Papayas Grown in Hawaii; Suspension of Grade, Inspection, and Related Reporting Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule suspending the grade, inspection, inspection waiver procedures, and related exempt shipment reporting requirements under the marketing order regulating papayas grown in Hawaii, due to current overproduction and unprecedented low prices for fresh papayas. This rule continues in effect the suspension of those provisions. These modifications result from a unanimous recommendation of the Papaya Administrative Committee (committee or PAC) at an emergency meeting on December 28, 2000. This action is expected to permit the industry to utilize funds earmarked for inspection for enhanced marketing efforts, thus improving producer returns by increasing consumer demand.