81_FR_38174 81 FR 38061 - Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions

81 FR 38061 - Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 113 (June 13, 2016)

Page Range38061-38067
FR Document2016-13770

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions, to provide policy changes to better meet the needs of policyholders, to clarify existing policy provisions, and to reduce vulnerability to program fraud, waste, and abuse. Specifically, this final rule modifies or clarifies certain definitions, clarifies unit establishment, clarifies substantive provisions for consistency with terminology changes, modifies the insured causes of loss, clarifies required timing for loss notices, modifies portions of loss calculation formulas, and addresses potential misinterpretations or ambiguity related to these issues. The changes will be effective for the 2018 and succeeding crop years.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 113 (Monday, June 13, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 113 (Monday, June 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38061-38067]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13770]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

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

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 38061]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

7 CFR Part 457

[Docket No. FCIC-15-0002]
RIN 0563-AC48


Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Texas Citrus Fruit Crop 
Insurance Provisions

AGENCY: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the 
Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance 
Provisions, to provide policy changes to better meet the needs of 
policyholders, to clarify existing policy provisions, and to reduce 
vulnerability to program fraud, waste, and abuse. Specifically, this 
final rule modifies or clarifies certain definitions, clarifies unit 
establishment, clarifies substantive provisions for consistency with 
terminology changes, modifies the insured causes of loss, clarifies 
required timing for loss notices, modifies portions of loss calculation 
formulas, and addresses potential misinterpretations or ambiguity 
related to these issues. The changes will be effective for the 2018 and 
succeeding crop years.

DATES: This rule is effective July 13, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Hoffmann, Director, Product 
Administration and Standards Division, Risk Management Agency, United 
States Department of Agriculture, Beacon Facility, Stop 0812, Room 421, 
P.O. Box 419205, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205, telephone (816) 926-7730.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    This rule finalizes changes to the Common Crop Insurance 
Regulations (7 CFR part 457), Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance 
Provisions that were published by FCIC on January 12, 2016, as a notice 
of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register at 81 FR 1337-1345. The 
public was afforded 60 days to submit comments after the regulation was 
published in the Federal Register.
    A total of 26 comments were received from 4 commenters. The 
commenters were insurance providers, an insurance service organization, 
and a grower organization.
    The public comments received regarding the proposed rule and FCIC's 
responses to the comments are as follows:

General

    Comment: A commenter stated they agree with the proposed changes in 
the following sections: Definitions, Unit Division, Insurance 
Guarantees, Coverage Levels, and Prices for Determining Indemnities, 
Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss, and Settlement of Claim.
    Response: FCIC appreciates the support for these changes.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended changing the term ``insured 
crop'' to ``citrus fruit group'' throughout the Crop Provisions. For 
example, the commenters stated that section 2(a) indicates basic units 
will be established for each insured crop. However, since the 
definition of crop has been removed from these provisions, this can 
easily lead to confusion as to whether basic units can be by citrus 
fruit commodity, commodity type, or citrus fruit group. The background 
information from the proposed rule indicates the intent is that 
separate basic units will be established for each citrus fruit group 
because FCIC proposes to treat each citrus fruit group as a separate 
insured crop. Therefore, the commenter recommended that the word 
``crop'' be replaced by ``citrus fruit group'' which is the defined 
term in these Crop Provisions and the intent of these provisions based 
on the background information. This would then clearly indicate to 
anyone reading this provision as to the intent for how basic units are 
to be established and remove any ambiguities that currently exist by 
using the generic term ``crop'' which is not a defined term.
    Response: FCIC agrees that in some instances it may be clearer to 
refer to the ``citrus fruit group'' in addition to the ``insured 
crop.'' FCIC has made this change in section 2 (unit division) and as 
appropriate throughout the Crop Provisions in the final rule. In 
addition to this change in section 2, FCIC has revised section 2(c)(2) 
by changing the phrase ``non-contiguous land'' to ``if each optional 
unit is located on non-contiguous land.'' This change is intended to 
provide clarification and is consistent with language contained in 
other crop insurance policies for perennial crops such as apples and 
peaches.
    Comment: Several commenters stated that the proposed definitions of 
``citrus fruit commodity,'' ``citrus fruit group,'' ``commodity type'' 
and other related revisions are part of the Acreage Crop Reporting 
Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) and are similar to what was done in the 
2014 Florida Citrus Fruit Crop [Insurance] Provisions proposed rule and 
the 2015 Arizona-California Citrus Crop Insurance Provisions proposed 
rule. Some of the concerns that were expressed in comments to the 
Florida Citrus Fruit Proposed Rule were addressed in the final rule 
responses, so these proposed changes are better understood this time 
around, though this is still a ``work in progress.'' The chart on page 
1339 of the proposed rule is helpful in showing the expected groupings 
of citrus fruit commodities, commodity types, intended uses, and citrus 
fruit groups.
    Response: In the proposed rule background, FCIC continued to 
address issues previously raised in the proposed rules for the Florida 
Citrus Fruit Crop Provisions and the Arizona-California Citrus Crop 
Provisions, which contained some similar changes. FCIC appreciates 
hearing the ACRSI changes are better understood and that the background 
information from the proposed and final rules for the citrus crops has 
contributed to that increased understanding. FCIC has made no change to 
the final rule.

Section 3--Insurance Guarantees, Coverage Levels, and Prices for 
Determining Indemnities

    Comment: The last sentence in section 3(e)(3) states ``We will 
reduce the yield used to establish your production guarantee for the 
subsequent

[[Page 38062]]

crop year to reflect any reduction in the productive capacity of the 
trees or in the yield potential of the insured acreage.'' Several 
commenters asked what if the event that occurred was something that 
only affects the crop for the year in question and has no carryover 
effect on the yield into the next crop year? The word ``will'' should 
be changed to ``may'' so that approved insurance providers have the 
flexibility to either reduce or not reduce the yield for the subsequent 
crop year depending on whether the effect of the damage will carry over 
to the subsequent year. The word ``will'' implies that the yield must 
be reduced even if the event that occurred will have no impact on the 
crop yield for the following year. This language needs to be revised to 
allow the approved insurance providers to have some flexibility in 
determining whether the approved APH yield should be reduced for the 
subsequent year. A commenter noted that FCIC responded to similar 
comments to the Peach Proposed Rule by saying that approved insurance 
providers already have that flexibility according to the opening 
statement [3(c) of the Peach Crop Provisions refers to reducing the 
yield ``. . . as necessary, based on our estimate of the effect . . 
.'']. However, the commenter still has a concern with this language as 
proposed as the word ``may'' allows more flexibility to administer this 
provision. The commenter would like FCIC to confirm that if the event 
that occurred in the current crop year has been determined to have no 
yield impact for the subsequent year that approved insurance providers 
have the ability to not reduce the yield the subsequent crop year even 
though this provision indicates that it must be reduced by using the 
word ``will.'' A commenter noted that the draft version of these 
provisions prior to being published as a proposed rule did use the word 
``may'' which is how this provision should be worded. The background 
information also indicates that this provision is similar to the 
provisions that FCIC recently added to other perennial crop policies 
such as the Arizona-California Citrus Crop Insurance Provisions. It 
should be noted that the Arizona-California Citrus Crop Insurance 
Provisions were published as a final rule and for this exact same 
policy provision used the word ``may'' rather than ``will''. The 
commenter emphasized that FCIC should use the same language of ``may'' 
that was used in the final version of the Arizona-California Citrus 
Crop Insurance Provisions as this is the correct word to use and it 
will make the language in these provisions consistent with the language 
used in the Arizona-California Citrus Crop Insurance Provisions.
    Response: As the language indicates, the provision only requires a 
yield reduction if a circumstance occurs that reduces productive 
capacity of the trees for the subsequent year. Use of the term ``will'' 
in the provision does not require a reduction in the yield if a 
reduction in productive capacity does not exist or is not expected for 
the subsequent year. FCIC has made no change to the final rule.
    Comment: The provision in section 3(e) is proposed to be moved to 
section 3(f) with no other changes to the language in this provision. A 
commenter stated the language in this provision suggests that in the 
event of damage or changes to the grove, the yield is established by 
another method (appraisal of the potential of the insured acreage for 
the crop year). The commenter is concerned that as written, the 
provision is too vague and allows for different interpretations. The 
commenter requested FCIC provide further clarification/procedures of 
how and when this should be done. The commenter stated that it seems 
more clarification will be provided in the new 3(e), but not for the 
new 3(f).
    Response: FCIC agrees that, relative to current changes, as 
currently worded this existing provision could be misinterpreted, 
especially the phrase ``another method.'' Although the provision only 
refers generically to the method described in the new paragraph 3(e), 
FCIC intends to minimize the risk of misinterpretation. This language 
is no longer needed with the addition of the new paragraph 3(e). 
Therefore, to prevent potential confusion FCIC is revising the 
provision in the final rule by removing the duplicative information.

Section 7--Insured Crop

    Comment: A commenter stated the provision in section 7(a) is 
beneficial to indicate that the insured crop will be each citrus fruit 
group but this still does not change the need to replace the term 
``crop'' with ``citrus fruit group'' as recommended in various other 
sections of these Crop Provisions since this is the defined term.
    Response: As stated in response to a previous comment, FCIC has 
revised the final rule by including the term ``citrus fruit group'' in 
addition to the term ``insured crop'' where appropriate.
    Comment: Several commenters asked for clarification on what is 
meant by the term ``previous year'' in the newly designated section 
7(a)(4) [previously section 7(d)] because there is a lag year for fruit 
production in the APH [Actual Production History]. For example, the 
commenter asked if ``previous year'' means the most recent year 
harvested or does it mean the last year of the database.
    Response: The crop year for the Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Provisions 
spans more than one calendar year. The Crop Provisions require 
production reporting from two crop years ago for APH purposes because 
the prior crop year harvest is generally not completed before beginning 
of the next crop year. For this same reason, the minimum production 
requirement contained in the newly designated section 7(a)(4) is not 
typically assessed from the previous crop year. Therefore, FCIC is 
revising this provision in the final rule to clarify that the provision 
refers to the crop year reported in accordance with section 3(g), which 
is the crop year two years prior to the current crop year.

