quality, and size requirements to better reflect current industry practices; (2) authorize continued shipments of “CA Utility” quality fruit during the 2005 season; and (3) adjust weight-count standards for fruit packed in volume-filled containers.
The committees meet prior to and during each season to review the rules and regulations effective on a continuing basis for California nectarines and peaches under the orders. Committee meetings are open to Start Printed Page 44244the public and interested persons are encouraged to express their views at these meetings. The committees held such meetings on December 7, 2004. USDA reviews committee recommendations and information, as well as information from other sources, and determines whether modification, suspension, or termination of the rules and regulations would tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act.
No official crop estimate was available at the time of the committees' December 7, 2004, meetings because the nectarine and peach trees were dormant. The committees subsequently made crop estimates at their meetings on April 24, 2005. The 2005 nectarine crop was estimated to be approximately 20,682,000 containers, and the 2005 peach crop was estimated to be approximately 21,180,000 containers. These crop estimates are slightly larger than the 2004 crops, which totaled 19,860,000 containers of nectarines and 20,585,000 containers of peaches.
This rule continues in effect the revisions of §§ 916.350, 916.356, 917.442, and 917.459 to permit shipments of nectarines and peaches meeting “CA Utility” quality requirements during the 2005 season. (“CA Utility” fruit is lower in quality than that meeting the modified U.S. No. 1 grade requirements.) Shipments of nectarines and peaches meeting “CA Utility” quality requirements have been permitted each season since 1996.
Accordingly, based upon the recommendations, the revisions to paragraph (d) of §§ 916.350 and 917.442, and paragraph (a)(1) of §§ 916.356 and 917.459 continue in effect to permit shipments of nectarines and peaches meeting “CA Utility” quality requirements during the 2005 season, on the same basis as shipments since the 2000 season.
In §§ 916.52 and 917.41, authority is provided to establish maturity requirements for nectarines and peaches, respectively. The minimum maturity level currently specified for nectarines and peaches is “mature” as defined in the standards. For most varieties, “well-matured” determinations for nectarines and peaches are made using maturity guides (e.g., color chips, along with other maturity tests as applied by the inspection service). These maturity guides are reviewed each year by the Shipping Point Inspection Service (SPI) to determine whether they need to be changed, based upon the most-recent information available on the individual characteristics of each nectarine and peach variety.
The requirements in the 2005 handling regulations are the same as those that appeared in the 2004 handling regulations with a few exceptions. Those exceptions are explained in this rule and continue in effect.
Nectarines: Requirements for “well-matured” nectarines are specified in § 916.356 of the order's rules and regulations. This rule continues in effect the revision of Table 1 of paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of § 916.356 to add maturity guides for eleven varieties of nectarines. Specifically, SPI recommended adding maturity guides for the Crimson Baby variety to be regulated at the G maturity guide; for the Alta Red, Grand Candy, Kay Glo, Kay Sweet, Red Roy and Shay Sweet varieties at the J maturity guide; and for the August Fire, Candy Gold, Prince Jim I and Sugar Queen varieties to be regulated at the L maturity guide.
Peaches: Requirements for “well-matured” peaches are specified in § 917.459 of the order's rules and regulations. This rule continues in effect revisions to Table 1 of paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of § 917.459 to add maturity guides for six peach varieties. Specifically, SPI recommended adding maturity guides for the Island Princess variety to be regulated at the H maturity guide; the Bev's Red variety to be regulated at the I maturity guide; and the Prima Peach IV, Spring Gem, Sweet Amber, and Zee Diamond varieties to be regulated at the J maturity guide.
The PCC also recommended adding the Burpeachtwo (Henry II®) variety to the table for regulation at the J maturity guide, but that variety had already been added to the table for regulation at the J maturity guide in 2004 (7 July 2004, 69 FR 41120). Thus, the revision of Table 1 of paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of § 917.459 continues in effect to reflect the recommended addition of only six varieties.
