80 FR 11346 - Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Relaxation of Handling Requirements
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 41 (March 3, 2015)
Agricultural Marketing Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 41 (March 3, 2015)
| Page Range | 11346-11349 | |
| FR Document | 2015-04087 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 11346-11349] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-04087] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Parts 925 and 944 [Doc. No. AMS-FV-14-0031; FV14-925-2 PR] Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Relaxation of Handling Requirements AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This proposed rule invites comments on partially relaxing the handling requirements currently 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 action would partially relax the one-quarter pound minimum bunch size requirement in the order's regulations and the import regulation for U.S. No. 1 Table grade grapes packed in consumer packages known as clamshells weighing 5 pounds or less. Under the proposal, up to 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single grape clusters weighing less than one- quarter pound, but consisting of at least five berries each. This rule would provide California desert grape handlers and importers with the flexibility to respond to an ongoing marketing opportunity to meet consumer needs. DATES: Comments must be received by April 2, 2015. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposed rule. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, 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 [[Page 11347]] hours, or can be viewed at: http://www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this proposal 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: Kathie Notoro, Marketing Specialist, or Martin Engeler, Regional Director, California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487-5901, Fax: (559) 487-5906, or Email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Jeffrey Smutny, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720- 2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposal 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 proposed 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. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this proposed rule in conformance with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13175. This proposal has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This proposed 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. There are no administrative procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of import regulations issued under section 8e of the Act. This proposed rule would partially relax the one-quarter pound minimum bunch size requirement in the order's regulations and the import regulation for all U.S. No. 1 Table grade grapes packed in clamshell consumer packages weighing 5 pounds or less. Under the revision, up to 20 percent of the weight of such containers could consist of single grape clusters weighing less than one-quarter pound but consisting of at least five berries each. This proposed rule would provide California desert grape handlers and importers with the flexibility to respond to an ongoing marketing opportunity. The committee met on November 5, 2013, and conducted an electronic vote on April 8, 2014, to unanimously recommend the partial relaxation for California desert grapes. The change in the import regulation is required under section 8e of the Act. Section 925.52(a)(1) of the order provides authority to regulate the handling of any grade, size, quality, maturity, or pack of any and all varieties of grapes during the season. Section 925.53 provides authority for the committee to recommend to USDA changes to regulations issued pursuant to Sec. 925.52. Section 925.55 specifies that when grapes are regulated pursuant to Sec. 925.52, such grapes must be inspected by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service (FSIS) to ensure they meet applicable requirements. Section 925.304(a) of the order's rules and regulations requires grapes to meet the minimum grade and size requirements of U.S. No 1 Table; or to meet all the requirements of U.S. No. 1 Institutional, except that a tolerance of 33 percent is provided for off-size bunches. The requirements for the U.S. No. 1 Table and U.S. No. 1 Institutional grades are set forth in the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type) (7 CFR 51.880 through 51.914) (Standards). To meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 Table grade, grapes must have a bunch size of at least one-quarter pound. In 2010, the order's regulations were relaxed with respect to the bunch size requirement specified in the Standards (75 FR 17031). This change permitted the use of bunch sizes smaller than one-quarter pound, but with at least five berries each, in packing consumer clamshell containers containing 2 pounds net weight or less. Not more than 20 percent of the weight of such containers could consist of these smaller bunches. This relaxation was made to allow handlers to take advantage of a new marketing opportunity for grapes packed in small clamshell containers. Prior to the relaxation, handlers were experiencing difficulty filling these containers properly with one-quarter pound bunches; smaller bunches were needed to fill the corners of the square container configuration to achieve the desired weight. Since the order's regulations were amended in 2010, customers nationwide have been increasingly requesting grapes in larger clamshell containers. Handlers experience difficulty properly filling these larger containers to the desired weights with one-quarter pound bunch sizes, similar to the problem they experienced with the smaller 2-pound clamshell containers. Therefore, the committee recommended that the bunch