Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Pack and Container Requirements

This rule revises pack and container requirements currently prescribed for California kiwifruit under the California kiwifruit marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (Committee). This rule increases the number of pieces of fruit per 8-pound sample for three size designations and decreases the number of individual pieces of fruit per 8-pound sample for one size designation, revises lot stamping requirements for plastic containers, suspends the standard packaging requirement for volume filled containers of kiwifruit designated by weight for the 2002-03 season, and removes obsolete language from the text of the regulation. These changes were unanimously recommended by the Committee and are expected to help handlers compete more effectively in the marketplace, better meet the needs of buyers, and to improve grower returns.