Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches

This rule revises the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by modifying the grade, size, maturity, and container requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2003 season shipments. This rule also continues a modification of the requirements for placement of Federal-State Inspection Service lot stamps for the 2003 season, establishes a net weight for a style of containers and exempts those containers from the well-filled requirement, and revises the weight-count standards for Peento type peaches. The marketing orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule would enable handlers to continue shipping fresh nectarines and peaches meeting consumer needs in the interests of producers, handlers, and consumers of these fruits.