This rule revises the general regulations for Federal marketing orders covering fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops by updating the section regarding information collections...
Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION:
Final rule; technical amendments.
SUMMARY:
This rule revises the general regulations for Federal marketing orders covering fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops by updating the section regarding information collections. Further, this rule updates nomenclature in the general regulations, numerous Federal marketing orders, the import regulations, the domestic hemp program regulations, and the peanut handling regulations administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Finally, this rule corrects typographical errors found in the AMS marketing order and import regulations and removes regulations no longer in effect. These changes are necessary to provide more accurate information in the regulations moving forward.
DATES:
Effective November 24, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matthew Pavone, Branch Chief, Rulemaking Services Branch, or Andrew Hatch, Deputy Director of Operations, Market Development Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; phone: (202) 720-2491 or email:
Matthew.Pavone@usda.gov
or
Andrew.Hatch@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This action, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, makes updates and corrections to regulations issued to carry out marketing orders as defined in 7 CFR 900.2(j). This rule revises the General Regulations (7 CFR part 900) and the marketing orders in numerous other parts of chapter IX that regulate the handling of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and specialty crops (parts 905, 906, 915, 917, 920, 929, 930, 932, 945, 948, 955, 958, 959, 966, 981, 982, 983, 985, 987, 989, and 993) and imported products (parts 944, 980, and 999). These parts are effective under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the “Act.” In addition, this rule corrects typographical errors in the domestic hemp program regulations (part 990), which are effective under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended. Finally, this rule makes corrections to the peanut handling regulations (part 996), which are effective under Public Law 107-171, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended (7 U.S.C. 7958).
This action falls within a category of regulatory actions that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) exempted from Executive Order 12866 review. Additionally, AMS is issuing this final rule in conformance with Executive Orders 12988, 13175, and 13563.
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), provides that, when an agency for good cause finds that notice and public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, the agency may issue a rule without providing notice and an opportunity for public comment. AMS has determined that there is good cause for making this technical amendment final without prior proposal and opportunity for comment because the revisions are not substantive and will have no impact on the regulatory requirements in the affected parts. In addition, AMS has determined that public comment on such administrative changes is unnecessary and that there is good cause under the APA for proceeding with a final rule.
Further, because a notice of proposed rulemaking and opportunity for public comment is not required to be given for this rule under the APA or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601et seq.) are not applicable. Accordingly, this rule is issued in final form.
Overview of Changes
This final rule makes technical amendments to regulations in 7 CFR parts 900, 905, 906, 915, 917, 920, 929, 930, 932, 944, 945, 948, 955, 958, 959, 966, 980, 981, 982, 983, 985, 987, 989, 990, 993, 996, and 999. USDA has determined that this action is only administrative in nature. This action updates the information collection provisions in § 900.601 to remove obsolete references and to align current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control numbers and descriptions with the appropriate programs. This rule also revises outdated nomenclature in the general regulations pertaining to marketing agreements and marketing orders in 7 CFR part 900; in Federal marketing orders in 7 CFR parts 905, 915, 932, 945, 958, 966, 987, and 989; in the import regulations contained in 7 CFR parts 944, 980, and 999; and in the peanut handling regulations in 7 CFR part 996 to reflect current nomenclature. For example, the name of the Marketing Order and Agreement Division has been changed to Market Development Division, so references to the former name have been changed to reflect the current name. Additionally, this rule removes obsolete language and some regulatory sections (§§ 982.254 through 982.255; and §§ 985.234 through 985.236) that are no longer in effect. Lastly, this action corrects typographical errors throughout 7 CFR chapter IX. The final rule does not add to or amend any existing program requirements.
Procedure for determining handlers' permitted quantities of red seedless grapefruit when a portion of sizes 48 and 56 of such variety is restricted.
* * * * *
(f) * * * Each new handler shall provide on a form furnished by the Committee the Florida citrus fruit dealer's license number, their Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Fruit and Vegetables, packinghouse registration number, and the physical location of the packinghouse where the red seedless grapefruit is to be prepared for market. * * *
Florida avocado grade, pack, and container marking regulation.
(a) * * *
(5) * * * Only stamps and tape which have been approved by the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, may be used for purposes of stamping and sealing containers to meet these requirements.
* * * * *
PART 917—FRESH PEARS AND PEACHES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA
24. The authority citation for part 917 continues to read as follows:
b. In paragraph (a), remove the text “fruit.The” and “aforesaid.In” and add in their places the text “fruit. The” and “aforesaid. In”, respectively; and
31. In § 930.162, in paragraphs (c)(1), (2), and (4), remove the text “short and long term” wherever it appears and add in its place the text “short- and long-term”.
PART 932—OLIVES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA
32. The authority citation for part 932 continues to read as follows:
37. In § 932.52, in paragraph (b)(2), remove the words “Processed Products Branch” and add in their place the words “Specialty Crops Inspection Division”.
38. In § 932.53, in paragraph (a), remove the words “Processed Products Branch” and add in their place the words “Specialty Crops Inspection Division”.
a. In paragraph (b), remove the words “Processed Products Branch (PPB)” and add in their place the words “Specialty Crops Inspection Division (SCI)”.; and
b. In paragraph (c)(1) introductory text, remove the words “work day” and add in their place the word “workday”.
Safeguard procedures for avocados, grapefruit, kiwifruit, olives, oranges, prune variety plums (fresh prunes), and table grapes, exempt from grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements.
(a)
Exempt use.
Each person who imports or receives any of the commodities listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section shall file (electronically or paper) an “Importer's Exempt Commodity Form” (SC-6) with the Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA. A “person who imports” may include a customs broker, acting as an importer's representative (hereinafter referred to as “importer”). A copy of the completed form (electronic or paper) shall be provided to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If a paper form is used, a copy of the form shall accompany the lot to the exempt outlet specified on the form. Any lot of any commodity offered for inspection and, all or a portion thereof, subsequently imported as exempt under this provision shall also be reported on an SC-6 form. Such form (electronic or paper) shall be provided to the Market Development Division in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. The applicable commodities are:
(1) Avocados, grapefruit, kiwifruit, olives, oranges, prune variety plums (fresh prunes) and table grapes for consumption by charitable institutions or distribution by relief agencies;
(2) Avocados, grapefruit, kiwifruit, oranges, prune variety plums (fresh prunes), and table grapes for processing;
(3) Olives for processing into oil;
(4) Grapefruit for animal feed; or
(5) Avocados for seed.
(b)
Certification of exempt use.
(1) Each importer of an exempt commodity as specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall certify on the SC-6 form (electronic or paper) as to the intended exempt outlet (
e.g.,
processing, charity, livestock feed). If certification is made using a paper SC-6 form, the importer shall provide a handwritten signature on the form.
(2) Each receiver of an exempt commodity as specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall also receive a copy of the associated SC-6 form (electronic or paper) filed by the importer. Within two days of receipt of the exempt lot, the receiver shall certify on the form (electronic or paper) that such lot has been received and will be utilized in the exempt outlet as certified by the importer. If certification is made using a paper SC-6 form, the receiver shall provide a handwritten signature on the form.
(c)
Disposition.
It is the responsibility of the importer to notify the Market Development Division of any lot of exempt commodity rejected by a receiver, shipped to an alternative exempt receiver, exported, or otherwise destroyed. In such cases, a second SC-6 form must be filed by the importer, providing sufficient information to determine ultimate disposition of the exempt lot, and such disposition shall be so certified by the final receiver.
(d)
Filing.
All SC-6 forms and other correspondence regarding entry of exempt commodities must be submitted electronically, by mail, or by fax to the Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; telephone (202) 720-2491; email
ComplianceInfo@usda.gov;
or fax (202) 720-5698.
51. In § 945.42, in paragraph (e), remove the words “short term” and add in their place the word “short-term”.
52. In § 945.341:
a. In paragraph (b)(3)(i), remove the word “complaince” and add in its place the word “compliance”; and
b. In paragraph (d)(2), remove the text “Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division” and adding in its place “Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program”.
PART 948—IRISH POTATOES GROWN IN COLORADO
53. The authority citation for part 948 continues to read as follows:
55. In § 948.63, in paragraph (a)(1), remove the words “chairman” and “officers' ” and add in their places the words “chairperson” and “officers”, respectively.
64. In § 958.91, in the first paragraph of the agreement, remove the text “Fruit and Vegetable Division” and add in its place the text “Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program”.
PART 959—ONIONS GROWN IN SOUTH TEXAS
65. The authority citation for part 959 continues to read as follows:
a. In paragraph (d)(1), remove the word “cerasiform” and add in its place the word “cerasiforme”; and
b. In paragraph (d)(5), remove the text “Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs” and add in its place the text “Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program”.
PART 980—VEGETABLES; IMPORT REGULATIONS
70. The authority citation for part 980 continues to read as follows:
a. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the text “Area II” and add in its place the text “Area 2”;
b. In paragraph (g)(1)(ii), remove the text “Marketing Order and Agreement Division” and add in its place the text “Market Development Division”, and remove the text “ 8eImports@ams.usda.gov
” and add in its place “
ComplianceInfo@usda.gov;
” and
c. In paragraph (i)(2), remove the text “the U.S. Customs Service” and add in its place “U.S. Customs and Border Protection”.
a. In paragraph (d), remove the word “supercede” and add in its place the word “supersede”; and
b. In paragraph (f)(3), remove the text “Marketing Order and Agreement Division” and add in its place the text “Market Development Division”, and remove the text “ 8eImports@ams.usda.gov
” and add in its place “
ComplianceInfo@usda.gov
”.
a. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the text “Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs” and add in its place the text “Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program”;
b. In paragraph (f)(3), remove the text “Marketing Order and Agreement Division” and add it its place the text “Market Development Division”, and remove the text “ 8eImports@ams.usda.gov
” and add in its place “
ComplianceInfo@usda.gov
”; and
c. In paragraph (h), remove the text “the United States Bureau of Customs” and add in its place “U.S. Customs and Border Protection”, and remove the word “cerasiform” and add in its place the word “cerasiforme”.
Safeguard procedures for potatoes, onions, and tomatoes exempt from grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements.
(a)
Exempt use.
Each person who imports or receives any of the commodities listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section shall file
( printed page 82235)
(electronically or paper) an “Importer's Exempt Commodity Form” (SC-6) with the Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA. A “person who imports” may include a customs broker, acting as an importer's representative (hereinafter referred to as “importer”). A copy of the completed form (electronic or paper) shall be provided to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If a paper form is used, a copy of the form shall accompany the lot to the exempt outlet specified on the form. Any lot of any commodity offered for inspection and, all or a portion thereof, subsequently imported as exempt under this provision shall also be reported on an SC-6 form. Such form (electronic or paper) shall be provided to the Market Development Division in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. The applicable commodities are:
(1) Potatoes, onions or tomatoes for consumption by charitable institutions or distribution by relief agencies;
(2) Potatoes, onions, or tomatoes for processing;
(3) Potatoes or onions for livestock feed; or
(4) Pearl onions; or
(5) Tomatoes to be used in noncommercial outlets for experimental
(b)
Certification of exempt use.
(1) Each importer of an exempt commodity as specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall certify on the SC-6 form (electronic or paper) as to the intended exempt outlet (
e.g.,
processing, charity, livestock feed). If certification is made using a paper SC-6 form, the importer shall provide a handwritten signature on the form.
(2) Each receiver of an exempt commodity as specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall also receive a copy of the associated SC-6 form (electronic or paper) filed by the importer. Within two days of receipt of the exempt lot, the receiver shall certify on the form (electronic or paper) to the Market Development Division that such lot has been received and will be utilized in the exempt outlet as certified by the importer. If certification is made using a paper SC-6 form, the receiver shall provide a handwritten signature on the form.
(c)
Disposition.
It is the responsibility of the importer to notify the Market Development Division of any lot of exempt commodity rejected by a receiver, shipped to an alternative exempt receiver, returned to the country of origin, or otherwise disposed of. In such cases, a second SC-6 form must be filed by the importer, providing sufficient information to determine ultimate disposition of the exempt lot, and such disposition shall be so certified by the final receiver.
(d)
Filing.
All SC-6 forms and other correspondence regarding entry of exempt commodities must be submitted electronically, by mail, or by fax to the Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; telephone (202) 720-2491; email
ComplianceInfo@usda.gov;
or fax (202) 720-5698.
