Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Reduction in Additional Storage Payments Regarding Reserve Raisins Intended for Use as Cattle Feed

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that reduced the additional holding and storage payments regarding 2002 Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (NS) reserve raisins that were carried into the 2003 crop year and used as cattle feed. The crop year runs from August 1 through July 31. Such payments are authorized under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC). This action continues to reduce expenses incurred by the 2002 reserve pool and thereby helps improve returns to 2002 equity holders, primarily raisin producers.