Section 8--Insurable Acreage

    Comment: Several commenters asked for clarification on the 
provisions in section 8 regarding whether a producer may have different 
fruit groups interplanted with each other, as any other citrus fruit 
group would qualify as ``another perennial agricultural commodity.''
    Response: The provision in section 8 states that a citrus fruit 
group planted with another perennial agricultural commodity is 
insurable unless we inspect the acreage and determine it does not meet 
the requirements contained in your policy. A citrus fruit group would 
typically qualify as a perennial agricultural commodity, under the 
``agricultural commodity'' definition in the Basic Provisions. 
Therefore, a citrus fruit group interplanted with another citrus fruit 
group may be insurable unless an inspection reveals the citrus fruit 
group for which coverage is sought does not meet the policy terms. FCIC 
has made no change to the final rule.

Section 9--Insurance Period

    Comment: A commenter recommended removing ``. . . during the 10-day 
period . . .'' when the application is received between November 11 and 
November 21 from section 9(a)(1). The requirement that the approved 
insurance provider inspection must take place within a 10-day period is 
unnecessary and burdensome.
    Response: The purpose of this language is allowing the approved 
insurance provider adequate time to determine insurability, such as 
performing an inspection, prior to

[[Page 38063]]

insurance attaching if the application is received after November 11. 
While the provision references inspection authority, it does not 
necessarily require an inspection to be completed during the 10-day 
period. Therefore, FCIC disagrees this provision is burdensome. In 
addition, the proposed rule indicated no intended changes to this 
provision. However, FCIC wishes to further clarify whether the 
provision is referring to the 10-day period between November 11 and 
November 21 or the 10-day period between the time the application is 
received and when insurance attaches, when those time periods are not 
the same. Therefore, FCIC has revised the provision in the final rule 
to clarify the 10-day period raised in the comment refers to the period 
that begins when the application is received, if it is received after 
November 11.

Section 10--Causes of Loss

    Comment: Several commenters asked for clarification on whether 
citrus canker (a disease affecting citrus species caused by the 
bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis) is an insurable or uninsurable peril 
for Texas Citrus Fruit.
    Response: Citrus canker is insurable under the revised Texas Citrus 
Fruit Crop Provisions unless excluded through the Special Provisions. 
FCIC currently does not intend to exclude citrus canker through the 
Special Provisions. FCIC has made no change to the final rule.
    Comment: A commenter stated that producers may be concerned if 
there is a premium rate increase if citrus greening is added as an 
insurable cause of loss. Producers may want an option to opt out of 
this coverage.
    Response: As stated in the background section of the proposed rule, 
FCIC intends to exclude citrus greening from insurability through the 
Special Provisions. FCIC does not foresee making coverage available for 
citrus greening. FCIC has made no change to the final rule.
    Comment: A commenter stated the provisions in section 10 are of 
most concern to growers in Texas. The commenter asked if the new 
language is saying that citrus greening is covered. More importantly, 
the commenter asked what is covered. The commenter states it is very 
unclear. The commenter states that growers in Texas have many questions 
as to how changes to the cause of loss section will affect the premium 
rates. The commenter states it is impossible to plan without this 
information.
    Response: As stated in the proposed rule, FCIC intends to exclude 
citrus greening from insurability through the Special Provisions. 
Therefore, citrus greening is not an insurable cause of loss because 
the Special Provisions are a part of the policy. Any insect or other 
plant disease not excluded through the Special Provisions will be 
insurable as long as the loss of production is not due to damage 
resulting from insufficient or improper application of control measures 
as recommended by agricultural experts. Presently, FCIC does not 
foresee excluding any other disease besides citrus greening. Although 
loss experience may impact premium rates, FCIC does not expect these 
current cause of loss changes to have an immediate impact on premium 
rates. Insects and plant disease were already insurable causes of loss 
under the Crop Provisions, provided they were linked to an insurable 
cause of loss under specific terms of the prior policy language. FCIC 
has made no change to the final rule.
    Comment: Several commenters stated that producers do not harvest 
trees afflicted with citrus greening separately from trees that are not 
affected. Assessing the amount of production lost to citrus greening, 
an uninsurable cause, may be difficult if production is commingled. The 
commenters stated FCIC must develop procedures governing how to 
separate insurable damage from uninsurable damage.
    Response: The current methods for assessing uninsured damage would 
apply equally to citrus greening. It is not uncommon for groves or 
trees within a grove to contain insurable damaged fruit, uninsurable 
damaged fruit, and undamaged fruit. However, FCIC will assess the 
impacts of the changes to these Crop Provisions and revise the loss 
adjustment procedures if necessary. FCIC intends to give approved 
insurance providers an opportunity to review and provide feedback on 
the proposed changes to the loss adjustment procedures prior to 
publication. FCIC has made no change to the final rule.
    Comment: Several commenters stated they agree with the comments in 
the background section made by FCIC regarding citrus greening and agree 
that citrus greening should be excluded as a cause of loss in the 
Special Provisions. The proposed provision in section 10(a)(9) also 
provides FCIC with the flexibility in the future to exclude additional 
causes of loss for insects or disease that should not be covered.
    Response: FCIC appreciates the feedback and support for this 
proposed change. In addition to providing flexibility for excluding 
causes of loss, the Special Provisions also provide flexibility for 
providing additional information needed to determine other causes of 
loss such as excess wind. The proposed definition of ``excess wind'' 
was intended to allow additional weather reporting stations to be 
identified through the Special Provisions to be used to verify excess 
wind. However, FCIC has determined the proposed wording in the 
definition of ``excess wind'' could be misinterpreted to mean that the 
phrase ``operating nearest to the insured acreage at the time of 
damage,'' only applies to non-US National Weather Service stations 
identified in the Special Provisions. Therefore, FCIC has revised the 
definition of ``excess wind'' to clarify that the phrase ``operating 
nearest to the insured acreage at the time of damage,'' applies to both 
U.S. National Weather Service reporting station and any other weather 
reporting station identified in the Special Provisions.

Section 11--Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss

    Comment: Several commenters stated that section 11(a) indicates 
``we will determine which trees must remain unharvested so that we may 
inspect them in accordance with FCIC procedures.'' This language could 
be difficult to administer without clear and concise guidance from FCIC 
in procedures. The background information for this section indicates 
that the FCIC intends to issue crop specific guidance for the approved 
insurance providers to use to instruct the insured on which trees must 
remain unharvested. The commenters requested FCIC make sure the 
procedures are clearly laid out to ensure this new section of the Crop 
Provisions is not unduly difficult to administer. A commenter requested 
FCIC to confirm that in addition to the procedures being clear that 
they will also ensure they will not be unreasonably difficult for 
approved insurance providers to administer.
    Response: As stated in response to a previous comment, FCIC will 
assess the impacts of the changes to the Crop Provisions and revise the 
loss adjustment procedures if necessary. FCIC will make every effort to 
ensure procedures are clear and unduly difficult for approved insurance 
providers to administer. FCIC intends to give approved insurance 
providers an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed 
changes to the loss adjustment procedures prior to publication. FCIC 
has made no change to the final rule.

[[Page 38064]]

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 
direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select 
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive 
impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasized the importance 
of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of 
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated this rule as 
not significant under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review,'' and therefore, OMB has not reviewed this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Pursuant to the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(44 U.S.C. chapter 35, subchapter I), the collections of information in 
this rule have been approved by OMB under control number 0563-0053.

E-Government Act Compliance

    FCIC is committed to complying with the E-Government Act of 2002, 
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.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L. 
104-4) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments, or the 
private sector. Agencies generally need to prepare a written statement, 
including a cost-benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with 
Federal mandates that may result in expenditures of $100 million or 
more in any year for State, local, or Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector. UMRA generally requires agencies 
to consider alternatives and adopt the more cost effective or least 
burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. This 
rule contains no Federal mandates, as defined in Title II of UMRA, for 
State, local, and Tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, 
this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 
UMRA.

Executive Order 13132

    It has been determined under section 1(a) of Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, that this rule does not have sufficient implications to 
warrant consultation with the States. The provisions contained in this 
rule will not have a substantial direct effect on States, or on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, except as required by law.

Executive Order 13175

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
    FCIC has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian tribes and 
determined that this rule does not, to our knowledge, have tribal 
implications that require tribal consultation under Executive Order 
13175. If a Tribe requests consultation, FCIC will work with the USDA 
Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is 
provided where changes, additions, and modifications identified in this 
rule are not expressly mandated by law.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA, 
Pub. L. 104-121), generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory 
flexibility analysis of any rule subject to the notice and comment 
rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act or any 
other law, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
FCIC certifies that this regulation will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Program 
requirements for the Federal crop insurance program are the same for 
all producers regardless of the size of their farming operation. For 
instance, all producers are required to submit an application and 
acreage report to establish their insurance guarantees and compute 
premium amounts, and all producers are required to submit a notice of 
loss and production information to determine the amount of an indemnity 
payment in the event of an insured cause of crop loss. Whether a 
producer has 10 acres or 1000 acres, there is no difference in the kind 
of information collected. To ensure crop insurance is available to 
small entities, the Federal Crop Insurance Act authorizes FCIC to waive 
collection of administrative fees from limited resource farmers. FCIC 
believes this waiver helps to ensure that small entities are given the 
same opportunities as large entities to manage their risks through the 
use of crop insurance. A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has not been 
prepared since this regulation does not have an impact on small 
entities, and, therefore, this regulation is exempt from the provisions 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Federal Assistance Program

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.450.

Executive Order 12372

    This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials. See 2 CFR part 415, subpart C.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12988 on civil justice reform. The provisions of this rule will not 
have a retroactive effect. The provisions of this rule will preempt 
State and local laws to the extent such State and local laws are 
inconsistent herewith. With respect to any direct action taken by FCIC 
or action by FCIC directing the insurance provider to take specific 
action under the terms of the crop insurance policy, the administrative 
appeal provisions published at 7 CFR part 11 must be exhausted before 
any action against FCIC for judicial review may be brought.

Environmental Evaluation

    This action is not expected to have a significant economic impact 
on the quality of the human environment, health, or safety. Therefore, 
neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact 
Statement is needed.

[[Page 38065]]

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 457

    Crop insurance, Texas citrus fruit, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

Final Rule

    Accordingly, as set forth in the preamble, the Federal Crop 
Insurance Corporation amends 7 CFR part 457 effective for the 2018 and 
succeeding crop years as follows:

PART 457--COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 457 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 1506(l), 1506(o).