The NAC and PCC recommended these maturity guide requirements based on SPI's continuing review of individual maturity characteristics and identification of the appropriate maturity guide corresponding to the “well-matured” level of maturity for nectarine and peach varieties in production. Start Printed Page 44245
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 size and maturity of the fruit. Acceptable fruit size provides greater consumer satisfaction and promotes repeat purchases, and, therefore, increases returns to producers and handlers. In addition, increased fruit size results in increased numbers of packed containers of nectarines and peaches per acre, also a benefit to producers and handlers.
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 continues in effect the revision of § 916.356 to establish variety-specific minimum size requirements for nine varieties of nectarines that were produced in commercially significant quantities of more than 10,000 containers for the first time during the 2004 season. This rule also continues in effect the removal of the variety-specific minimum size requirements for fifteen varieties of nectarines whose shipments fell below 5,000 containers during the 2004 season.
For reasons similar to those discussed in the preceding paragraph, the revision to the introductory text of paragraph(a)(3) of § 916.356 continues in effect to include the Red Jewel and Zee Fire varieties; the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(4) of § 916.356 continues in effect to include the Diamond Pearl and Kay Fire varieties; and the revision to the introductory text of paragraph (a)(6) of § 916.356 continues in effect to include the Burnectfour (Summer Flare® 35), Burnectseven (Summer Flare® 28), Honey Dew, La Pinta and Mike's Red nectarine varieties.
This rule also continues in effect the revision of the introductory text of paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5) and (a)(6) of § 916.356 to remove fifteen varieties from the variety-specific minimum size requirements specified in these paragraphs because less than 5,000 containers of each of these varieties were produced during the 2004 season. Specifically, the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(3) of § 916.356 continues in effect to remove the May Kist nectarine variety; the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(4) of § 916.356 continues in effect to remove the Sparkling May and White Sun nectarine varieties; the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(5) continues in effect to remove the Red May nectarine variety; and the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(6) of § 916.356 continues in effect to remove the Candy Sweet, Flame Glo, Grand Diamond, June Lion, King Jim, Ruby Bright, Scarlet Red, Summer Jewel, Sunny Red, Sweet White and White September nectarine varieties.
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 continues in effect the revision of § 917.459 to establish variety-specific minimum size requirements for thirteen peach varieties that were produced in commercially significant quantities of more than 10,000 containers for the first time during the 2004 season. This rule also continues in effect the removal of the variety-specific minimum size requirements for ten varieties of peaches whose shipments fell below 5,000 containers during the 2004 season.
A review of other varieties with the same harvesting period indicated that the Ivory Queen 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 Queen variety in the variety-specific minimum size regulation at a minimum size 80 is appropriate. Although most other size recommendations for peaches result from size studies conducted over a three-year period, data on the Ivory Queen variety for earlier years is not available because the plantings of this variety did not bear fruit before 2002. Unusually large plantings of the Ivory Queen variety led to the rapid production of over 10,000 containers in just two years, and indicated inclusion in the variety-specific minimum size requirements. Start Printed Page 44246
For reasons similar to those discussed in the preceding paragraph, the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(2) of § 917.459 continues in effect to include the April Snow and Sugar Snow peach varieties; the revision of the introductory text of § (a)(5) of § 917.459 continues in effect to include the Ivory Queen peach variety; and the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(6) of § 917.459 continues in effect to include the Autumn Rich, Cherry Red, Crimson Queen, Early O'Henry, Henry III, Henry IV, Last Tango, Ruby Queen, Sierra Rich and 244LE379 peach varieties.
This rule also continues in effect the revision of the introductory text of paragraph (a)(5) of § 917.459 to remove the Redtop, Sugar May and 172LE White Peach (Crimson Snow/Sunny Snow) peach varieties; and continues in effect the revision of the introductory paragraph (a)(6) of § 917.459 to remove the Autumn Fire, Fairtime, June Pride, Late September Snow, Queen Lady, Ruby Gold and Sugar Red peach varieties from the variety-specific minimum size requirements specified in the section because less than 5,000 containers of each of these varieties was produced during the 2004 season.