size requirement in the order's regulations pertaining to U.S. No. 1 Table grade grapes be partially relaxed with respect to containers weighing 5 pounds or less. Under this proposed change, up to 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single grape clusters weighing less than one-quarter pound, but with at least five berries each. This proposal would allow handlers to continue to respond to increased marketing opportunities. Section 925.304 (a) would be revised accordingly. Under section 8e of the Act, minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements for table grapes imported into the United States are established under Table Grape Import Regulation 4 (7 CFR 944.503) (import regulation). A relaxation in the California Desert Grape Regulation 6 minimum bunch size requirement would require a corresponding relaxation to the minimum bunch size requirement for imported table grapes. Like the domestic industry, this proposed action would allow importers the flexibility to respond to an ongoing marketing opportunity to meet consumer needs. Section 944.503(a)(1) would be revised accordingly. [[Page 11348]] 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 businesses subject to such actions in order that small businesses will not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued pursuant to the Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are unique in that they are brought about through group action of essentially small entities acting on their own behalf. There are approximately 15 handlers of southeastern California grapes who are subject to regulation under the marketing order and about 41 grape producers in the production area. In addition, there are about 102 importers of grapes. Small agricultural service firms are defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as those having annual receipts of less than $7,000,000, and small agricultural producers are defined as those whose annual receipts are less than $750,000 (13 CFR 121.201). Ten of the 15 handlers subject to regulation have annual grape sales of less than $7,000,000, according to USDA Market News Service and committee data. Based on information from the committee and USDA's Market News Service, it is estimated that at least 10 of the 41 producers have annual receipts of less than $750,000. Thus, it may be concluded that a majority of grape handlers regulated under the order and about ten of the producers could be classified as small entities under the SBA definitions. Mexico, Chile, and Peru are the major countries that export table grapes to the United States. According to 2013 data from USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), shipments of table grapes imported into the United States from Mexico totaled 16,582,989 18-pound lugs, from Chile totaled 47,922,204 18-pound lugs, and from Peru totaled 3,519,448 18- pound lugs. According to FAS data, the value of table grapes imported from Mexico, Chile, and Peru was $332,284,000, $760,952,000, and $80,912,000, respectively, for a total value of $1,174,148,000. It is estimated that the average importer receives $11.5 million in revenue from the sale of table grapes. Based on this information, it may be concluded that the average table grape importer would not be classified as a small entity. This proposed rule would revise Sec. 925.304(a) of the rules and regulations of the California desert grape order and Sec. 944.503(a)(1) of the table grape import regulation. This proposed rule would partially relax the one-quarter pound minimum bunch size requirement in the order's regulations and the import regulation for U.S. No. 1 Table grade grapes packed in consumer clamshell packages weighing 5 pounds or less. Under the proposed relaxation, up to 20 percent of the weight of each package may consist of single grape clusters weighing less than one-quarter pound, but with at least five berries each. Authority for the proposed change to the California desert grape rules and regulations is provided in Sec. Sec. 925.52(a)(1) and 925.53. Authority for the change to the table grape import regulation is provided in section 8e of the Act. There is agreement in the industry for the need to expand the revised minimum bunch size requirement for grapes packed in these consumer clamshell packages to allow for more packaging options. Regarding the impact of this proposed rule on affected entities, this rule would provide both California desert grape handlers and importers with the flexibility to continue to respond to an ongoing marketing opportunity to meet consumer needs. This marketing opportunity initially existed in the 2009 season, and the minimum bunch size regulations were revised for consumer clamshell packages weighing 2 pounds or less, on a test basis. In 2011, the regulation was revised permanently for consumer clamshell packages weighing 2 pounds or less due to the positive market response. This proposal would expand the revised requirements to include larger consumer clamshell packages weighing 5 pounds or less. Customers have been requesting larger sized clamshell packages, and this proposed action would enable handlers and importers to take advantage of increased market opportunities, which may result in increased shipments of consumer grape packages. This is expected to have a positive impact on producers, handlers, and importers. No additional alternatives were considered because the 2011 revision produced the desired results, and no problems were identified. The committee believes the partial relaxation of the bunch size requirement for grapes packed in larger consumer clamshell packages was appropriate to prescribe for the 2014 and subsequent seasons. 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. 0581-0189. No changes in those requirements as a result of this action are necessary. Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to OMB for approval. This rule would not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on either small or large grape handlers or importers. 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. Further, the committee's meeting was widely publicized throughout the grape industry, and all interested persons were invited to attend the meeting and participate in committee deliberations. Like all committee meetings, the November 5, 2013 meeting was a public meeting; and all entities, both large and small, were able to express their views on this issue. Finally, interested persons are invited to submit comments on this proposed 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: http://www.ams.usda.gov/MarketingOrdersSmallBusinessGuide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Jeffrey Smutny at the previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. A 30-day comment period is provided to allow interested persons to respond to this proposal. Thirty days is deemed appropriate because this rule, if adopted, needs to be in place as soon as possible to allow handlers to take advantage of this relaxation during the regulatory period which begins on April 10, 2015. All written comments timely received will be considered before a final determination is made on this matter. In accordance with section 8e of the Act, the United States Trade [[Page 11349]] Representative has concurred with the issuance of this rule. List of Subjects 7 CFR Part 925 Grapes, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 7 CFR Part 944 Avocados, Food grades and standards, Grapefruit, Grapes, Imports, Kiwifruit, Limes, Olives, Oranges. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR parts 925 and 944 are proposed to be amended as follows: 0 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR parts 925 and 944 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674. PART 925--GRAPES GROWN IN A DESIGNATED AREA OF SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA 0 2. Amend Sec. 925.304(a) by re-designating paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) as paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4), revising paragraph (a) introductory text and adding new paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) to read as follows: Sec. 925.304 California Desert Grape Regulation 6. * * * * * (a) Grade, size, and maturity. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section, such grapes shall meet the minimum grade and size requirements established in paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2). (1) U.S. No. 1 Table, as set forth in the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type 7 CFR 51.880 through 51.914), with the exception of the tolerance percentage for bunch size when packed in individual consumer clamshell packages weighing 5 pounds or less: not more than 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single clusters weighing less than one- quarter pound, but with at least five berries each; or (2) U.S. No. 1 Institutional, with the exception of the tolerance percentage for bunch size. Such tolerance shall be 33 percent instead of 4 percent as is required to meet U.S. No. 1 Institutional grade. Grapes meeting these quality requirements may be marked ``DGAC No. 1 Institutional'' but shall not be marked ``Institutional Pack.'' * * * * * PART 944--FRUITS; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS 0 3. Amend Sec. 944.503 by redesignating paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) as paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(1)(iv), revising paragraph (a)(1) introductory text and adding new paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) to read as follows: Sec. 944.503 Table Grape Import Regulation 4. (a)(1) Pursuant to section 8e of the Act and Part 944--Fruits, Import Regulations, and except as provided in paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(1)(iv), the importation into the United States of any variety of Vinifera species table grapes, except Emperor, Calmeria, Almeria, and Ribier varieties, is prohibited unless such grapes meet the minimum grade and size requirements established in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) or (a)(2)(ii). (i) U.S. No. 1 Table, as set forth in the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type 7 CFR 51.880 through 51.914), with the exception of the tolerance percentage for bunch size when packed in individual consumer clamshell packages weighing 5 pounds or less: not more than 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single clusters weighing less than one- quarter pound, but with at least five berries each; or (ii) U.S. No. 1 Institutional, with the exception of the tolerance percentage for bunch size. Such tolerance shall be 33 percent instead of 4 percent as is required to meet U.S. No. 1 Institutional grade. Grapes meeting these quality requirements may be marked ``DGAC No. 1 Institutional'' but shall not be marked ``Institutional Pack.'' * * * * * Dated: February 23, 2015. Rex A. Barnes, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2015-04087 Filed 3-2-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
![11346 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 3, 2015 / Proposed Rules
have qualified. The consecutive terms of may be conducted by mail, electronic DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
office of a member shall be limited to mail, or other means according to rules
two terms. The terms of office of and regulations recommended by the Agricultural Marketing Service
alternate members shall not be so Committee and approved by the
limited. Members, their alternates, and Secretary. 7 CFR Parts 925 and 944
their respective successors shall be ■ 10. Revise § 905.28 to read as follows: [Doc. No. AMS–FV–14–0031; FV14–925–2
nominated and selected by the Secretary PR]
as provided in § 905.22 and § 905.23. § 905.28 Qualification and Acceptance.