0
2. Amend Sec.  457.119 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text by removing ``2000'' and adding ``2018'' in 
its place;
0
b. By removing the undesignated paragraph immediately preceding section 
1;
0
c. In section 1:
0
i. By adding in alphabetical order the definitions of ``citrus fruit 
commodity,'' ``citrus fruit group,'' ``commodity type,'' and ``intended 
use'';
0
ii. By removing the definitions of ``crop,'' ``local market price,'' 
and ``varieties'';
0
iii. In the definition of ``crop year'' by removing the term ``citrus'' 
and adding the term ``insured'' in its place;
0
iv. In the definition of ``direct marketing'' by adding the term 
``insured'' directly preceding the term ``crop'' in the second 
sentence;
0
v. In the definition of ``excess rain'' by adding the term ``insured'' 
directly preceding the term ``crop'';
0
vi. By revising the definitions of ``excess wind,'' ``interplanted,'' 
and ``production guarantee (per acre)''; and
0
d. In section 2 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c);
0
e. In section 3:
0
i. In the introductory paragraph by removing the phrase ``(Insurance 
Guarantees, Coverage Levels, and Prices for Determining Indemnities)'' 
immediately following the words ``section 3'';
0
ii. By revising paragraphs (a) and (b);
0
iii. In paragraph (d) introductory text by removing the term ``type'' 
and adding the phrase ``commodity type and intended use'' in its place;
0
iv. In paragraph (d)(4) by removing the phrase ``perennial crop, and 
anytime'' and replacing it with the phrase ``agricultural commodity and 
any time'';
0
v. In paragraph (d)(4)(i) by removing the phrase ``crop, and type'' and 
adding the phrase ``agricultural commodity and commodity type,'' in its 
place;
0
vi. By redesignating paragraphs (e) and (f) as (f) and (g) 
respectively;
0
vii. By designating the undesignated paragraph following paragraph 
(d)(4)(iii) as paragraph (e); and
0
viii. By revising the newly designated paragraphs (e), (f) and (g);
0
f. In section 4 by removing the phrase ``(Contract Changes)'' 
immediately following the words ``section 4'';
0
g. In section 5 by removing the phrase ``(Life of Policy, Cancellation, 
and Termination)'' immediately following the words ``section 2'';
0
h. In section 6 by removing the phrase ``(Annual Premium)'' immediately 
following the words ``section 7'';
0
i. In section 7 by:
0
i. Designating the undesignated introductory paragraph as paragraph (a) 
and redesignating paragraphs (a) through (f) as (a)(1) through (6) 
respectively;
0
ii. Revising the newly designated paragraph (a);
0
iii. In the newly designated paragraph (a)(2) by removing the term 
``are'' and adding the phrase ``is grown on trees'' in its place;
0
iv. In the newly designated paragraph (a)(3) by removing the term 
``are'' and adding the term ``is'' in its place;
0
v. In the newly designated paragraph (a)(4) by removing the phrase 
``previous year'' and adding the phrase ``the crop year from two years 
prior reported in accordance with section 3(g)'' in its place; and
0
vi. Adding a new paragraph (b);
0
j. Revise section 8;
0
k. In section 9:
0
i. In paragraph (a) by removing the phrase ``(Insurance Period)'' 
immediately following the words ``section 11'';
0
ii. By revising paragraph (a)(1); and
0
iii. In paragraph (b) by removing the phrase ``(Insurance Period)'' 
immediately following the words ``section 11'';
0
l. In section 10:
0
i. In paragraph (a) by removing the phrase ``(Causes of Loss)'' 
immediately following the words ``section 12'';
0
ii. In paragraph (a)(7) by removing the word ``or'';
0
iii. In paragraph (a)(8) by removing the period and adding ``; or'' in 
its place;
0
iv. By adding a new paragraph (a)(9); and
0
v. By revising paragraph (b);
0
m. In section 11:
0
i. By redesignating paragraph (a) as (b)(1); and
0
ii. By redesignating paragraph (b) as (b)(2) and revising the newly 
designated paragraph (b)(2);
0
iii. By designating the undesignated introductory paragraph as 
paragraph (b) introductory text;
0
iv. By adding a new paragraph (a); and
0
v. In the newly designated paragraph (b) by removing the phrase 
``(Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss)'' immediately following the 
words ``section 14'';
0
n. In section 12:
0
i. By revising paragraph (b)(1);
0
ii. In paragraph (b)(2) by removing the phrase ``crop, or variety, if 
applicable'' and adding the phrase ``combination of commodity type and 
intended use'' in its place;
0
iii. In paragraph (b)(4) by removing the phrase ``variety, if 
applicable,'' and adding the phrase ``combination of commodity type and 
intended use'' in its place;
0
iv. In paragraph (c)(1)(iv) by removing the term ``crop'' in all three 
places it appears and adding the term ``insured crop'' in its place;
0
v. In paragraph (d) by adding the phrase ``insured with an intended use 
of juice'' after the phrase ``Any citrus fruit''; and
0
vi. By revising paragraph (e).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  457.119  Texas citrus fruit crop insurance provisions.

* * * * *

1. Definitions

    Citrus fruit commodity. Includes the following:
    (a) Oranges;
    (b) Grapefruit; and
    (c) Any other citrus fruit designated as a ``citrus fruit 
commodity'' in the actuarial documents.
    Citrus fruit group. A designation in the Special Provisions used to 
identify combinations of citrus fruit commodity types and intended uses 
within a citrus fruit commodity that may be grouped together for the 
purposes of electing coverage levels and identifying the insured crop.
    Commodity type. A specific subcategory of a citrus fruit commodity 
having a characteristic or set of characteristics distinguishable from 
other subcategories of the same citrus fruit commodity.
* * * * *
    Excess wind. A natural movement of air that has sustained speeds 
exceeding 58 miles per hour (50 knots) recorded at the weather 
reporting station (U.S. National Weather Service reporting station or 
any other weather reporting station identified in the Special 
Provisions) operating nearest to the insured acreage at the time of 
damage.
* * * * *
    Intended use. The insured's expected end use or disposition of the 
commodity

[[Page 38066]]

at the time the commodity is reported. Insurable intended uses will be 
specified in the Special Provisions.
    Interplanted. In lieu of the definition contained in section 1 of 
the Basic Provisions, acreage on which two or more agricultural 
commodities are planted in any form of alternating or mixed pattern and 
at least one of these agricultural commodities constitutes an insured 
crop under these Crop Provisions.
    Production guarantee (per acre). In lieu of the definition 
contained in section 1 of the Basic Provisions, the production 
guarantee will be determined by stage as follows:
    * * *
    (b) Second stage production guarantee. The quantity of citrus (in 
tons) determined by multiplying the yield determined in accordance with 
section 3(e) of these Crop Provisions by the coverage level percentage 
you elect.
* * * * *

2. Unit Division

    (a) Basic units will be established for each insured crop (citrus 
fruit group) in accordance with section 1 of the Basic Provisions.
* * * * *
    (c) Optional units may be established by either of the following, 
but not both:
    (1) In accordance with section 34(c) of the Basic Provisions, 
except as provided in section 2(b) of these Crop Provisions; or
    (2) If each optional unit is located on non-contiguous land.

3. Insurance Guarantees, Coverage Levels, and Prices for Determining 
Indemnities

    In addition to the requirements of section 3 of the Basic 
Provisions:
    (a) You may select only one price election and coverage level for 
each insured crop (citrus fruit group designated in the Special 
Provisions) that you elect to insure.
    (1) The price election you choose for each insured crop (citrus 
fruit group) need not bear the same percentage relationship to the 
maximum price offered by us for each insured crop (citrus fruit group). 
For example, if you choose one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum 
price election for one insured crop (citrus fruit group) (e.g., the 
citrus fruit group for early and midseason oranges), you may choose 
seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum price election for another 
insured crop (citrus fruit group) (e.g., the citrus fruit group for 
late oranges).
    (2) If separate price elections are available by commodity type or 
intended use within an insured crop (citrus fruit group), the price 
elections you choose within the insured crop (citrus fruit group) must 
have the same percentage relationship to the maximum price offered by 
us for each other commodity type or intended use within the insured 
crop (citrus fruit group). For example, if separate price elections are 
available for commodity type ruby red grapefruit with an intended use 
of fresh, and commodity type ruby red grapefruit with an intended use 
of juice, and you choose one hundred percent (100%) of the price 
election for commodity type ruby red grapefruit with an intended use of 
fresh, you must also choose one hundred percent (100%) of the price 
election for commodity type ruby red grapefruit with an intended use of 
juice.
    (b) The production guarantee per acre is progressive by stage and 
increases from the first stage production guarantee to the second stage 
production guarantee. The stages are as follows:
    (1) The first stage extends from the date insurance attaches 
through April 30 of the calendar year of normal bloom.
    (2) The second stage extends from May 1 of the calendar year of 
normal bloom until the end of the insurance period.
* * * * *
    (e) We will reduce the yield used to establish your production 
guarantee, as necessary, based on our estimate of the effect of any 
circumstance that may reduce your yields from previous levels. Examples 
of these circumstances that may reduce yield may include, but are not 
limited to: Interplanted agricultural commodities; removal, topping, 
hedging, or pruning of trees; damage; and change in practices. If the 
circumstance occurred:
    (1) Before the beginning of the insurance period and you notify us 
by the production reporting date, the yield used to establish your 
production guarantee will be reduced for the current crop year 
regardless of whether the circumstance was due to an insured or 
uninsured cause of loss;
    (2) After the beginning of the insurance period and you notify us 
by the production reporting date, the yield used to establish your 
production guarantee will be reduced for the current crop year only if 
the potential reduction in the yield used to establish your production 
guarantee is due to an uninsured cause of loss; or
    (3) Before or after the beginning of the insurance period and you 
fail to notify us by the production reporting date, an amount equal to 
the reduction in the yield will be added to the production to count 
calculated in section 12(c) of these Crop Provisions due to uninsured 
causes. We will reduce the yield used to establish your production 
guarantee for the subsequent crop year to reflect any reduction in the 
productive capacity of the trees or in the yield potential of the 
insured acreage.
    (f) The yield used to compute your production guarantee will be 
determined in accordance with Actual Production History (APH) 
regulations, 7 CFR part 400, subpart G, and applicable policy 
provisions.
    (g) In lieu of the provisions in section 3 of the Basic Provisions 
that require reporting your production for the previous crop year, for 
each crop year you must report your production from two crop years ago 
(e.g., on the 2018 crop year production report, you will provide your 
2016 crop year production).
* * * * *

7. Insured Crop

    (a) In accordance with section 8 of the Basic Provisions, the 
insured crop will be each citrus fruit group you elect to insure and 
for which a premium rate is provided by the actuarial documents:
* * * * *
    (b) For each insured crop (citrus fruit group), administrative fees 
will be assessed in accordance with section 6 of the Catastrophic Risk 
Protection Endorsement and section 7 of the Basic Provisions.

