Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida and Imported Grapefruit; Removing All Seeded Grapefruit Regulations, Relaxation of Grade Requirements for Valencia and Other Late Type Oranges, and Removing Quality and Size Regulations on Imported Seeded Grapefruit

This rule removes the regulations for seeded grapefruit under the Florida citrus marketing order and for seeded grapefruit imported into the United States. The order regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida (order) and is administered locally by the Citrus Administration Committee (committee). The change in the import regulation is required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. Production of seeded grapefruit in Florida has declined to the point that removing seeded grapefruit from order requirements will have no significant impact on the grapefruit market. This rule also relaxes minimum grade requirements for domestic shipments of fresh Valencia and other late type oranges the last few weeks of the season. The volume remaining at the end of the season is small and has difficulty meeting grade requirements. This rule will help maximize shipments and returns for fresh Valencia and other late type oranges.