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 2004 season shipments. This rule also continues a modification of the requirements for placement of Federal-State Inspection Service lot stamps for the 2004 season and beyond, establishes a minimum net weight for a style of containers, authorizes continued shipments of "CA Utility" quality nectarines and peaches, and revises the tolerance for blossom-end growth cracks 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.