Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Partial Exemption From the Handling Regulation for Producer Field-Packed Tomatoes

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, with a change, the provisions of an amended interim final rule changing the handling requirements prescribed under the Florida tomato marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Florida Tomato Committee (committee). This rule continues to exempt shipments of producer field-packed tomatoes from the container net weight requirements and the requirement that all tomatoes must be packed at registered handler facilities. This rule also continues to exempt shipments of certain-sized producer field-packed tomatoes from a maximum size requirement specified in the handling regulation. Continuation of these exemptions will allow the industry to pack a higher colored, riper tomato to meet the demand of the expanding market for vine-ripe tomatoes, facilitate the movement of Florida tomatoes, and should continue to improve returns to producers.