Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Pack and Container Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which revised pack and container requirements prescribed 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 continues to allow handlers to pack more individual pieces of fruit per 8-pound sample for three size designations and one less piece of fruit per 8-pound sample for one size designation. This rule also continues in effect revisions to lot stamping requirements for plastic containers, suspension of the standard packaging requirement for volume filled containers of kiwifruit designated by weight for the 2002-03 season, and removal of 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.