Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the General Cull and Handling Regulation for Area No. 2

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that modified the size requirements for potatoes handled under the Colorado potato marketing order, Area No. 2 (order). The order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Colorado and is administered locally by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Area No. 2 (Committee). The interim rule revised the 1-inch minimum to 1\3/4\-inch maximum diameter size allowance for U.S. Commercial and better grade potatoes contained in the order's handling regulation for Area No. 2 to \3/4\-inch minimum to 1\5/8\-inch maximum diameter. In addition, this action revised the minimum size requirement under the order's general cull regulation to \3/4\-inch diameter. As required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, this action also revised the size requirements for imported round type potatoes, other than red-skinned varieties. This change is expected to facilitate the handling and marketing of the Area No. 2 potato crop; provide producers, handlers, and importers with increased returns; and offer consumers increased potato purchasing options.