Under the provisions of §§ 916.52 and 917.41 of the orders, the NAC and PCC, respectively, are also authorized to establish weight-count standards for packed containers of fruit. These standards define a maximum number of peaches in a 16-pound sample when such fruit, which may be packed in tray-packed containers, is converted to volume-filled containers. In §§ 916.350 and 917.442 of the orders' rules and regulations, weight-count standards are established for all varieties of nectarines and peaches (except the Peento type peaches), in Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph (a)(5)(iv).
Nectarines: This rule continues in effect the revision of Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph (a)(5)(iv) of § 916.350. Such revisions require continuation of the conforming modifications to the text of § 916.356, paragraphs (a)(4)(ii), (a)(6)(ii), (a)(8)(ii), and (a)(9)(ii) that increase the maximum number of nectarines in a 16-pound sample for the sizes regulated in those paragraphs.
Peaches: Similarly, this rule continues in effect the revision of Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph (a)(5)(iv) of § 917.442 to reflect the staff's study findings. Additionally, two new weight-count standards for peaches continue to be added to the tables. These two new standards are for large sizes previously without weight-count assignments, and were determined from the data collected.
Such revisions require continuation of the conforming modifications to the text of § 917.459, paragraph (a)(5)(iii) that increase the maximum number of peaches in a 16-pound sample for the size regulated in that paragraph.
This rule continues in effect the establishment of handling requirements for fresh California nectarines and peaches consistent with expected crop and market conditions, and will help ensure that all shipments of these fruits made each season will meet acceptable handling requirements established under each of these orders. This rule will also help the California nectarine and peach industries to provide fruit desired by consumers. This rule continues in effect the establishment and maintenance of orderly marketing conditions for these fruits in the interests of producers, handlers, and consumers.
Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Start Printed Page 44247Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has considered the economic impact of this action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final regulatory flexibility analysis.
There are approximately 207 California nectarine and peach handlers subject to regulation under the orders covering nectarines and peaches grown in California, and about 1,500 producers of these fruits in California. Small agricultural service firms, which include handlers, are defined by the Small Business Administration [13 CFR 121.201] as those whose annual receipts are less than $5,000,000. Small agricultural producers are defined by the Small Business Administration 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 also estimated that fewer than 20 percent of the producers in the industry could be defined as other than small entities. For the 2004 season, the committees' staff estimated the average producer price received was $5.00 per container or container equivalent for nectarines and peaches. A producer would have to produce at least 150,000 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 2004 season, the committees' staff estimates that small producers represent more than 80 percent of the producers within the industry.
Under §§ 916.52 and 917.41 of the orders, grade, size, maturity, container and pack requirements are established for fresh shipments of California nectarines and peaches, respectively. Such requirements are in effect on a continuing basis. The NAC and PCC met on December 7, 2004, and unanimously recommended that these handling requirements be revised for the 2005 season. These recommendations had been presented to the committees by various subcommittees, each charged with review and discussion of the changes. The changes: (1) authorize shipments of “CA Utility” quality fruit to continue during the 2005 season; (2) adjust weight-count standards for fruit in volume filled containers; and (3) revise varietal maturity, quality, and size requirements to reflect changes in production and marketing practices.
In 1996, §§ 916.350 and 917.442 were revised to permit shipments of “CA Utility” quality nectarines and peaches as an experiment during the 1996 season only. Such shipments have subsequently been permitted each season. Since 1996, shipments of “CA Utility” have ranged from 1 to 5 percent of total nectarine and peach shipments. This rule continues in effect the authority to continue shipments of “CA Utility” quality nectarines and peaches during the 2005 season.
The Tree Fruit Quality Subcommittee met on November 30, 2004, and unanimously agreed that the “CA Utility” quality requirements that are currently in place should be continued. Also, not authorizing such shipments would be an abrupt departure from their current practices. The NAC and PCC also unanimously recommended such continuation at their meetings on December 7, 2004, and have done so continuously since such shipments were first authorized in 1996.
Sections 916.356 and 917.459 establish minimum maturity levels. This rule continues in effect the annual adjustments to the maturity requirements for several varieties of nectarines and peaches. Maturity requirements are based on maturity measurements generally using maturity guides (e.g., color chips), as recommended by Shipping Point Inspection. Such maturity guides are reviewed annually by SPI to determine the appropriate guide for each nectarine and peach variety. These annual adjustments reflect refinements in measurements of the maturity characteristics of nectarines and peaches as experienced over previous seasons' inspections. Adjustments in the guides utilized ensure that fruit has met an acceptable level of maturity, ensuring consumer satisfaction while benefiting nectarine and peach producers and handlers.
