Winter Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 927

This final rule amends the marketing order for winter pears grown in Oregon and Washington (order). Three amendments were proposed by the Winter Pear Control Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order. Of these three, only one proposal was favored by winter pear growers in a mail referendum, held July 17 through August 2, 2002. The single amendment to the order will change provisions related to alternate Committee members serving for absent members at Committee meetings. This amendment will improve the operation and functioning of the winter pear marketing order program by ensuring industry representation at Committee meetings. The two amendments that failed to receive grower support in the referendum include authorizing the Committee to recommend maturity regulations, and authorizing the Committee to recommend container or marking requirements. These amendments will not be implemented.