PART 981—ALMONDS GROWN IN CALIFORNIA
75. The authority citation for part 981 continues to read as follows:
95. In § 987.41, in paragraph (c), remove the text “Processed Products Standardization and Inspection Branch” and add in its place the text “Specialty Crop Inspection Division”.
a. In paragraph (b)(2), remove the text “semi-dry of dry” and add in its place the text “semi-dry or dry” and remove the text “, except beginning February 21, 1997, and ending October 31, 1997, the 10 percent tolerance shall be increased to 15 percent”;
b. In paragraph (c)(2), remove the text “, except beginning February 21, 1997, and ending October 31, 1997, the 10 percent tolerance shall be increased to 15 percent”; and
c. In the last sentence in paragraph (d)(3), remove the word “excercise” and add in its place the word “exercise”.
98. In § 987.145, in the first sentence in paragraph (b)(2), remove the word “credited” and add in its place the word “Credited” and remove the word “exceds” and add in its place the word “exceeds”.
114. In § 996.71, in paragraph (b), remove the text “Southeast Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division” and add in its place the text “Southeast Region Branch, Market Development Division”.
PART 999—SPECIALTY CROPS; IMPORT REGULATIONS
115. The authority citation for part 999 continues to read as follows:
a. In paragraph (a)(5), remove the text “Fresh Products Standardization and Inspection Branch of the Fruit and Vegetable Division, Consumer and Marketing Service” and add in its place “Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, Agricultural Marketing Service”;
b. In paragraph (a)(6), remove the text “United States Customs Service” and add in its place “U.S. Customs and Border Protection”; and
c. In paragraph (b)(2), remove the text “effective January 25, 1959”.
118. In § 999.200:
a. Lift the suspension of January 16, 2009;
b. Revise paragraphs (a)(10) through (12);
c. In paragraph (b)(5), remove the text “Form FV-6” and add in its place the text “Form SC-6”;
d. Revise paragraph (e)(1);
e. In paragraph (e)(2), remove the text “Form FV-6” and add in its place the text “Form SC-6”; and
(10)
Specialty Crops Program
means the Specialty Crops Program of the Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
( printed page 82237)
(11)
USDA inspector
means an inspector of the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, or any other duly authorized employee of the USDA.
(12)
Importation
means release from custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1)
General.
Prior to importation of any prunes, the person importing such prunes shall file an inspection certificate with the Collector of Customs at the port at which the customs entry is filed. In addition, if such prunes are manufacturing grade substandard prunes, such person shall also file with the Collector of Customs an executed Form SC-6—`Importer's Exempt Commodity Form.' Promptly after such filing, such person shall transmit a copy of this form to the Specialty Crops Program. No person may import, sell, or use any manufacturing grade substandard prunes other than for use as set forth in paragraph (b)(5) of this section. Each person importing manufacturing grade substandard prunes shall obtain from each purchaser, no later than the time of delivery to such purchaser, and file with the Specialty Crops Program not later than the 5th day of the month following the month in which the prunes were delivered, an executed Form SC-6—`Importer's Exempt Commodity Form.' One copy of this executed form shall be retained by the importer and one copy shall be retained by the purchaser.
a. In paragraph (a)(5), remove the text “Food Safety and Quality Service” and add in its place “Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program”; and
b. In paragraph (a)(6), remove the text “United States Bureau of Customs” and add in its place “U.S. Customs and Border Protection”.
121. In § 999.500:
a. In paragraph (a) introductory text wherever it appears, remove the text “Marketing Order and Agreement Division” and add in its place the text “Market Development Division”;
b. Remove the text “FV-6” wherever it appears and add in its place the text “SC-6”; and
Safeguard procedures for walnuts, dates, pistachios, and raisins exempt from grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements.
* * * * *
(c) It is the responsibility of the importer to notify the Market Development Division of any lot of exempt commodity rejected by a receiver, shipped to an alternative exempt receiver, exported, or otherwise disposed of. In such cases, a second SC-6 form must be filed by the importer, providing sufficient information to determine ultimate disposition of the exempt lot, and such disposition shall be so certified by the final receiver.
(d) All SC-6 forms and other correspondence regarding entry of exempt commodities must be submitted electronically, by mail, or by fax to the Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; telephone (202) 720-2491; email
ComplianceInfo@usda.gov;
or fax (202) 720-5698.
a. In paragraph (a)(8) remove the text “Federal Inspection Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs” and add in its place “Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program”; and
b. In paragraph (h), remove the text “Marketing Order and Agreement Division” and add in its place “Market Development Division”.