Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington; Modification of Pack Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that modified the pack requirements prescribed under the Washington potato marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington, and is administered locally by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee). This rule continues in effect the action that modified the pack requirements to allow handlers to ship U.S. No. 2 grade potatoes in cartons to better meet buyer needs. Prior to this action, only potatoes grading U.S. No. 1 or better, or potatoes failing to grade U.S. No. 1 only because of internal defects, were allowed to be shipped in cartons. The relaxation in pack requirements will help maximize producer returns.