8. Insurable Acreage

    In lieu of the provisions in section 9 of the Basic Provisions that 
prohibit insurance attaching to an insured crop interplanted with 
another agricultural commodity, interplanted acreage is uninsurable, 
except a citrus fruit group interplanted with another perennial 
agricultural commodity is insurable unless we inspect the acreage and 
determine it does not meet the requirements contained in your policy.
* * * * *

9. Insurance Period

    (a) * * *
    (1) Coverage begins on November 21 of each crop year, except that 
for the year of application, if your application is received after 
November 11 but prior to November 21, insurance will attach on the 10th 
day after your properly completed application is received in our local 
office, unless we inspect the acreage during the 10-day period that 
begins when the application is received by us and determine that it 
does not meet insurability requirements. You must provide any 
information that we require for the insured crop (citrus fruit

[[Page 38067]]

group) or to determine the condition of the grove.
* * * * *

10. Causes of Loss

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
* * * * *
    (9) Insects and plant disease, unless excluded or otherwise 
restricted through the Special Provisions, provided the loss of 
production is not due to damage resulting from insufficient or improper 
application of control measures as recommended by agricultural experts.
    (b) In addition to the causes of loss excluded in section 12 of the 
Basic Provisions, we will not insure against damage or loss of 
production due to the inability to market the citrus for any reason 
other than actual physical damage from an insurable cause of loss 
specified in this section. For example, we will not pay you an 
indemnity if you are unable to market due to quarantine, boycott, or 
refusal of any person to accept production.

11. Duties in the Event of Damage or Loss

    (a) In accordance with the requirements of section 14 of the Basic 
Provisions, you must leave representative samples. In lieu of the 
requirements of section 14(c)(3) of the Basic Provisions, we will 
determine which trees must remain unharvested so that we may inspect 
them in accordance with FCIC procedures.
    (b) * * *
* * * * *
    (2) If you intend to claim an indemnity on any unit, you must 
notify us at least 15 days prior to the beginning of harvest, or within 
24 hours if damage is discovered during harvest, so we may have an 
opportunity to inspect the unit. You must not sell or dispose of the 
damaged crop until after we have given you written consent to do so. If 
you fail to meet the requirements of this section, all such production 
will be considered undamaged and included as production to count.

12. Settlement of Claim

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Multiplying the insured acreage for each combination of 
commodity type and intended use by its respective production guarantee;
* * * * *
    (e) Any citrus fruit insured with an intended use of fresh that is 
not marketable as fresh fruit due to insurable causes will be adjusted 
by multiplying the number of tons of such citrus fruit by the 
applicable Fresh Fruit Factor contained in the Special Provisions.
* * * * *

    Signed in Washington, DC, on June 6, 2016.
Michael Alston,
Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2016-13770 Filed 6-10-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                  38061

                                                Rules and Regulations                                                                                          Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                               Vol. 81, No. 113

                                                                                                                                                               Monday, June 13, 2016



                                                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    Background                                             exist by using the generic term ‘‘crop’’
                                                contains regulatory documents having general                                                                   which is not a defined term.
                                                applicability and legal effect, most of which              This rule finalizes changes to the                     Response: FCIC agrees that in some
                                                are keyed to and codified in the Code of                Common Crop Insurance Regulations (7                   instances it may be clearer to refer to the
                                                Federal Regulations, which is published under           CFR part 457), Texas Citrus Fruit Crop                 ‘‘citrus fruit group’’ in addition to the
                                                50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.                   Insurance Provisions that were                         ‘‘insured crop.’’ FCIC has made this
                                                                                                        published by FCIC on January 12, 2016,                 change in section 2 (unit division) and
                                                The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              as a notice of proposed rulemaking in
                                                the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of                                                                     as appropriate throughout the Crop
                                                                                                        the Federal Register at 81 FR 1337–                    Provisions in the final rule. In addition
                                                new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
                                                REGISTER issue of each week.                            1345. The public was afforded 60 days                  to this change in section 2, FCIC has
                                                                                                        to submit comments after the regulation                revised section 2(c)(2) by changing the
                                                                                                        was published in the Federal Register.                 phrase ‘‘non-contiguous land’’ to ‘‘if
                                                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                  A total of 26 comments were received                each optional unit is located on non-
                                                                                                        from 4 commenters. The commenters                      contiguous land.’’ This change is
                                                Federal Crop Insurance Corporation                      were insurance providers, an insurance                 intended to provide clarification and is
                                                                                                        service organization, and a grower                     consistent with language contained in
                                                7 CFR Part 457                                          organization.                                          other crop insurance policies for
                                                                                                           The public comments received                        perennial crops such as apples and
                                                [Docket No. FCIC–15–0002]
                                                                                                        regarding the proposed rule and FCIC’s                 peaches.
                                                RIN 0563–AC48                                           responses to the comments are as                          Comment: Several commenters stated
                                                                                                        follows:                                               that the proposed definitions of ‘‘citrus
                                                Common Crop Insurance Regulations;                                                                             fruit commodity,’’ ‘‘citrus fruit group,’’
                                                Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance                       General                                                ‘‘commodity type’’ and other related
                                                Provisions                                                 Comment: A commenter stated they                    revisions are part of the Acreage Crop
                                                                                                        agree with the proposed changes in the                 Reporting Streamlining Initiative
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Crop Insurance                                                                                (ACRSI) and are similar to what was
                                                                                                        following sections: Definitions, Unit
                                                Corporation, USDA.                                                                                             done in the 2014 Florida Citrus Fruit
                                                                                                        Division, Insurance Guarantees,
                                                ACTION: Final rule.                                     Coverage Levels, and Prices for                        Crop [Insurance] Provisions proposed
                                                                                                        Determining Indemnities, Duties in the                 rule and the 2015 Arizona-California
                                                SUMMARY:    The Federal Crop Insurance                                                                         Citrus Crop Insurance Provisions
                                                Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the                        Event of Damage or Loss, and
                                                                                                        Settlement of Claim.                                   proposed rule. Some of the concerns
                                                Common Crop Insurance Regulations,                                                                             that were expressed in comments to the
                                                Texas Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance                          Response: FCIC appreciates the
                                                                                                        support for these changes.                             Florida Citrus Fruit Proposed Rule were
                                                Provisions, to provide policy changes to                                                                       addressed in the final rule responses, so
                                                better meet the needs of policyholders,                    Comment: Several commenters
                                                                                                                                                               these proposed changes are better
                                                to clarify existing policy provisions, and              recommended changing the term
                                                                                                                                                               understood this time around, though
                                                to reduce vulnerability to program                      ‘‘insured crop’’ to ‘‘citrus fruit group’’
                                                                                                                                                               this is still a ‘‘work in progress.’’ The
                                                fraud, waste, and abuse. Specifically,                  throughout the Crop Provisions. For
                                                                                                                                                               chart on page 1339 of the proposed rule
                                                this final rule modifies or clarifies                   example, the commenters stated that
                                                                                                                                                               is helpful in showing the expected
                                                certain definitions, clarifies unit                     section 2(a) indicates basic units will be
                                                                                                                                                               groupings of citrus fruit commodities,
                                                establishment, clarifies substantive                    established for each insured crop.
                                                                                                                                                               commodity types, intended uses, and
                                                provisions for consistency with                         However, since the definition of crop                  citrus fruit groups.
                                                terminology changes, modifies the                       has been removed from these                               Response: In the proposed rule
                                                insured causes of loss, clarifies required              provisions, this can easily lead to                    background, FCIC continued to address
                                                timing for loss notices, modifies                       confusion as to whether basic units can                issues previously raised in the proposed
                                                portions of loss calculation formulas,                  be by citrus fruit commodity,                          rules for the Florida Citrus Fruit Crop
                                                and addresses potential                                 commodity type, or citrus fruit group.                 Provisions and the Arizona-California
                                                misinterpretations or ambiguity related                 The background information from the                    Citrus Crop Provisions, which contained
                                                to these issues. The changes will be                    proposed rule indicates the intent is that             some similar changes. FCIC appreciates
                                                effective for the 2018 and succeeding                   separate basic units will be established               hearing the ACRSI changes are better
                                                crop years.                                             for each citrus fruit group because FCIC               understood and that the background
                                                DATES: This rule is effective July 13,
                                                                                                        proposes to treat each citrus fruit group              information from the proposed and final
                                                2016.                                                   as a separate insured crop. Therefore,                 rules for the citrus crops has contributed
                                                                                                        the commenter recommended that the                     to that increased understanding. FCIC
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    Tim                 word ‘‘crop’’ be replaced by ‘‘citrus fruit            has made no change to the final rule.
                                                Hoffmann, Director, Product                             group’’ which is the defined term in
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                Administration and Standards Division,                  these Crop Provisions and the intent of                Section 3—Insurance Guarantees,
                                                Risk Management Agency, United States                   these provisions based on the                          Coverage Levels, and Prices for
                                                Department of Agriculture, Beacon                       background information. This would                     Determining Indemnities
                                                Facility, Stop 0812, Room 421, P.O. Box                 then clearly indicate to anyone reading                  Comment: The last sentence in
                                                419205, Kansas City, MO 64141–6205,                     this provision as to the intent for how                section 3(e)(3) states ‘‘We will reduce
                                                telephone (816) 926–7730.                               basic units are to be established and                  the yield used to establish your
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              remove any ambiguities that currently                  production guarantee for the subsequent