■ 9. Revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of
and add a new paragraph (c) in § 905.22 Any person nominated to serve as a Southeastern California and Imported
to read as follows: member or alternate member of the Table Grapes; Relaxation of Handling
Committee shall, prior to selection by Requirements
§ 905.22 Nominations. the Secretary, qualify by filing a written
(a) Grower members. (1) The qualification and acceptance statement AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service,
Committee shall give public notice of a indicating such person’s qualifications USDA.
meeting of producers in each district to and willingness to serve in the position ACTION: Proposed rule with request for
be held not later than June 10th of even- for which nominated. comments.
numbered years, for the purpose of ■ 11. Revise the first sentence of SUMMARY: This proposed rule invites
making nominations for grower paragraph (a) in § 905.42 to read as comments on partially relaxing the
members and alternate grower members. follows: handling requirements currently
The Committee, with the approval of the prescribed under the California table
Secretary, shall prescribe uniform rules § 905.42 Handler’s accounts. grape marketing order (order) and the
to govern such meetings and the table grape import regulation. The order
balloting thereat. The chairman of each (a) If, at the end of a fiscal period, the
assessments collected are in excess of regulates the handling of table grapes
meeting shall publicly announce at such grown in a designated area of
meeting the names of the persons expenses incurred, the Committee, with
the approval of the Secretary, may carry southeastern California and is
nominated, and the chairman and administered locally by the California
secretary of each such meeting shall over such excess into subsequent fiscal
Desert Grape Administrative Committee
transmit to the Secretary their periods as a reserve: Provided, That
(committee). The import regulation is
certification as to the number of votes so funds already in the reserve do not
authorized under section 8e of the
cast, the names of the persons exceed approximately two fiscal Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act
nominated, and such other information periods’ expenses. * * * of 1937 and regulates the importation of
as the Secretary may request. All * * * * * table grapes into the United States. This
nominations shall be submitted to the action would partially relax the one-
■ 12. Revise paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5),
Secretary on or before the 20th day of quarter pound minimum bunch size
and add a new paragraph (a)(6) in
June. requirement in the order’s regulations
§ 905.52 to read as follows:
* * * * * and the import regulation for U.S. No.
(b) Shipper members. (1) The § 905.52 Issuance of regulations. 1 Table grade grapes packed in
Committee shall give public notice of a consumer packages known as
(a) * * * clamshells weighing 5 pounds or less.
meeting for bona fide cooperative
marketing organizations which are (4) Establish, prescribe, and fix the Under the proposal, up to 20 percent of
handlers, and a meeting for other size, capacity, weight, dimensions, the weight of such containers may
handlers who are not so affiliated, to be marking (including labels and stamps), consist of single grape clusters weighing
held not later than June 10th of even- or pack of the container or containers less than one-quarter pound, but
numbered years, for the purpose of which may be used in the packaging, consisting of at least five berries each.
