83_FR_53147 83 FR 52944 - Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Changing of Container Requirements

83 FR 52944 - Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Changing of Container Requirements

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 203 (October 19, 2018)

Page Range52944-52946
FR Document2018-22759

This rule implements a recommendation to change the container requirements under the Marketing Order for oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This action removes five containers from the list of authorized containers and adds seven new containers to the list. This change also modifies the descriptions of two authorized containers.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 203 (Friday, October 19, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 203 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52944-52946]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22759]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 906

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-17-0049; SC17-906-2 FR]


Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; 
Changing of Container Requirements

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This rule implements a recommendation to change the container 
requirements under the Marketing Order for oranges and grapefruit grown 
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This action removes five 
containers from the list of authorized containers and adds seven new 
containers to the list. This change also modifies the descriptions of 
two authorized containers.

DATES: Effective November 19, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Jamieson, Marketing Specialist, 
or Christian D. Nissen, Regional Director, Southeast Marketing Field 
Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops 
Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 291-8614, or 
Email: [email protected] or [email protected].
    Small businesses may request information on complying with this 
regulation by contacting Richard Lower, Marketing Order and Agreement 
Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491, 
Fax: (202) 720-8938, or Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, 
amends regulations issued to carry out a marketing order as defined in 
7 CFR 900.2(j). This final rule is issued under Marketing Agreement and 
Order No. 906, as amended (7 CFR part 906), regulating the handling of 
oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 
Part 906 (referred to as the ``Order'') is effective under the 
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-
674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act.'' The Texas Valley Citrus 
Committee (Committee) locally administers the Order and is comprised of 
growers and handlers of Texas citrus operating within the production 
area.
    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing this final rule in 
conformance with Executive Orders 13563 and 13175. This action falls 
within a category of regulatory actions that the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive Order 12866 review. 
Additionally, because this rule does not meet the definition of a 
significant regulatory action, it does not trigger the requirements 
contained in Executive Order 13771. See OMB's Memorandum titled 
``Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive Order of 
January 30, 2017, titled `Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs' '' (February 2, 2017).
    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect.
    The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted 
before parties may file suit in court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the 
Act, any handler subject to an order may file with USDA a petition 
stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation 
imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance with law and 
request a modification of the order or to be exempted therefrom. A 
handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. 
After the hearing, USDA would rule on the petition. The Act provides 
that the district court of the United States in any district in which 
the handler is an inhabitant, or has his or her principal place of 
business, has jurisdiction to review USDA's ruling on the petition, 
provided an action is filed not later than 20 days after the date of 
the entry of the ruling.
    This final rule removes five containers from the list of authorized 
containers under the Order and adds seven new containers to the list. 
This action also modifies the descriptions of two authorized 
containers. The Committee recommended these changes to align the 
Order's container regulations with current industry practices. The 
Committee unanimously recommended the changes at a meeting on June 8, 
2017.
    Section 906.40(d) of the Order authorizes the issuance of 
regulations to fix the size, weight, capacity, dimensions, or pack of 
the container or containers which may be used in the packaging, 
transportation, sale, shipment, or other handling of fruit. Section 
906.340 provides that no handler shall handle any variety of oranges or 
grapefruit grown in the production area unless such fruit is packed in 
one of the containers specified under the Order. This section also 
specifies a detailed list of the containers currently authorized under 
the Order. In addition, this section allows the Committee to approve 
the use of other types and sizes of containers for testing for research 
purposes.
    The Committee reviewed the containers listed in Sec.  906.340 and 
compared them to the containers being utilized throughout the industry. 
This process included surveying handlers to determine which containers 
were being used. As a result, the Committee determined five of the 
authorized

[[Page 52945]]

containers were no longer being used to pack Texas oranges or 
grapefruit.
    The Committee also reviewed the list of experimental containers 
that had been approved for testing purposes. Seven of the experimental 
containers have been widely accepted throughout the Texas citrus 
industry and are being used to pack and ship Texas citrus. As a result 
of the review, the Committee voted to remove the five containers that 
were no longer being used from the list of authorized containers and 
add the seven experimental containers to Sec.  906.340.
    The Committee also discussed that while the description in Sec.  
906.340(a)(1)(ii) of the closed fully telescopic fiberboard carton with 
approximate inside dimensions of 16\1/2\ by 10\3/4\ by 9\1/2\ inches is 
correct, this container is commonly known throughout the Texas citrus 
industry as a standard carton. Consequently, for clarification 
purposes, the Committee voted to add the words ``Standard Carton'' to 
this container description.
    Further, the Committee noted that in Sec.  906.340(a)(1)(iv) poly 
or mesh bags can be used to pack oranges and grapefruit to a capacity 
of 5, 8, 10, or 18 pounds of fruit, but that only oranges can be packed 
in the 4-pound bags. During the discussion, Committee members agreed 
handlers should also be allowed to ship grapefruit in 4-pound bags. 
Thus, the Committee voted to update the description to allow for the 
packing of both oranges and grapefruit in poly or mesh bags having a 
capacity of 4 pounds.
    These changes reflect the containers being utilized throughout the 
industry and aligns the regulations with current industry practices.
    Section 8e of the Act provides that when certain domestically 
produced commodities, including oranges, are regulated under a Federal 
marketing order, imports of that commodity must meet the same or 
comparable grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements. As this 
rule changes the container requirements under the domestic handling 
regulations, no corresponding change to the import regulations is 
required.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 
has considered the economic impact of this action on small entities. 
Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final regulatory flexibility 
analysis.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
businesses subject to such actions in order that small businesses will 
not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued 
pursuant to the Act, and rules issued thereunder, are unique in that 
they are brought about through group action of essentially small 
entities acting on their own behalf.
    There are approximately 170 producers of oranges and grapefruit in 
the production area and 13 handlers subject to regulation under the 
Order. Small agricultural producers are defined by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) as those having annual receipts less than 
$750,000, and small agricultural service firms are defined as those 
whose annual receipts are less than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201).
    Based on National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and 
Committee data, the average price for Texas citrus during the 2016-17 
season was approximately $16 per carton, and total shipments were 7.6 
million cartons. Using the average price and shipment information, the 
number of handlers (13), and assuming a normal distribution, the 
majority of handlers would have average annual receipts of $9.4 
million, which is greater than $7,500,000. ($16 per carton times 7.6 
million cartons equals $121.6 million, divided by 13 equals $9.4 
million per handler.) Thus, the majority of Texas citrus handlers may 
be classified as large business entities.
    In addition, based on NASS information, the weighted grower price 
for Texas citrus during the 2016-17 season was approximately $9.35 per 
carton. Using the weighted average price and shipment information, the 
number of producers (170) and assuming a normal distribution, the 
majority of producers would have annual receipts of $418,000, which is 
less than $750,000. ($9.35 per carton times 7.6 million cartons equals 
$71.06 million, divided by 170 equals $418,000 per producer.) Thus, the 
majority of Texas citrus producers may be classified as small entities.
    This final rule revises the container requirements established 
under the Order. This rule removes five containers from the list of 
authorized containers and adds seven new containers to the list. This 
action also updates one container to allow handlers to use it to pack 
oranges and grapefruit, and modifies the description of another 
container to indicate it is the standard container used by the 
industry. These changes align the list of authorized containers with 
current industry needs and practices. This rule revises Sec.  906.340. 
Authority for these changes is provided in Sec.  906.40.
    It is not anticipated that this final rule will impose additional 
costs on handlers or growers, regardless of size. The containers 
removed from the list of authorized containers are no longer being used 
by the industry. This rule provides an additional container for packing 
grapefruit, clarifies the description for one container, and adjusts 
the container regulations to better reflect current industry practices. 
The benefits of this rule are expected to be equally available to all 
fresh orange and grapefruit growers and handlers, regardless of size.
    The Committee considered alternatives to this action, including 
making no changes to the list of authorized containers. However, it was 
determined that making the recommended changes provides an up-to-date 
list of containers currently being used by the Texas citrus industry. 
Therefore, the Committee rejected this alternative.
    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), the Order's information collection requirements have been 
previously approved by OMB and assigned OMB No. 0581-0189, Fruit Crops. 
No changes in those requirements are necessary as a result of this 
action. Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to 
OMB for approval.
    This final rule does not impose any additional reporting or 
recordkeeping requirements on either small or large Texas orange and 
grapefruit handlers. As with all Federal marketing order programs, 
reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information 
requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act to promote 
the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services, and for other purposes.
    USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, 
overlap, or conflict with this final rule.
    The Committee's meeting was widely publicized throughout the Texas 
citrus industry and all interested persons were invited to attend the 
meeting and participate in Committee deliberations on all issues. Like 
all Committee meetings, the June 8, 2017, meeting was a public meeting 
and all entities, both large and small, were able to express their 
views on this issue.

[[Page 52946]]

    A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the Federal 
Register on July 6, 2018 (83 FR 31471). Copies of the proposed rule 
were sent via email to all Committee members and Texas citrus handlers. 
The proposed rule was made available through the internet by USDA and 
the Office of the Federal Register. A 30-day comment period ending 
August 6, 2018, was provided to allow interested persons to respond to 
the proposal. No comments were received.
    A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and 
specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses. Any questions 
about the compliance guide should be sent to Richard Lower at the 
previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    After consideration of all relevant matter presented, including the 
information and recommendation submitted by the Committee and other 
available information, it is hereby found that this rule, as 
hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of 
the Act.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 906

    Grapefruit, Marketing agreements, Oranges, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 906 is 
amended as follows:

PART 906--ORANGES AND GRAPEFRUIT GROWN IN LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY 
IN TEXAS

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 906 continues to read as 
follows:

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


0
2. Revise Sec.  906.340(a)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  906.340  Container, pack, and container marking regulations.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Containers. (i) Closed fiberboard carton with approximate 
inside dimensions of 13\1/4\ x 10\1/2\ x 7\1/4\ inches: Provided, That 
the container has a Mullen or Cady test of at least 200 pounds;
    (ii) Closed fully telescopic fiberboard carton with approximate 
inside dimensions of 16\1/2\ x 10\3/4\ x 9\1/2\ inches (Standard 
carton);
    (iii) Poly or mesh bags having a capacity of 4, 5, 8, 10, or 18 
pounds of fruit;
    (iv) Rectangular or octagonal bulk fiberboard crib with approximate 
dimensions of 46 to 47\1/2\ inches in length, 37 to 38 inches in width, 
and 36 inches in height: Provided, That the container has a Mullen or 
Cady test of at least 1,300 pounds, and that it is used only once for 
the shipment of citrus fruit: And Provided further, That the container 
may be used to pack any poly or mesh bags authorized in this section, 
or bulk fruit;
    (v) Rectangular or octagonal \2/3\ fiberboard crib with approximate 
dimensions of 46 to 47\1/2\ inches in length, 37 to 38 inches in width, 
and 24 inches in height: Provided, That the crib has a Mullen or Cady 
test of at least 1,300 pounds, and that it is used only once for the 
shipment of citrus fruit: And Provided further, That the container may 
be used to pack any poly or mesh bags authorized in this section, or 
bulk fruit;
    (vi) Octagonal fiberboard crib with approximate dimensions of 46 to 
47\1/2\ inches in width, 37 to 38 inches in depth, and 26 to 26\1/2\ 
inches in height: Provided, That the crib has a Mullen or Cady test of 
at least 1,300 pounds, and that it is used only once for the shipment 
of citrus fruit: And Provided further, That the crib may be used to 
pack any poly or mesh bags authorized in this section, or bulk fruit;
    (vii) Fiberboard box holding two layers of fruit, with approximate 
dimensions of 23 inches in length, 15\1/2\ inches in width, and 7 
inches in depth;
    (viii) Reusable collapsible plastic container with approximate 
dimensions of 23 inches in length, 15 inches in width, and 7 to 11 
inches in depth;
    (ix) Reusable collapsible plastic bin with approximate dimensions 
of 36\3/4\ x 44\3/4\ x 27 inches;
    (x) Octagonal bulk triple wall fiberboard crib with approximate 
dimensions of 37\3/4\ inches in length, 25 inches in width, and 25 
inches in height: Provided, That the container has a Mullen or Cady 
test of at least 1,100 pounds: And Provided further, That the container 
may be used to pack any poly or mesh bags authorized in this section, 
or bulk fruit;
    (xi) Bag having the capacity of 15 pounds of fruit, either in a 
combination \1/2\ poly and \1/2\ mesh bag or mesh bag;
    (xii) Reusable collapsible plastic mini bin with approximate 
dimensions of 39\1/2\ inches in length, 24 inches in width, and 30\1/2\ 
inches in height: Provided, That the container may be used to pack any 
poly or mesh bags authorized in this section, or bulk fruit;
    (xiii) Bag having the capacity of three pounds of fruit;
    (xiv) Standard carton with approximate inside dimensions of 16.375 
x 10.6875 x 10.25 inches;
    (xv) \8/5\ Body master carton with approximate inside dimensions of 
19.5385 x 13.125 x 11.625 inches, one piece;
    (xvi) Euro \8/5\ (5 Down) with approximate inside dimensions of 
22.813 x 14.688 x 7.0 up to 7.936 inches;
    (xvii) Fiberboard one piece display container with approximate 
inside dimensions of 23 inches x 15 inches x 9\1/2\ up to 10\1/2\ 
inches in depth;
    (xviii) Such types and sizes of containers as may be approved by 
the committee for testing in connection with a research project 
conducted by or in cooperation with the committee: Provided, That the 
handling of each lot of fruit in such test containers shall be subject 
to prior approval and under the supervision of the committee.
* * * * *

    Dated: October 15, 2018.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-22759 Filed 10-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P



                                           52944             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 203 / Friday, October 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                           access to Government information and                    SUMMARY:    This rule implements a                    Regulation and Controlling Regulatory
                                           services, and for other purposes.                       recommendation to change the                          Costs’ ’’ (February 2, 2017).
                                              USDA has not identified any relevant                 container requirements under the                         This rule has been reviewed under
                                           Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or               Marketing Order for oranges and                       Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
                                           conflict with this final rule.                          grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio                     Reform. This rule is not intended to
                                              A small business guide on complying                  Grande Valley in Texas. This action                   have retroactive effect.
                                           with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop               removes five containers from the list of                 The Act provides that administrative
                                           marketing agreements and orders may                     authorized containers and adds seven                  proceedings must be exhausted before
                                           be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/                  new containers to the list. This change               parties may file suit in court. Under
                                           rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses.                 also modifies the descriptions of two                 section 608c(15)(A) of the Act, any
                                           Any questions about the compliance                      authorized containers.                                handler subject to an order may file
                                           guide should be sent to Richard Lower                   DATES: Effective November 19, 2018.                   with USDA a petition stating that the
                                           at the previously mentioned address in                                                                        order, any provision of the order, or any
                                           the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                         obligation imposed in connection with
                                           section.                                                Doris Jamieson, Marketing Specialist, or              the order is not in accordance with law
                                                                                                   Christian D. Nissen, Regional Director,               and request a modification of the order
                                           List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 900                      Southeast Marketing Field Office,                     or to be exempted therefrom. A handler
                                             Administrative practice and                           Marketing Order and Agreement                         is afforded the opportunity for a hearing
                                           procedure, Freedom of information,                      Division, Specialty Crops Program,                    on the petition. After the hearing, USDA
                                           Marketing agreements, Reporting and                     AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324–                      would rule on the petition. The Act
                                           recordkeeping requirements.                             3375, Fax: (863) 291–8614, or Email:                  provides that the district court of the
                                                                                                   Doris.Jamieson@ams.usda.gov or                        United States in any district in which
                                             For the reasons set forth above, 7 CFR
                                                                                                   Christian.Nissen@ams.usda.gov.                        the handler is an inhabitant, or has his
                                           part 900 is amended as follows:
                                                                                                      Small businesses may request                       or her principal place of business, has
                                           PART 900—GENERAL REGULATIONS                            information on complying with this                    jurisdiction to review USDA’s ruling on
                                                                                                   regulation by contacting Richard Lower,               the petition, provided an action is filed
                                           ■ 1. The authority citation for part 900                Marketing Order and Agreement                         not later than 20 days after the date of
                                           continues to read as follows:                           Division, Specialty Crops Program,                    the entry of the ruling.
                                             Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674 and 7 U.S.C.              AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence                             This final rule removes five
                                           7401.                                                   Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington,                     containers from the list of authorized
                                                                                                   DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720–                  containers under the Order and adds
                                           ■ 2. In § 900.4, revise paragraph
                                                                                                   2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or Email:                  seven new containers to the list. This
                                           (b)(1)(ii) to read as follows:
                                                                                                   Richard.Lower@ams.usda.gov.                           action also modifies the descriptions of
                                           § 900.4   Institution of proceeding.                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final                 two authorized containers. The
                                           *      *    *    *     *                                rule, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, amends                Committee recommended these changes
                                             (b) * * *                                             regulations issued to carry out a                     to align the Order’s container
                                             (1) * * *                                             marketing order as defined in 7 CFR                   regulations with current industry
                                             (ii) By mailing a true copy of the                    900.2(j). This final rule is issued under             practices. The Committee unanimously
                                           notice of hearing, using a postal or other              Marketing Agreement and Order No.                     recommended the changes at a meeting
                                           delivery service or electronic                          906, as amended (7 CFR part 906),                     on June 8, 2017.
                                           communication, to each of the persons                   regulating the handling of oranges and                   Section 906.40(d) of the Order
                                           known to the Administrator to be                        grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio                     authorizes the issuance of regulations to
                                           interested therein;                                     Grande Valley in Texas. Part 906                      fix the size, weight, capacity,
                                           *      *    *    *     *                                (referred to as the ‘‘Order’’) is effective           dimensions, or pack of the container or
                                                                                                   under the Agricultural Marketing                      containers which may be used in the
                                             Dated: October 15, 2018.
                                                                                                   Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7                  packaging, transportation, sale,
                                           Bruce Summers,                                          U.S.C. 601–674), hereinafter referred to              shipment, or other handling of fruit.
                                           Administrator, Agricultural Marketing                   as the ‘‘Act.’’ The Texas Valley Citrus               Section 906.340 provides that no
                                           Service.                                                Committee (Committee) locally                         handler shall handle any variety of
                                           [FR Doc. 2018–22761 Filed 10–18–18; 8:45 am]            administers the Order and is comprised                oranges or grapefruit grown in the
                                           BILLING CODE 3410–02–P                                  of growers and handlers of Texas citrus               production area unless such fruit is
                                                                                                   operating within the production area.                 packed in one of the containers
                                                                                                      The Department of Agriculture                      specified under the Order. This section
                                           DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                                                                     also specifies a detailed list of the
                                                                                                   (USDA) is issuing this final rule in
                                           Agricultural Marketing Service                          conformance with Executive Orders                     containers currently authorized under
                                                                                                   13563 and 13175. This action falls                    the Order. In addition, this section
                                           7 CFR Part 906                                          within a category of regulatory actions               allows the Committee to approve the
                                                                                                   that the Office of Management and                     use of other types and sizes of
                                           [Doc. No. AMS–SC–17–0049; SC17–906–2                    Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive                  containers for testing for research
                                           FR]                                                     Order 12866 review. Additionally,                     purposes.
                                                                                                   because this rule does not meet the                      The Committee reviewed the
                                           Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in                         definition of a significant regulatory                containers listed in § 906.340 and
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                           Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas;                       action, it does not trigger the                       compared them to the containers being
                                           Changing of Container Requirements                      requirements contained in Executive                   utilized throughout the industry. This
                                           AGENCY:  Agricultural Marketing Service,                Order 13771. See OMB’s Memorandum                     process included surveying handlers to
                                           USDA.                                                   titled ‘‘Interim Guidance Implementing                determine which containers were being
                                                                                                   Section 2 of the Executive Order of                   used. As a result, the Committee
                                           ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                   January 30, 2017, titled ‘Reducing                    determined five of the authorized