Currently, in § 916.356 of the nectarine order's rules and regulations, and in § 917.459 of the peach order's rules and regulations, minimum sizes for various varieties of nectarines and peaches, respectively, are established. This rule continues in effect the adjustments to the minimum sizes authorized for various varieties of nectarines and peaches for the 2005 season. Minimum size regulations are put in place to encourage producers to leave fruit on the trees for a longer period of time. This increased growing time not only improves maturity, but also increases fruit size. Increased fruit size increases the number of packed containers per acre, and coupled with heightened maturity levels, also provides greater consumer satisfaction, fostering repeat purchases. Such improved consumer satisfaction and repeat purchases benefit both producers and handlers alike.
An alternative to such action would include not establishing minimum size regulations for these new varieties. Such an action would ultimately increase the amount of less acceptable fruit being marketed to consumers, and would be contrary to the long-term interests of producers, handlers, and consumers. For these reasons, this alternative was not recommended. Start Printed Page 44248
Additionally, the difference in density between early-season and mid-season to late-season fruit causes an abrupt change in sizes during the seasonal transition. Handlers have reported that marketing through that period is difficult because of the discrepancy between sizes of earlier fruit and later fruit, and have sought a modified sizing method that would smooth that transition.
Finally, continuous breeding has led to an increasing similarity of fruit shapes between nectarines and peaches. The committees desire to develop a more uniform sizing system.
An interim final rule concerning this action was published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2005. Copies of the rule were posted on the committees' Web site and were also made available through the Internet by USDA and the Office of the Federal Register. That rule provided a 60-day comment period, which ended on May 31, 2005. One comment was submitted on the rule.
First, the commenter noted that the Spring Ray nectarine variety name should be changed to include the patented name, “Burnectone.” This rule removes the name “Spring Ray” from Table 1 of paragraph (a)(1)(iv) in § 916.356 and from the introductory text of paragraph (a)(4) of § 916.356, and replaces it with “Burnectone (Spring Ray).”
The commenter also noted that the 012-094 peach variety name should be changed to include the patented name, “Supeacheight.” This rule removes the name “012-094” in paragraph (a)(5) of § 917.459, and replaces it with “Supeacheight (012-094).”
Each of the recommended handling requirement changes for the 2005 season is expected to benefit producers and handlers through increased fruit sales, compared to the situation that would exist if the changes were not adopted. Both large and small entities are expected to benefit from the changes, and the costs of compliance are not expected to be substantially different between large and small entities.
In addition, the committees' meetings are widely publicized throughout the nectarine and peach industry and all interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate in committee deliberations on all issues. These meetings are held annually in the fall, winter and spring. Like all committee meetings, the December 7, 2004, meetings were public meetings, and all entities, large and small, were encouraged to express views on these issues. These regulations were also reviewed and thoroughly discussed at subcommittee meetings held on August Start Printed Page 4424926, September 13, November 9 and November 30, 2004. Finally, interested persons were invited to submit information on the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small businesses.
After consideration of all relevant matters presented, the information and recommendations submitted by the committees, the comment received, and other information, it is found that finalizing the interim final rule, with changes, as published in the Federal Register, (70 FR 16383, March 31, 2005) will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act.
A. Removing the words “Spring Ray” from column A and the entry “L” from column B and adding in alphabetical order the words “Burnectone (Spring Ray)” in column A and an entry “L” in column B of Table 1 in paragraph(a)(1)(iv);
B. Removing the words “Spring Ray” and adding the words “Burnectone (Spring Ray)” in alphabetical order in the introductory text of paragraph (a)(4).
3. Section 917.459 is amended by removing the word “012-094” and adding the words “Supeacheight (012-094)” in alphabetical order in the introductory text of paragraph (a)(5).
[FR Doc. 05-15168 Filed 8-1-05; 8:45 am]
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