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1


                                                38062               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                crop year to reflect any reduction in the               use and it will make the language in                   section 7(d)] because there is a lag year
                                                productive capacity of the trees or in the              these provisions consistent with the                   for fruit production in the APH [Actual
                                                yield potential of the insured acreage.’’               language used in the Arizona-California                Production History]. For example, the
                                                Several commenters asked what if the                    Citrus Crop Insurance Provisions.                      commenter asked if ‘‘previous year’’
                                                event that occurred was something that                     Response: As the language indicates,                means the most recent year harvested or
                                                only affects the crop for the year in                   the provision only requires a yield                    does it mean the last year of the
                                                question and has no carryover effect on                 reduction if a circumstance occurs that                database.
                                                the yield into the next crop year? The                  reduces productive capacity of the trees                  Response: The crop year for the Texas
                                                word ‘‘will’’ should be changed to                      for the subsequent year. Use of the term               Citrus Fruit Crop Provisions spans more
                                                ‘‘may’’ so that approved insurance                      ‘‘will’’ in the provision does not require             than one calendar year. The Crop
                                                providers have the flexibility to either                a reduction in the yield if a reduction                Provisions require production reporting
                                                reduce or not reduce the yield for the                  in productive capacity does not exist or               from two crop years ago for APH
                                                subsequent crop year depending on                       is not expected for the subsequent year.               purposes because the prior crop year
                                                whether the effect of the damage will                   FCIC has made no change to the final                   harvest is generally not completed
                                                carry over to the subsequent year. The                  rule.                                                  before beginning of the next crop year.
                                                word ‘‘will’’ implies that the yield must                  Comment: The provision in section                   For this same reason, the minimum
                                                                                                        3(e) is proposed to be moved to section                production requirement contained in
                                                be reduced even if the event that
                                                                                                        3(f) with no other changes to the                      the newly designated section 7(a)(4) is
                                                occurred will have no impact on the
                                                                                                        language in this provision. A                          not typically assessed from the previous
                                                crop yield for the following year. This
                                                                                                        commenter stated the language in this                  crop year. Therefore, FCIC is revising
                                                language needs to be revised to allow
                                                                                                        provision suggests that in the event of                this provision in the final rule to clarify
                                                the approved insurance providers to                     damage or changes to the grove, the                    that the provision refers to the crop year
                                                have some flexibility in determining                    yield is established by another method                 reported in accordance with section
                                                whether the approved APH yield should                   (appraisal of the potential of the insured             3(g), which is the crop year two years
                                                be reduced for the subsequent year. A                   acreage for the crop year). The                        prior to the current crop year.
                                                commenter noted that FCIC responded                     commenter is concerned that as written,
                                                to similar comments to the Peach                        the provision is too vague and allows for              Section 8—Insurable Acreage
                                                Proposed Rule by saying that approved                   different interpretations. The                            Comment: Several commenters asked
                                                insurance providers already have that                   commenter requested FCIC provide                       for clarification on the provisions in
                                                flexibility according to the opening                    further clarification/procedures of how                section 8 regarding whether a producer
                                                statement [3(c) of the Peach Crop                       and when this should be done. The                      may have different fruit groups
                                                Provisions refers to reducing the yield                 commenter stated that it seems more                    interplanted with each other, as any
                                                ‘‘. . . as necessary, based on our                      clarification will be provided in the new              other citrus fruit group would qualify as
                                                estimate of the effect . . .’’]. However,               3(e), but not for the new 3(f).                        ‘‘another perennial agricultural
                                                the commenter still has a concern with                     Response: FCIC agrees that, relative to             commodity.’’
                                                this language as proposed as the word                   current changes, as currently worded                      Response: The provision in section 8
                                                ‘‘may’’ allows more flexibility to                      this existing provision could be                       states that a citrus fruit group planted
                                                administer this provision. The                          misinterpreted, especially the phrase                  with another perennial agricultural
                                                commenter would like FCIC to confirm                    ‘‘another method.’’ Although the                       commodity is insurable unless we
                                                that if the event that occurred in the                  provision only refers generically to the               inspect the acreage and determine it
                                                current crop year has been determined                   method described in the new paragraph                  does not meet the requirements
                                                to have no yield impact for the                         3(e), FCIC intends to minimize the risk                contained in your policy. A citrus fruit
                                                subsequent year that approved                           of misinterpretation. This language is no              group would typically qualify as a
                                                insurance providers have the ability to                 longer needed with the addition of the                 perennial agricultural commodity,
                                                not reduce the yield the subsequent                     new paragraph 3(e). Therefore, to                      under the ‘‘agricultural commodity’’
                                                crop year even though this provision                    prevent potential confusion FCIC is                    definition in the Basic Provisions.
                                                indicates that it must be reduced by                    revising the provision in the final rule               Therefore, a citrus fruit group
                                                using the word ‘‘will.’’ A commenter                    by removing the duplicative                            interplanted with another citrus fruit
                                                noted that the draft version of these                   information.                                           group may be insurable unless an
                                                provisions prior to being published as a                                                                       inspection reveals the citrus fruit group
                                                proposed rule did use the word ‘‘may’’                  Section 7—Insured Crop                                 for which coverage is sought does not
                                                which is how this provision should be                      Comment: A commenter stated the                     meet the policy terms. FCIC has made
                                                worded. The background information                      provision in section 7(a) is beneficial to             no change to the final rule.
                                                also indicates that this provision is                   indicate that the insured crop will be
                                                similar to the provisions that FCIC                     each citrus fruit group but this still does            Section 9—Insurance Period
                                                recently added to other perennial crop                  not change the need to replace the term                   Comment: A commenter
                                                policies such as the Arizona-California                 ‘‘crop’’ with ‘‘citrus fruit group’’ as                recommended removing ‘‘. . . during
                                                Citrus Crop Insurance Provisions. It                    recommended in various other sections                  the 10-day period . . .’’ when the
                                                should be noted that the Arizona-                       of these Crop Provisions since this is the             application is received between
                                                California Citrus Crop Insurance                        defined term.                                          November 11 and November 21 from
                                                Provisions were published as a final                       Response: As stated in response to a                section 9(a)(1). The requirement that the
                                                rule and for this exact same policy                     previous comment, FCIC has revised the                 approved insurance provider inspection
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                provision used the word ‘‘may’’ rather                  final rule by including the term ‘‘citrus              must take place within a 10-day period
                                                than ‘‘will’’. The commenter                            fruit group’’ in addition to the term                  is unnecessary and burdensome.
                                                emphasized that FCIC should use the                     ‘‘insured crop’’ where appropriate.                       Response: The purpose of this
                                                same language of ‘‘may’’ that was used                     Comment: Several commenters asked                   language is allowing the approved
                                                in the final version of the Arizona-                    for clarification on what is meant by the              insurance provider adequate time to
                                                California Citrus Crop Insurance                        term ‘‘previous year’’ in the newly                    determine insurability, such as
                                                Provisions as this is the correct word to               designated section 7(a)(4) [previously                 performing an inspection, prior to


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1


                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          38063

                                                insurance attaching if the application is               Special Provisions. Therefore, citrus                  causes of loss such as excess wind. The
                                                received after November 11. While the                   greening is not an insurable cause of                  proposed definition of ‘‘excess wind’’
                                                provision references inspection                         loss because the Special Provisions are                was intended to allow additional
                                                authority, it does not necessarily require              a part of the policy. Any insect or other              weather reporting stations to be
                                                an inspection to be completed during                    plant disease not excluded through the                 identified through the Special
                                                the 10-day period. Therefore, FCIC                      Special Provisions will be insurable as                Provisions to be used to verify excess
                                                disagrees this provision is burdensome.                 long as the loss of production is not due              wind. However, FCIC has determined
                                                In addition, the proposed rule indicated                to damage resulting from insufficient or               the proposed wording in the definition
                                                no intended changes to this provision.                  improper application of control                        of ‘‘excess wind’’ could be
                                                However, FCIC wishes to further clarify                 measures as recommended by                             misinterpreted to mean that the phrase
                                                whether the provision is referring to the               agricultural experts. Presently, FCIC                  ‘‘operating nearest to the insured
                                                10-day period between November 11                       does not foresee excluding any other                   acreage at the time of damage,’’ only
                                                and November 21 or the 10-day period                    disease besides citrus greening.
                                                                                                                                                               applies to non-US National Weather
                                                between the time the application is                     Although loss experience may impact
                                                                                                                                                               Service stations identified in the Special
                                                received and when insurance attaches,                   premium rates, FCIC does not expect
                                                when those time periods are not the                     these current cause of loss changes to                 Provisions. Therefore, FCIC has revised
                                                same. Therefore, FCIC has revised the                   have an immediate impact on premium                    the definition of ‘‘excess wind’’ to
                                                provision in the final rule to clarify the              rates. Insects and plant disease were                  clarify that the phrase ‘‘operating
                                                10-day period raised in the comment                     already insurable causes of loss under                 nearest to the insured acreage at the
                                                refers to the period that begins when the               the Crop Provisions, provided they were                time of damage,’’ applies to both U.S.
                                                application is received, if it is received              linked to an insurable cause of loss                   National Weather Service reporting
                                                after November 11.                                      under specific terms of the prior policy               station and any other weather reporting
                                                                                                        language. FCIC has made no change to                   station identified in the Special
                                                Section 10—Causes of Loss                                                                                      Provisions.
                                                                                                        the final rule.
                                                   Comment: Several commenters asked                       Comment: Several commenters stated
                                                for clarification on whether citrus                                                                            Section 11—Duties in the Event of
                                                                                                        that producers do not harvest trees
                                                canker (a disease affecting citrus species              afflicted with citrus greening separately              Damage or Loss
                                                caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas                     from trees that are not affected.                        Comment: Several commenters stated
                                                axonopodis) is an insurable or                          Assessing the amount of production lost                that section 11(a) indicates ‘‘we will
                                                uninsurable peril for Texas Citrus Fruit.               to citrus greening, an uninsurable cause,              determine which trees must remain
                                                   Response: Citrus canker is insurable                 may be difficult if production is                      unharvested so that we may inspect
                                                under the revised Texas Citrus Fruit                    commingled. The commenters stated
                                                Crop Provisions unless excluded                                                                                them in accordance with FCIC
                                                                                                        FCIC must develop procedures
                                                through the Special Provisions. FCIC                                                                           procedures.’’ This language could be
                                                                                                        governing how to separate insurable
                                                currently does not intend to exclude                    damage from uninsurable damage.                        difficult to administer without clear and
                                                citrus canker through the Special                          Response: The current methods for                   concise guidance from FCIC in
                                                Provisions. FCIC has made no change to                  assessing uninsured damage would                       procedures. The background
                                                the final rule.                                         apply equally to citrus greening. It is not            information for this section indicates
                                                   Comment: A commenter stated that                     uncommon for groves or trees within a                  that the FCIC intends to issue crop
                                                producers may be concerned if there is                  grove to contain insurable damaged                     specific guidance for the approved
                                                a premium rate increase if citrus                       fruit, uninsurable damaged fruit, and                  insurance providers to use to instruct
                                                greening is added as an insurable cause                 undamaged fruit. However, FCIC will                    the insured on which trees must remain
                                                of loss. Producers may want an option                   assess the impacts of the changes to                   unharvested. The commenters requested
                                                to opt out of this coverage.                            these Crop Provisions and revise the                   FCIC make sure the procedures are
                                                   Response: As stated in the                           loss adjustment procedures if necessary.               clearly laid out to ensure this new
                                                background section of the proposed                      FCIC intends to give approved                          section of the Crop Provisions is not
                                                rule, FCIC intends to exclude citrus                    insurance providers an opportunity to                  unduly difficult to administer. A
                                                greening from insurability through the                  review and provide feedback on the                     commenter requested FCIC to confirm
                                                Special Provisions. FCIC does not                       proposed changes to the loss adjustment                that in addition to the procedures being
                                                foresee making coverage available for                   procedures prior to publication. FCIC                  clear that they will also ensure they will
                                                citrus greening. FCIC has made no                       has made no change to the final rule.                  not be unreasonably difficult for
                                                change to the final rule.                                  Comment: Several commenters stated                  approved insurance providers to
                                                   Comment: A commenter stated the                      they agree with the comments in the                    administer.
                                                provisions in section 10 are of most                    background section made by FCIC
                                                concern to growers in Texas. The                        regarding citrus greening and agree that                 Response: As stated in response to a
                                                commenter asked if the new language is                  citrus greening should be excluded as a                previous comment, FCIC will assess the
                                                saying that citrus greening is covered.                 cause of loss in the Special Provisions.               impacts of the changes to the Crop
                                                More importantly, the commenter asked                   The proposed provision in section                      Provisions and revise the loss
                                                what is covered. The commenter states                   10(a)(9) also provides FCIC with the                   adjustment procedures if necessary.
                                                it is very unclear. The commenter states                flexibility in the future to exclude                   FCIC will make every effort to ensure
                                                that growers in Texas have many                         additional causes of loss for insects or               procedures are clear and unduly
                                                questions as to how changes to the                      disease that should not be covered.                    difficult for approved insurance
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                cause of loss section will affect the                      Response: FCIC appreciates the                      providers to administer. FCIC intends to
                                                premium rates. The commenter states it                  feedback and support for this proposed                 give approved insurance providers an
                                                is impossible to plan without this                      change. In addition to providing                       opportunity to review and provide
                                                information.                                            flexibility for excluding causes of loss,              feedback on the proposed changes to the
                                                   Response: As stated in the proposed                  the Special Provisions also provide                    loss adjustment procedures prior to
                                                rule, FCIC intends to exclude citrus                    flexibility for providing additional                   publication. FCIC has made no change
                                                greening from insurability through the                  information needed to determine other                  to the final rule.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1