                                      VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:11 Oct 18, 2018   Jkt 247001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\19OCR1.SGM   19OCR1


                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 203 / Friday, October 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                          52945

                                           containers were no longer being used to                 businesses subject to such actions in                 § 906.340. Authority for these changes is
                                           pack Texas oranges or grapefruit.                       order that small businesses will not be               provided in § 906.40.
                                              The Committee also reviewed the list                 unduly or disproportionately burdened.                   It is not anticipated that this final rule
                                           of experimental containers that had                     Marketing orders issued pursuant to the               will impose additional costs on
                                           been approved for testing purposes.                     Act, and rules issued thereunder, are                 handlers or growers, regardless of size.
                                           Seven of the experimental containers                    unique in that they are brought about                 The containers removed from the list of
                                           have been widely accepted throughout                    through group action of essentially                   authorized containers are no longer
                                           the Texas citrus industry and are being                 small entities acting on their own                    being used by the industry. This rule
                                           used to pack and ship Texas citrus. As                  behalf.                                               provides an additional container for
                                           a result of the review, the Committee                      There are approximately 170                        packing grapefruit, clarifies the
                                           voted to remove the five containers that                producers of oranges and grapefruit in                description for one container, and
                                           were no longer being used from the list                 the production area and 13 handlers                   adjusts the container regulations to
                                           of authorized containers and add the                    subject to regulation under the Order.                better reflect current industry practices.
                                           seven experimental containers to                        Small agricultural producers are defined              The benefits of this rule are expected to
                                           § 906.340.                                              by the Small Business Administration                  be equally available to all fresh orange
                                              The Committee also discussed that                    (SBA) as those having annual receipts                 and grapefruit growers and handlers,
                                           while the description in                                less than $750,000, and small                         regardless of size.
                                           § 906.340(a)(1)(ii) of the closed fully                 agricultural service firms are defined as                The Committee considered
                                           telescopic fiberboard carton with                       those whose annual receipts are less                  alternatives to this action, including
                                           approximate inside dimensions of 161⁄2                  than $7,500,000 (13 CFR 121.201).                     making no changes to the list of
                                           by 103⁄4 by 91⁄2 inches is correct, this                   Based on National Agricultural                     authorized containers. However, it was
                                           container is commonly known                             Statistics Service (NASS) and                         determined that making the
                                           throughout the Texas citrus industry as                 Committee data, the average price for                 recommended changes provides an up-
                                           a standard carton. Consequently, for                    Texas citrus during the 2016–17 season                to-date list of containers currently being
                                           clarification purposes, the Committee                   was approximately $16 per carton, and                 used by the Texas citrus industry.
                                           voted to add the words ‘‘Standard                       total shipments were 7.6 million                      Therefore, the Committee rejected this
                                           Carton’’ to this container description.                 cartons. Using the average price and                  alternative.
                                              Further, the Committee noted that in                                                                          In accordance with the Paperwork
                                                                                                   shipment information, the number of
                                           § 906.340(a)(1)(iv) poly or mesh bags                                                                         Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
                                                                                                   handlers (13), and assuming a normal
                                           can be used to pack oranges and                                                                               chapter 35), the Order’s information
                                                                                                   distribution, the majority of handlers
                                           grapefruit to a capacity of 5, 8, 10, or 18                                                                   collection requirements have been
                                                                                                   would have average annual receipts of
                                           pounds of fruit, but that only oranges                                                                        previously approved by OMB and
                                                                                                   $9.4 million, which is greater than
                                           can be packed in the 4-pound bags.                                                                            assigned OMB No. 0581–0189, Fruit
                                                                                                   $7,500,000. ($16 per carton times 7.6
                                           During the discussion, Committee                                                                              Crops. No changes in those
                                                                                                   million cartons equals $121.6 million,
                                           members agreed handlers should also be                                                                        requirements are necessary as a result of
                                                                                                   divided by 13 equals $9.4 million per
                                           allowed to ship grapefruit in 4-pound                                                                         this action. Should any changes become
                                                                                                   handler.) Thus, the majority of Texas
                                           bags. Thus, the Committee voted to                                                                            necessary, they would be submitted to
                                                                                                   citrus handlers may be classified as
                                           update the description to allow for the                                                                       OMB for approval.
                                                                                                   large business entities.
                                           packing of both oranges and grapefruit
                                                                                                      In addition, based on NASS                            This final rule does not impose any
                                           in poly or mesh bags having a capacity
                                                                                                   information, the weighted grower price                additional reporting or recordkeeping
                                           of 4 pounds.
                                                                                                   for Texas citrus during the 2016–17                   requirements on either small or large
                                              These changes reflect the containers
                                                                                                   season was approximately $9.35 per                    Texas orange and grapefruit handlers.
                                           being utilized throughout the industry
                                                                                                   carton. Using the weighted average price              As with all Federal marketing order
                                           and aligns the regulations with current
                                                                                                   and shipment information, the number                  programs, reports and forms are
                                           industry practices.
                                              Section 8e of the Act provides that                  of producers (170) and assuming a                     periodically reviewed to reduce
                                           when certain domestically produced                      normal distribution, the majority of                  information requirements and
                                           commodities, including oranges, are                     producers would have annual receipts                  duplication by industry and public
                                           regulated under a Federal marketing                     of $418,000, which is less than                       sector agencies.
                                           order, imports of that commodity must                   $750,000. ($9.35 per carton times 7.6                    AMS is committed to complying with
                                           meet the same or comparable grade,                      million cartons equals $71.06 million,                the E-Government Act to promote the
                                           size, quality, and maturity requirements.               divided by 170 equals $418,000 per                    use of the internet and other
                                           As this rule changes the container                      producer.) Thus, the majority of Texas                information technologies to provide
                                           requirements under the domestic                         citrus producers may be classified as                 increased opportunities for citizen
                                           handling regulations, no corresponding                  small entities.                                       access to Government information and
                                           change to the import regulations is                        This final rule revises the container              services, and for other purposes.
                                           required.                                               requirements established under the                       USDA has not identified any relevant
                                                                                                   Order. This rule removes five containers              Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
                                           Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis                   from the list of authorized containers                conflict with this final rule.
                                              Pursuant to requirements set forth in                and adds seven new containers to the                     The Committee’s meeting was widely
                                           the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5                 list. This action also updates one                    publicized throughout the Texas citrus
                                           U.S.C. 601–612), the Agricultural                       container to allow handlers to use it to              industry and all interested persons were
                                           Marketing Service (AMS) has                             pack oranges and grapefruit, and                      invited to attend the meeting and
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                                           considered the economic impact of this                  modifies the description of another                   participate in Committee deliberations
                                           action on small entities. Accordingly,                  container to indicate it is the standard              on all issues. Like all Committee
                                           AMS has prepared this final regulatory                  container used by the industry. These                 meetings, the June 8, 2017, meeting was
                                           flexibility analysis.                                   changes align the list of authorized                  a public meeting and all entities, both
                                              The purpose of the RFA is to fit                     containers with current industry needs                large and small, were able to express
                                           regulatory actions to the scale of                      and practices. This rule revises                      their views on this issue.


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                                           52946             Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 203 / Friday, October 19, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              A proposed rule concerning this                      dimensions of 46 to 471⁄2 inches in                     (xv) 8⁄5 Body master carton with
                                           action was published in the Federal                     length, 37 to 38 inches in width, and 36              approximate inside dimensions of
                                           Register on July 6, 2018 (83 FR 31471).                 inches in height: Provided, That the                  19.5385 x 13.125 x 11.625 inches, one
                                           Copies of the proposed rule were sent                   container has a Mullen or Cady test of                piece;
                                           via email to all Committee members and                  at least 1,300 pounds, and that it is used              (xvi) Euro 8⁄5 (5 Down) with
                                           Texas citrus handlers. The proposed                     only once for the shipment of citrus                  approximate inside dimensions of
                                           rule was made available through the                     fruit: And Provided further, That the                 22.813 x 14.688 x 7.0 up to 7.936
                                           internet by USDA and the Office of the                  container may be used to pack any poly                inches;
                                           Federal Register. A 30-day comment                      or mesh bags authorized in this section,                (xvii) Fiberboard one piece display
                                           period ending August 6, 2018, was                       or bulk fruit;                                        container with approximate inside
                                           provided to allow interested persons to                    (v) Rectangular or octagonal 2⁄3                   dimensions of 23 inches x 15 inches x
                                           respond to the proposal. No comments                    fiberboard crib with approximate                      91⁄2 up to 101⁄2 inches in depth;
                                           were received.                                          dimensions of 46 to 471⁄2 inches in                     (xviii) Such types and sizes of
                                              A small business guide on complying                  length, 37 to 38 inches in width, and 24              containers as may be approved by the
                                           with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop               inches in height: Provided, That the crib             committee for testing in connection
                                           marketing agreements and orders may                     has a Mullen or Cady test of at least                 with a research project conducted by or
                                           be viewed at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/                  1,300 pounds, and that it is used only                in cooperation with the committee:
                                           rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses.                 once for the shipment of citrus fruit:                Provided, That the handling of each lot
                                           Any questions about the compliance                      And Provided further, That the                        of fruit in such test containers shall be
                                           guide should be sent to Richard Lower                   container may be used to pack any poly                subject to prior approval and under the
                                           at the previously mentioned address in                  or mesh bags authorized in this section,              supervision of the committee.
                                           the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT                     or bulk fruit;                                        *     *      *     *    *
                                           section.                                                   (vi) Octagonal fiberboard crib with
                                                                                                                                                           Dated: October 15, 2018.
                                              After consideration of all relevant                  approximate dimensions of 46 to 471⁄2
                                                                                                   inches in width, 37 to 38 inches in                   Bruce Summers,
                                           matter presented, including the
                                           information and recommendation                          depth, and 26 to 261⁄2 inches in height:              Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
                                                                                                   Provided, That the crib has a Mullen or               Service.
                                           submitted by the Committee and other
                                                                                                   Cady test of at least 1,300 pounds, and               [FR Doc. 2018–22759 Filed 10–18–18; 8:45 am]
                                           available information, it is hereby found
                                           that this rule, as hereinafter set forth,               that it is used only once for the                     BILLING CODE 3410–02–P

