Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington and Imported Potatoes; Modification of the Handling Regulations, