Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of Area No. 3 Handling Regulation

This rule increases exemptions to the handling regulation prescribed under the marketing order (order) for Colorado Area No. 3 potatoes. The order regulates the handling of Colorado potatoes and is administered locally by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee for Area No. 3 (Committee). This rule exempts potatoes shipped for the purpose of experimentation and the manufacture or conversion into specified products from the grade, size, maturity, inspection, and assessment requirements of the order. Relaxing handling requirements provides handlers with greater marketing flexibility, producers with increased returns, and consumers with more choices in buying fresh potatoes. This rule also clarifies the regulatory text by specifying that potatoes shipped for livestock feed, charity, and certified seed are exempt from assessment requirements.