                                                38064               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                        Executive Order 13132                                  size of their farming operation. For
                                                  Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory                     It has been determined under section                 instance, all producers are required to
                                                Planning and Review,’’ and Executive                    1(a) of Executive Order 13132,                         submit an application and acreage
                                                Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation                     Federalism, that this rule does not have               report to establish their insurance
                                                and Regulatory Review,’’ direct agencies                sufficient implications to warrant                     guarantees and compute premium
                                                to assess all costs and benefits of                     consultation with the States. The                      amounts, and all producers are required
                                                available regulatory alternatives and, if               provisions contained in this rule will                 to submit a notice of loss and
                                                regulation is necessary, to select                      not have a substantial direct effect on                production information to determine the
                                                regulatory approaches that maximize                     States, or on the relationship between                 amount of an indemnity payment in the
                                                net benefits (including potential                       the national government and the States,                event of an insured cause of crop loss.
                                                economic, environmental, public health                  or on the distribution of power and                    Whether a producer has 10 acres or
                                                and safety effects, distributive impacts,               responsibilities among the various                     1000 acres, there is no difference in the
                                                and equity). Executive Order 13563                      levels of government, except as required               kind of information collected. To ensure
                                                emphasized the importance of                            by law.                                                crop insurance is available to small
                                                quantifying both costs and benefits, of                                                                        entities, the Federal Crop Insurance Act
                                                                                                        Executive Order 13175                                  authorizes FCIC to waive collection of
                                                reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,
                                                and of promoting flexibility.                             This rule has been reviewed in                       administrative fees from limited
                                                  The Office of Management and Budget                   accordance with the requirements of                    resource farmers. FCIC believes this
                                                (OMB) designated this rule as not                       Executive Order 13175, ‘‘Consultation                  waiver helps to ensure that small
                                                significant under Executive Order                       and Coordination with Indian Tribal                    entities are given the same opportunities
                                                12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and                        Governments.’’ Executive Order 13175                   as large entities to manage their risks
                                                Review,’’ and therefore, OMB has not                    requires Federal agencies to consult and               through the use of crop insurance. A
                                                reviewed this rule.                                     coordinate with tribes on a government-                Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has not
                                                                                                        to-government basis on policies that                   been prepared since this regulation does
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                         have tribal implications, including                    not have an impact on small entities,
                                                  Pursuant to the provisions of the                     regulations, legislative comments or                   and, therefore, this regulation is exempt
                                                Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44                     proposed legislation, and other policy                 from the provisions of the Regulatory
                                                U.S.C. chapter 35, subchapter I), the                   statements or actions that have                        Flexibility Act.
                                                collections of information in this rule                 substantial direct effects on one or more              Federal Assistance Program
                                                have been approved by OMB under                         Indian tribes, on the relationship
                                                control number 0563–0053.                               between the Federal Government and                       This program is listed in the Catalog
                                                                                                        Indian tribes or on the distribution of                of Federal Domestic Assistance under
                                                E-Government Act Compliance                             power and responsibilities between the                 No. 10.450.
                                                   FCIC is committed to complying with                  Federal Government and Indian tribes.
                                                the E-Government Act of 2002, to                          FCIC has assessed the impact of this                 Executive Order 12372
                                                promote the use of the Internet and                     rule on Indian tribes and determined                     This program is not subject to the
                                                other information technologies to                       that this rule does not, to our                        provisions of Executive Order 12372,
                                                provide increased opportunities for                     knowledge, have tribal implications that               which requires intergovernmental
                                                citizen access to Government                            require tribal consultation under                      consultation with State and local
                                                information and services, and for other                 Executive Order 13175. If a Tribe                      officials. See 2 CFR part 415, subpart C.
                                                purposes.                                               requests consultation, FCIC will work
                                                                                                        with the USDA Office of Tribal                         Executive Order 12988
                                                Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of
                                                                                                        Relations to ensure meaningful
                                                1995                                                                                                              This rule has been reviewed in
                                                                                                        consultation is provided where changes,
                                                   Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                    additions, and modifications identified                accordance with Executive Order 12988
                                                Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L.                       in this rule are not expressly mandated                on civil justice reform. The provisions
                                                104–4) requires Federal agencies to                     by law.                                                of this rule will not have a retroactive
                                                assess the effects of their regulatory                                                                         effect. The provisions of this rule will
                                                actions on State, local, and Tribal                     Regulatory Flexibility Act                             preempt State and local laws to the
                                                governments, or the private sector.                       The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5                    extent such State and local laws are
                                                Agencies generally need to prepare a                    U.S.C. 601–612), as amended by the                     inconsistent herewith. With respect to
                                                written statement, including a cost-                    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement                  any direct action taken by FCIC or
                                                benefit analysis, for proposed and final                Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA, Pub. L.                  action by FCIC directing the insurance
                                                rules with Federal mandates that may                    104–121), generally requires an agency                 provider to take specific action under
                                                result in expenditures of $100 million or               to prepare a regulatory flexibility                    the terms of the crop insurance policy,
                                                more in any year for State, local, or                   analysis of any rule subject to the notice             the administrative appeal provisions
                                                Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or                and comment rulemaking requirements                    published at 7 CFR part 11 must be
                                                to the private sector. UMRA generally                   under the Administrative Procedure Act                 exhausted before any action against
                                                requires agencies to consider                           or any other law, unless the agency                    FCIC for judicial review may be brought.
                                                alternatives and adopt the more cost                    certifies that the rule will not have a                Environmental Evaluation
                                                effective or least burdensome alternative               significant economic impact on a
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                that achieves the objectives of the rule.               substantial number of small entities.                    This action is not expected to have a
                                                This rule contains no Federal mandates,                 FCIC certifies that this regulation will               significant economic impact on the
                                                as defined in Title II of UMRA, for State,              not have a significant economic impact                 quality of the human environment,
                                                local, and Tribal governments or the                    on a substantial number of small                       health, or safety. Therefore, neither an
                                                private sector. Therefore, this rule is not             entities. Program requirements for the                 Environmental Assessment nor an
                                                subject to the requirements of sections                 Federal crop insurance program are the                 Environmental Impact Statement is
                                                202 and 205 of UMRA.                                    same for all producers regardless of the               needed.


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00004   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1


                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                           38065

                                                List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 457                      ■  vi. By redesignating paragraphs (e)                 ■  iv. By adding a new paragraph (a); and
                                                  Crop insurance, Texas citrus fruit,                   and (f) as (f) and (g) respectively;                   ■  v. In the newly designated paragraph
                                                                                                        ■ vii. By designating the undesignated                 (b) by removing the phrase ‘‘(Duties in
                                                Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                requirements.                                           paragraph following paragraph (d)(4)(iii)              the Event of Damage or Loss)’’
                                                                                                        as paragraph (e); and                                  immediately following the words
                                                Final Rule                                              ■ viii. By revising the newly designated               ‘‘section 14’’;
                                                   Accordingly, as set forth in the                     paragraphs (e), (f) and (g);                           ■ n. In section 12:
                                                                                                        ■ f. In section 4 by removing the phrase               ■ i. By revising paragraph (b)(1);
                                                preamble, the Federal Crop Insurance
                                                                                                        ‘‘(Contract Changes)’’ immediately                     ■ ii. In paragraph (b)(2) by removing the
                                                Corporation amends 7 CFR part 457
                                                                                                        following the words ‘‘section 4’’;                     phrase ‘‘crop, or variety, if applicable’’
                                                effective for the 2018 and succeeding
                                                                                                        ■ g. In section 5 by removing the phrase               and adding the phrase ‘‘combination of
                                                crop years as follows:
                                                                                                        ‘‘(Life of Policy, Cancellation, and                   commodity type and intended use’’ in
                                                PART 457—COMMON CROP                                    Termination)’’ immediately following                   its place;
                                                INSURANCE REGULATIONS                                   the words ‘‘section 2’’;                               ■ iii. In paragraph (b)(4) by removing
                                                                                                        ■ h. In section 6 by removing the phrase               the phrase ‘‘variety, if applicable,’’ and
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR                   ‘‘(Annual Premium)’’ immediately                       adding the phrase ‘‘combination of
                                                part 457 continues to read as follows:                  following the words ‘‘section 7’’;                     commodity type and intended use’’ in
                                                                                                        ■ i. In section 7 by:                                  its place;
                                                    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(l), 1506(o).               ■ i. Designating the undesignated                      ■ iv. In paragraph (c)(1)(iv) by removing
                                                ■  2. Amend § 457.119 as follows:                       introductory paragraph as paragraph (a)                the term ‘‘crop’’ in all three places it
                                                ■  a. In the introductory text by                       and redesignating paragraphs (a)                       appears and adding the term ‘‘insured
                                                removing ‘‘2000’’ and adding ‘‘2018’’ in                through (f) as (a)(1) through (6)                      crop’’ in its place;
                                                its place;                                              respectively;                                          ■ v. In paragraph (d) by adding the
                                                ■ b. By removing the undesignated                       ■ ii. Revising the newly designated                    phrase ‘‘insured with an intended use of
                                                paragraph immediately preceding                         paragraph (a);                                         juice’’ after the phrase ‘‘Any citrus
                                                section 1;                                              ■ iii. In the newly designated paragraph               fruit’’; and
                                                ■ c. In section 1:                                      (a)(2) by removing the term ‘‘are’’ and                ■ vi. By revising paragraph (e).
                                                ■ i. By adding in alphabetical order the                adding the phrase ‘‘is grown on trees’’                   The revisions and additions read as
                                                definitions of ‘‘citrus fruit commodity,’’              in its place;                                          follows:
                                                ‘‘citrus fruit group,’’ ‘‘commodity type,’’             ■ iv. In the newly designated paragraph
                                                and ‘‘intended use’’;                                   (a)(3) by removing the term ‘‘are’’ and                § 457.119 Texas citrus fruit crop insurance
                                                ■ ii. By removing the definitions of                    adding the term ‘‘is’’ in its place;                   provisions.
                                                ‘‘crop,’’ ‘‘local market price,’’ and                   ■ v. In the newly designated paragraph                 *       *    *   *     *
                                                ‘‘varieties’’;                                          (a)(4) by removing the phrase ‘‘previous
                                                                                                                                                               1. Definitions
                                                ■ iii. In the definition of ‘‘crop year’’ by            year’’ and adding the phrase ‘‘the crop
                                                removing the term ‘‘citrus’’ and adding                 year from two years prior reported in                     Citrus fruit commodity. Includes the
                                                the term ‘‘insured’’ in its place;                      accordance with section 3(g)’’ in its                  following:
                                                ■ iv. In the definition of ‘‘direct                     place; and                                                (a) Oranges;
                                                marketing’’ by adding the term                          ■ vi. Adding a new paragraph (b);                         (b) Grapefruit; and
                                                ‘‘insured’’ directly preceding the term                 ■ j. Revise section 8;                                    (c) Any other citrus fruit designated as
                                                ‘‘crop’’ in the second sentence;                        ■ k. In section 9:                                     a ‘‘citrus fruit commodity’’ in the
                                                                                                        ■ i. In paragraph (a) by removing the                  actuarial documents.
                                                ■ v. In the definition of ‘‘excess rain’’ by
                                                adding the term ‘‘insured’’ directly                    phrase ‘‘(Insurance Period)’’                             Citrus fruit group. A designation in
                                                preceding the term ‘‘crop’’;                            immediately following the words                        the Special Provisions used to identify
                                                ■ vi. By revising the definitions of
                                                                                                        ‘‘section 11’’;                                        combinations of citrus fruit commodity
                                                                                                        ■ ii. By revising paragraph (a)(1); and                types and intended uses within a citrus
                                                ‘‘excess wind,’’ ‘‘interplanted,’’ and
                                                                                                        ■ iii. In paragraph (b) by removing the                fruit commodity that may be grouped
                                                ‘‘production guarantee (per acre)’’; and
                                                                                                        phrase ‘‘(Insurance Period)’’                          together for the purposes of electing
                                                ■ d. In section 2 by revising paragraphs
                                                                                                        immediately following the words                        coverage levels and identifying the
                                                (a) and (c);
                                                                                                        ‘‘section 11’’;                                        insured crop.
                                                ■ e. In section 3:
                                                                                                        ■ l. In section 10:                                       Commodity type. A specific
                                                ■ i. In the introductory paragraph by
                                                                                                        ■ i. In paragraph (a) by removing the                  subcategory of a citrus fruit commodity
                                                removing the phrase ‘‘(Insurance                        phrase ‘‘(Causes of Loss)’’ immediately
                                                Guarantees, Coverage Levels, and Prices                                                                        having a characteristic or set of
                                                                                                        following the words ‘‘section 12’’;                    characteristics distinguishable from
                                                for Determining Indemnities)’’                          ■ ii. In paragraph (a)(7) by removing the
                                                immediately following the words                                                                                other subcategories of the same citrus
                                                                                                        word ‘‘or’’;                                           fruit commodity.
                                                ‘‘section 3’’;                                          ■ iii. In paragraph (a)(8) by removing the
                                                ■ ii. By revising paragraphs (a) and (b);                                                                      *      *     *     *    *
                                                                                                        period and adding ‘‘; or’’ in its place;
                                                ■ iii. In paragraph (d) introductory text                                                                         Excess wind. A natural movement of
                                                                                                        ■ iv. By adding a new paragraph (a)(9);
                                                by removing the term ‘‘type’’ and adding                                                                       air that has sustained speeds exceeding
                                                                                                        and
                                                the phrase ‘‘commodity type and                         ■ v. By revising paragraph (b);
                                                                                                                                                               58 miles per hour (50 knots) recorded at
                                                intended use’’ in its place;                            ■ m. In section 11:                                    the weather reporting station (U.S.
                                                ■ iv. In paragraph (d)(4) by removing the               ■ i. By redesignating paragraph (a) as                 National Weather Service reporting
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                phrase ‘‘perennial crop, and anytime’’                  (b)(1); and                                            station or any other weather reporting
                                                and replacing it with the phrase                        ■ ii. By redesignating paragraph (b) as                station identified in the Special
                                                ‘‘agricultural commodity and any time’’;                (b)(2) and revising the newly designated               Provisions) operating nearest to the
                                                ■ v. In paragraph (d)(4)(i) by removing                 paragraph (b)(2);                                      insured acreage at the time of damage.
                                                the phrase ‘‘crop, and type’’ and adding                ■ iii. By designating the undesignated                 *      *     *     *    *
                                                the phrase ‘‘agricultural commodity and                 introductory paragraph as paragraph (b)                   Intended use. The insured’s expected
                                                commodity type,’’ in its place;                         introductory text;                                     end use or disposition of the commodity


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00005   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1


                                                38066               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                at the time the commodity is reported.                  intended use within an insured crop                    these Crop Provisions due to uninsured
                                                Insurable intended uses will be                         (citrus fruit group), the price elections              causes. We will reduce the yield used to
                                                specified in the Special Provisions.                    you choose within the insured crop                     establish your production guarantee for
                                                   Interplanted. In lieu of the definition              (citrus fruit group) must have the same                the subsequent crop year to reflect any
                                                contained in section 1 of the Basic                     percentage relationship to the maximum                 reduction in the productive capacity of
                                                Provisions, acreage on which two or                     price offered by us for each other                     the trees or in the yield potential of the
                                                more agricultural commodities are                       commodity type or intended use within                  insured acreage.
                                                planted in any form of alternating or                   the insured crop (citrus fruit group). For               (f) The yield used to compute your
                                                mixed pattern and at least one of these                 example, if separate price elections are               production guarantee will be
                                                agricultural commodities constitutes an                 available for commodity type ruby red                  determined in accordance with Actual
                                                insured crop under these Crop                           grapefruit with an intended use of fresh,              Production History (APH) regulations, 7
                                                Provisions.                                             and commodity type ruby red grapefruit                 CFR part 400, subpart G, and applicable
                                                   Production guarantee (per acre). In                  with an intended use of juice, and you                 policy provisions.
                                                lieu of the definition contained in                     choose one hundred percent (100%) of                     (g) In lieu of the provisions in section
                                                section 1 of the Basic Provisions, the                  the price election for commodity type                  3 of the Basic Provisions that require
                                                production guarantee will be                            ruby red grapefruit with an intended use               reporting your production for the
                                                determined by stage as follows:                         of fresh, you must also choose one                     previous crop year, for each crop year
                                                   * * *                                                hundred percent (100%) of the price                    you must report your production from
                                                   (b) Second stage production                          election for commodity type ruby red                   two crop years ago (e.g., on the 2018
                                                guarantee. The quantity of citrus (in                   grapefruit with an intended use of juice.              crop year production report, you will
                                                tons) determined by multiplying the                        (b) The production guarantee per acre               provide your 2016 crop year
                                                yield determined in accordance with                     is progressive by stage and increases                  production).
                                                section 3(e) of these Crop Provisions by                from the first stage production guarantee              *     *     *      *    *
                                                the coverage level percentage you elect.                to the second stage production
                                                                                                        guarantee. The stages are as follows:                  7. Insured Crop
                                                *      *    *     *     *
                                                                                                           (1) The first stage extends from the                  (a) In accordance with section 8 of the
                                                2. Unit Division                                        date insurance attaches through April                  Basic Provisions, the insured crop will
                                                   (a) Basic units will be established for              30 of the calendar year of normal bloom.               be each citrus fruit group you elect to
                                                each insured crop (citrus fruit group) in                  (2) The second stage extends from                   insure and for which a premium rate is
                                                accordance with section 1 of the Basic                  May 1 of the calendar year of normal                   provided by the actuarial documents:
                                                Provisions.                                             bloom until the end of the insurance                   *     *     *    *      *
                                                *      *     *     *    *                               period.                                                  (b) For each insured crop (citrus fruit
                                                   (c) Optional units may be established                *      *     *     *     *                             group), administrative fees will be
                                                by either of the following, but not both:                  (e) We will reduce the yield used to                assessed in accordance with section 6 of
                                                   (1) In accordance with section 34(c) of              establish your production guarantee, as                the Catastrophic Risk Protection
                                                the Basic Provisions, except as provided                necessary, based on our estimate of the                Endorsement and section 7 of the Basic
                                                in section 2(b) of these Crop Provisions;               effect of any circumstance that may                    Provisions.
                                                or                                                      reduce your yields from previous levels.
                                                                                                                                                               8. Insurable Acreage
                                                   (2) If each optional unit is located on              Examples of these circumstances that
                                                non-contiguous land.                                    may reduce yield may include, but are                    In lieu of the provisions in section 9
                                                                                                        not limited to: Interplanted agricultural              of the Basic Provisions that prohibit
                                                3. Insurance Guarantees, Coverage                       commodities; removal, topping,                         insurance attaching to an insured crop
                                                Levels, and Prices for Determining                      hedging, or pruning of trees; damage;                  interplanted with another agricultural
                                                Indemnities                                             and change in practices. If the                        commodity, interplanted acreage is
                                                   In addition to the requirements of                   circumstance occurred:                                 uninsurable, except a citrus fruit group
                                                section 3 of the Basic Provisions:                         (1) Before the beginning of the                     interplanted with another perennial
                                                   (a) You may select only one price                    insurance period and you notify us by                  agricultural commodity is insurable
                                                election and coverage level for each                    the production reporting date, the yield               unless we inspect the acreage and
                                                insured crop (citrus fruit group                        used to establish your production                      determine it does not meet the
                                                designated in the Special Provisions)                   guarantee will be reduced for the                      requirements contained in your policy.
                                                that you elect to insure.                               current crop year regardless of whether                *     *     *     *    *
                                                   (1) The price election you choose for                the circumstance was due to an insured
                                                each insured crop (citrus fruit group)                  or uninsured cause of loss;                            9. Insurance Period
                                                need not bear the same percentage                          (2) After the beginning of the                         (a) * * *
                                                relationship to the maximum price                       insurance period and you notify us by                     (1) Coverage begins on November 21
                                                offered by us for each insured crop                     the production reporting date, the yield               of each crop year, except that for the
                                                (citrus fruit group). For example, if you               used to establish your production                      year of application, if your application
                                                choose one hundred percent (100%) of                    guarantee will be reduced for the                      is received after November 11 but prior
                                                the maximum price election for one                      current crop year only if the potential                to November 21, insurance will attach
                                                insured crop (citrus fruit group) (e.g.,                reduction in the yield used to establish               on the 10th day after your properly
                                                the citrus fruit group for early and                    your production guarantee is due to an                 completed application is received in our
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                midseason oranges), you may choose                      uninsured cause of loss; or                            local office, unless we inspect the
                                                seventy-five percent (75%) of the                          (3) Before or after the beginning of the            acreage during the 10-day period that
                                                maximum price election for another                      insurance period and you fail to notify                begins when the application is received
                                                insured crop (citrus fruit group) (e.g.,                us by the production reporting date, an                by us and determine that it does not
                                                the citrus fruit group for late oranges).               amount equal to the reduction in the                   meet insurability requirements. You
                                                   (2) If separate price elections are                  yield will be added to the production to               must provide any information that we
                                                available by commodity type or                          count calculated in section 12(c) of                   require for the insured crop (citrus fruit


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1


                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 113 / Monday, June 13, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                              38067

                                                group) or to determine the condition of                 multiplying the number of tons of such                 incorporate the new Mark-32 (MK–32)
                                                the grove.                                              citrus fruit by the applicable Fresh Fruit             Burner series in balloon models F–18,
                                                *     *    *     *    *                                 Factor contained in the Special                        H–56, H–65, H–77, M–56, M–56C, M–
                                                                                                        Provisions.                                            65, M–65C, M–77, M–77C, M–90, M–
                                                10. Causes of Loss                                                                                             105, M–120, M–130, M–145, M–160, N–
                                                                                                        *     *      *    *    *
                                                *     *     *     *     *                                                                                      180, N–210, N–250, N–300, N–355, N–
                                                                                                          Signed in Washington, DC, on June 6,
                                                  (a) * * *                                             2016.
                                                                                                                                                               425, S–70, S–90, S–105, S–130, S–160,
                                                *     *     *     *     *                                                                                      T–150, T–180, T–210, V–56, V–65, V–
                                                                                                        Michael Alston,
                                                  (9) Insects and plant disease, unless                                                                        77, V–90, V–105, and Z–90. The MK–32
                                                                                                        Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance                 Burner series is a derivative of the MK–
                                                excluded or otherwise restricted                        Corporation.
                                                through the Special Provisions,                                                                                10 Burner series, which are currently
                                                                                                        [FR Doc. 2016–13770 Filed 6–10–16; 8:45 am]
                                                provided the loss of production is not                                                                         approved under TCDS B02CE. The MK–
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 3410–08–P                                 32 burner does introduce a particular
                                                due to damage resulting from
                                                insufficient or improper application of                                                                        novel aspect in terms of operation and
                                                control measures as recommended by                                                                             performance—the primary modification
                                                agricultural experts.                                   DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                           being an oxygen augmented igniter
                                                  (b) In addition to the causes of loss                                                                        system.
                                                                                                        Federal Aviation Administration
                                                excluded in section 12 of the Basic                                                                            Type Certification Basis
                                                Provisions, we will not insure against                  14 CFR Part 31
                                                damage or loss of production due to the                                                                           Under the provisions of § 21.101,
                                                inability to market the citrus for any                  [Docket No. FAA–2016–5424; Special                     Ultramagic must show that the balloon
                                                reason other than actual physical                       Conditions No. 31–001–SC]                              models F–18, H–56, H–65, H–77, M–56,
                                                damage from an insurable cause of loss                                                                         M–56C, M–65, M–65C, M–77, M–77C,
                                                specified in this section. For example,                 Special Conditions: Ultramagic, S.A.,                  M–90, M–105, M–120, M–130, M–145,
                                                we will not pay you an indemnity if you                 Mark–32 Burner Series                                  M–160, N–180, N–210, N–250, N–300,
                                                are unable to market due to quarantine,                 AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                              N–355, N–425, S–70, S–90, S–105, S–
                                                boycott, or refusal of any person to                    Administration (FAA), DOT.                             130, S–160, T–150, T–180, T–210, V–56,
                                                accept production.                                      ACTION: Final special conditions.
                                                                                                                                                               V–65, V–77, V–90, V–105, and Z–90, as
                                                                                                                                                               changed, continues to meet the
                                                11. Duties in the Event of Damage or                    SUMMARY:   This action proposes special                applicable provisions incorporated by
                                                Loss                                                    conditions for the Ultramagic, S.A.,                   reference in Type Certificate No. B02CE
                                                   (a) In accordance with the                           balloon models F–18, H–56, H–65, H–                    or the applicable regulations in effect on
                                                requirements of section 14 of the Basic                 77, M–56, M–56C, M–65, M–65C, M–77,                    the date of application for the change.
                                                Provisions, you must leave                              M–77C, M–90, M–105, M–120, M–130,                      The regulations incorporated by
                                                representative samples. In lieu of the                  M–145, M–160, N–180, N–210, N–250,                     reference in the type certificate are
                                                requirements of section 14(c)(3) of the                 N–300, N–355, N–425, S–70, S–90, S–                    commonly referred to as the ‘‘original
                                                Basic Provisions, we will determine                     105, S–130, S–160, T–150, T–180, T–                    type certification basis.’’ The Direccion
                                                which trees must remain unharvested so                  210, V–56, V–65, V–77, V–90, V–105,                    General de Aviacion Civil originally
                                                that we may inspect them in accordance                  and Z–90. These models will have a                     type certificated this aircraft under its
                                                with FCIC procedures.                                   novel or unusual design feature                        type certificate Numbers 3, 4, 18, 61,
                                                   (b) * * *                                            associated with having the new Mark–                   147, and 247. The FAA validated these
                                                *      *     *     *     *                              32 Burner series. The applicable                       products under U.S. Type Certificate
                                                   (2) If you intend to claim an                        airworthiness regulations do not contain               Number B02CE. On September 28, 2003,
                                                indemnity on any unit, you must notify                  adequate or appropriate safety standards               EASA began oversight of this product
                                                us at least 15 days prior to the beginning              for this design feature. These final                   on behalf of Spain. The regulations
                                                of harvest, or within 24 hours if damage                special conditions contain the                         incorporated by reference in B02CE are
                                                is discovered during harvest, so we may                 additional safety standards that the                   as follows:
                                                have an opportunity to inspect the unit.                Administrator considers necessary to                      a. 14 CFR 21.29.
                                                You must not sell or dispose of the                     establish a level of safety equivalent to                 b. 14 CFR part 31, effective on January
                                                damaged crop until after we have given                  that established by the existing                       1990, as amended by 31–1 through 31–
                                                you written consent to do so. If you fail               airworthiness standards.                               5 inclusive. Application for Type
                                                to meet the requirements of this section,               DATES: These special conditions are                    Certificate dated June 5, 1997.
                                                all such production will be considered                  effective June 13, 2016 and is applicable                 c. Equivalent Level of Safety (ELOS)
                                                undamaged and included as production                    beginning May 25, 2016.                                Findings per provision of 14 CFR
                                                to count.                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John                  21.21(b)(1):
                                                12. Settlement of Claim                                 VanHoudt, Federal Aviation                                (1) ACE–08–15,1 August 1, 2008,
                                                                                                        Administration, Small Airplane                         Burners, 14 CFR 31.47(d).
                                                *     *    *     *      *                               Directorate, Aircraft Certification                       (2) ACE–08–15A,2 November 05,
                                                  (b) * * *                                             Service, Programs and Procedures                       2013, Burners, 14 CFR 31.47(d), for
                                                  (1) Multiplying the insured acreage                   Branch, ACE–114, 901 Locust, Kansas                    Model S–70.
                                                for each combination of commodity type                  City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329–
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                and intended use by its respective                      4142; facsimile (816) 329–4090.                          1 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                                production guarantee;                                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             Library/rgELOS.nsf/0/BE4DB369A87F7A7A
                                                *     *    *     *      *                                                                                      86257C210072E48A?OpenDocument&Highlight=
                                                  (e) Any citrus fruit insured with an                  Background                                             ace-08-15.
                                                                                                                                                                 2 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                                intended use of fresh that is not                         On September 21, 2014, Ultramagic,                   Library/rgELOS.nsf/0/BE4DB369A87F7A7A8625
                                                marketable as fresh fruit due to                        S.A. (Ultramagic) applied for a change                 7C210072E48A?OpenDocument&Highlight=ace-08-
                                                insurable causes will be adjusted by                    to Type Certificate No. B02CE to                       15.



                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:33 Jun 10, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JNR1.SGM   13JNR1



Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:39:31
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:39:31
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis rule is effective July 13, 2016.
ContactTim Hoffmann, Director, Product Administration and Standards Division, Risk Management Agency, United States Department of Agriculture, Beacon Facility, Stop 0812, Room 421, P.O. Box 419205, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205, telephone (816) 926-7730.
FR Citation81 FR 38061 
RIN Number0563-AC48
CFR AssociatedCrop Insurance; Texas Citrus Fruit and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR