Almonds Grown in California; Change in Quality Control Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule implementing a recommendation from the Almond Board of California (Board) that relaxed the quality control requirements prescribed under the California almond marketing order (order). The Board locally administers the order and is comprised of growers and handlers operating within California. The interim rule relaxed incoming quality requirements by increasing the inedible kernel tolerance from 0.50 percent to 2 percent. This relaxation decreases California almond handlers' disposition obligation. This change also allows handlers more flexibility in their operations while continuing to maintain quality control and ensuring compliance with the order's requirements.