Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon; Modification of Handling Regulations

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, with change, the provisions of an interim final rule relaxing pack requirements to allow handlers to ship U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes in one-piece 50-pound cartons to better meet buyer needs. Prior to this action, only U.S. No. 1 and better grade potatoes could be shipped in cartons. This change was recommended by the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Potato Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order. This rule continues in effect relaxed pack requirements which allow handlers to ship a substantial amount of U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes in cartons, thus meeting customer demand and maximizing producer returns.