Dried Prunes Produced in California; Temporary Suspension of the Mandatory Outgoing Prune Inspection and Quality Requirements, and Modification of the Undersized Prune Disposition Requirements Under the Marketing Order; and Suspension of the Prune Import Regulation

This rule suspends the outgoing prune inspection and quality requirements under the California Dried Prune Marketing Order (Order) and its administrative rules and regulations, and the prune import regulation, for a three-year period, and modifies the Order's undersized prune disposition requirements. The Order regulates the handling of dried prunes produced in California and is administered locally by the Prune Marketing Committee (Committee). Suspension of the outgoing inspection and quality requirements, and import regulation provisions will ensure relief from these regulations. During the three- year suspension period the industry will consider developing and implementing outgoing inspection and finished product grade standards more consistent with current industry needs.