making nominations for shipper transportation, sale, shipment, or other This rule would provide California
members and their alternates. The handling of fruit. desert grape handlers and importers
Committee, with the approval of the (5) Provide requirements that may be with the flexibility to respond to an
Secretary, shall prescribe uniform rules different for the handling of fruit within ongoing marketing opportunity to meet
to govern each such meeting and the the production area, the handling of consumer needs.
balloting thereat. The chairperson of fruit for export, or for the handling of DATES: Comments must be received by
each such meeting shall publicly April 2, 2015.
fruit between the production area and
announce at the meeting the names of ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
any point outside thereof within the
the persons nominated and the invited to submit written comments
United States.
chairman and secretary of each such concerning this proposed rule.
meeting shall transmit to the Secretary (6) Any regulations or requirements Comments must be sent to the Docket
their certification as to the number of pertaining to intrastate shipments shall Clerk, Marketing Order and Agreement
votes cast, the weight by volume of not be implemented unless Florida Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program,
those shipments voted, and such other statutes and regulations regulating such AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
information as the Secretary may shipments are not in effect. Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington,
request. All nominations shall be * * * * * DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938; or
submitted to the Secretary on or before Internet: http://www.regulations.gov. All
the 20th day of June. Dated: February 23, 2015.
comments should reference the
* * * * * Rex. A. Barnes, document number and the date and
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Associate Administrator, Agricultural page number of this issue of the Federal
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, Marketing Service. Register and will be made available for
nomination and election of members [FR Doc. 2015–04085 Filed 3–2–15; 8:45 am] public inspection in the Office of the
and alternate members to the Committee BILLING CODE P Docket Clerk during regular business
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 3, 2015 / Proposed Rules 11349
Representative has concurred with the PART 944—FRUITS; IMPORT Proposed rule; extension of
ACTION:
issuance of this rule. REQUIREMENTS comment period.
List of Subjects ■ 3. Amend § 944.503 by redesignating SUMMARY: On December 18, 2014, the
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) as Board published in the Federal Register
7 CFR Part 925
paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(1)(iv), a proposal to implement risk-based
Grapes, Marketing agreements, revising paragraph (a)(1) introductory capital surcharges for U.S.-based global
Reporting and recordkeeping text and adding new paragraphs (a)(1)(i) systemically important banking
requirements. and (a)(1)(ii) to read as follows: organizations.
Due to the range and complexity of
7 CFR Part 944 § 944.503 Table Grape Import Regulation
the issues addressed in the proposed
4.
rulemaking, the public comment period
Avocados, Food grades and standards, (a)(1) Pursuant to section 8e of the Act has been extended until April 3, 2015.
Grapefruit, Grapes, Imports, Kiwifruit, and Part 944—Fruits, Import This action will allow interested
Limes, Olives, Oranges. Regulations, and except as provided in persons additional time to analyze the
paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(1)(iv), the proposal and prepare their comments.
For the reasons set forth in the
importation into the United States of
preamble, 7 CFR parts 925 and 944 are DATES: The comment period for the
any variety of Vinifera species table
proposed to be amended as follows: proposed rule published on December
grapes, except Emperor, Calmeria,
18, 2014 (79 FR 75473) to implement
■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR Almeria, and Ribier varieties, is
risk-based capital surcharges for U.S.-
parts 925 and 944 continues to read as prohibited unless such grapes meet the
based global systemically important
follows: minimum grade and size requirements
banking organizations is extended from
established in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) or
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. March 2, 2015 to April 3, 2015.
(a)(2)(ii).
(i) U.S. No. 1 Table, as set forth in the ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
PART 925—GRAPES GROWN IN A by any of the methods identified in the
DESIGNATED AREA OF United States Standards for Grades of
Table Grapes (European or Vinifera proposed rule.1 Please submit your
SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA comments using only one method.