                                           will tend to effectuate the declared                    shipment of citrus fruit: And Provided
                                           policy of the Act.                                      further, That the crib may be used to
                                                                                                   pack any poly or mesh bags authorized                 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                           List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 906                      in this section, or bulk fruit;
                                                                                                      (vii) Fiberboard box holding two                   Agricultural Marketing Service
                                             Grapefruit, Marketing agreements,
                                           Oranges, Reporting and recordkeeping                    layers of fruit, with approximate
                                                                                                   dimensions of 23 inches in length, 151⁄2              7 CFR Part 982
                                           requirements.
                                             For the reasons set forth in the                      inches in width, and 7 inches in depth;               [Doc. No. AO–SC–16–0136; AMS–SC–16–
                                           preamble, 7 CFR part 906 is amended as                     (viii) Reusable collapsible plastic                0074; SC16–982–1]
                                           follows:                                                container with approximate dimensions
                                                                                                   of 23 inches in length, 15 inches in                  Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and
                                           PART 906—ORANGES AND                                    width, and 7 to 11 inches in depth;                   Washington; Order Amending
                                           GRAPEFRUIT GROWN IN LOWER RIO                              (ix) Reusable collapsible plastic bin              Marketing Order No. 982
                                           GRANDE VALLEY IN TEXAS                                  with approximate dimensions of 363⁄4 x                AGENCY:  Agricultural Marketing Service,
                                                                                                   443⁄4 x 27 inches;                                    USDA.
                                           ■ 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR                      (x) Octagonal bulk triple wall
                                                                                                   fiberboard crib with approximate                      ACTION: Final rule.
                                           part 906 continues to read as follows:
                                               Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
                                                                                                   dimensions of 373⁄4 inches in length, 25              SUMMARY:   This final rule amends
                                                                                                   inches in width, and 25 inches in                     Marketing Order No. 982 (Order), which
                                           ■ 2. Revise § 906.340(a)(1) to read as                  height: Provided, That the container has              regulates the handling of hazelnuts
                                           follows:                                                a Mullen or Cady test of at least 1,100               grown in Oregon and Washington. The
                                                                                                   pounds: And Provided further, That the                amendments were proposed by the
                                           § 906.340 Container, pack, and container                container may be used to pack any poly
                                           marking regulations.                                                                                          Hazelnut Marketing Board (Board) and
                                                                                                   or mesh bags authorized in this section,              add the authority to regulate quality for
                                              (a) * * *                                            or bulk fruit;
                                              (1) Containers. (i) Closed fiberboard                                                                      the purpose of pathogen reduction and
                                                                                                      (xi) Bag having the capacity of 15
                                           carton with approximate inside                                                                                to establish different regulations for
                                                                                                   pounds of fruit, either in a combination
                                           dimensions of 131⁄4 x 101⁄2 x 71⁄4 inches:              1⁄2 poly and 1⁄2 mesh bag or mesh bag;
                                                                                                                                                         different markets.
                                           Provided, That the container has a                                                                              This final rule also makes
                                                                                                      (xii) Reusable collapsible plastic mini
                                           Mullen or Cady test of at least 200                                                                           administrative revisions to subpart
                                                                                                   bin with approximate dimensions of
                                           pounds;                                                                                                       headings to bring the language into
                                                                                                   391⁄2 inches in length, 24 inches in
                                              (ii) Closed fully telescopic fiberboard                                                                    conformance with the Office of Federal
                                                                                                   width, and 301⁄2 inches in height:
                                           carton with approximate inside                                                                                Register requirements.
                                                                                                   Provided, That the container may be
                                           dimensions of 161⁄2 x 103⁄4 x 91⁄2 inches               used to pack any poly or mesh bags                    DATES: This rule is effective November
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                                           (Standard carton);                                      authorized in this section, or bulk fruit;            19, 2018.
                                              (iii) Poly or mesh bags having a                        (xiii) Bag having the capacity of three            ADDRESSES: Marketing Order and
                                           capacity of 4, 5, 8, 10, or 18 pounds of                pounds of fruit;                                      Agreement Division, Specialty Crops
                                           fruit;                                                     (xiv) Standard carton with                         Program, AMS, USDA, 1400
                                              (iv) Rectangular or octagonal bulk                   approximate inside dimensions of                      Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0237,
                                           fiberboard crib with approximate                        16.375 x 10.6875 x 10.25 inches;                      Washington, DC 20250–0237.


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Document Created: 2018-10-19 01:25:36
Document Modified: 2018-10-19 01:25:36
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.
DatesEffective November 19, 2018.
ContactDoris Jamieson, Marketing Specialist, or Christian D. Nissen, Regional Director, Southeast Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 291-8614, or Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 52944 
CFR AssociatedGrapefruit; Marketing Agreements; Oranges and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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