Type 7 CFR 51.880 through 51.914),
with the exception of the tolerance FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
■ 2. Amend § 925.304(a) by re-
designating paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) percentage for bunch size when packed Jordan Bleicher, Senior Supervisory
as paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4), revising in individual consumer clamshell Financial Analyst, (202) 973–6123, or
packages weighing 5 pounds or less: not Holly Kirkpatrick, Supervisory
paragraph (a) introductory text and
more than 20 percent of the weight of Financial Analyst, (202) 452–2796,
adding new paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)
such containers may consist of single Division of Banking Supervision and
to read as follows:
clusters weighing less than one-quarter Regulation, or Christine Graham, Senior
§ 925.304 California Desert Grape pound, but with at least five berries Attorney, (202) 452–3005, Legal
Regulation 6. each; or Division.
* * * * * (ii) U.S. No. 1 Institutional, with the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
exception of the tolerance percentage for December 18, 2014, the Board published
(a) Grade, size, and maturity. Except bunch size. Such tolerance shall be 33
as provided in paragraphs (a)(3) and in the Federal Register a proposal to
percent instead of 4 percent as is implement risk-based capital surcharges
(a)(4) of this section, such grapes shall required to meet U.S. No. 1 Institutional
meet the minimum grade and size for U.S.-based global systemically
grade. Grapes meeting these quality important banking organizations.2 The
requirements established in paragraphs requirements may be marked ‘‘DGAC
(a)(1) or (a)(2). proposed rule stated that the public
No. 1 Institutional’’ but shall not be comment period would close on March
(1) U.S. No. 1 Table, as set forth in the marked ‘‘Institutional Pack.’’ 2, 2015.3
United States Standards for Grades of * * * * * The Board has received a comment
Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Dated: February 23, 2015. letter requesting that the Board extend
Type 7 CFR 51.880 through 51.914), the comment period for the proposal.4
Rex A. Barnes,
with the exception of the tolerance The commenter suggested that an
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
percentage for bunch size when packed Marketing Service. extension of the comment period would
in individual consumer clamshell facilitate more detailed comments about
[FR Doc. 2015–04087 Filed 3–2–15; 8:45 am]
packages weighing 5 pounds or less: not the implications of the proposal and its
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
more than 20 percent of the weight of potential consequences.
such containers may consist of single Due to the range and complexity of
clusters weighing less than one-quarter the issues addressed in the proposed
pound, but with at least five berries FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM rulemaking, the public comment period
each; or 12 CFR Part 217 has been extended until April 3, 2015.
(2) U.S. No. 1 Institutional, with the This action will allow interested
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
[Regulation Q; Docket No. R–1505] persons additional time to analyze the
exception of the tolerance percentage for
bunch size. Such tolerance shall be 33 RIN 7100–AD–26 proposal and prepare their comments.
percent instead of 4 percent as is By order of the Board of Governors of the
required to meet U.S. No. 1 Institutional Risk-Based Capital Guidelines: Federal Reserve System, acting through the
grade. Grapes meeting these quality Implementation of Capital
requirements may be marked ‘‘DGAC Requirements for Global Systemically 1 See 79 FR 75473 (December 18, 2014).
No. 1 Institutional’’ but shall not be Important Bank Holding Companies 2 See 79 FR 75473 (December 18, 2014).
3 Id.
marked ‘‘Institutional Pack.’’ AGENCY: Board of Governors of the 4 See, e.g., Comment letter to the Board from The
* * * * * Federal Reserve System (Board). Clearing House (February 20, 2015).
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Document Created: 2015-12-18 11:56:07
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 11:56:07
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule with request for comments. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received by April 2, 2015. | |
| Contact | Kathie Notoro, Marketing Specialist, or Martin Engeler, Regional Director, California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487-5901, Fax: (559) 487-5906, or Email: [email protected] or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 11346 | |
| CFR Citation | 7
CFR
925 7 CFR 944 | |
| CFR Associated | Grapes; Marketing Agreements; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Avocados; Food Grades and Standards; Grapefruit; Imports; Kiwifruit; Limes; Olives and Oranges |
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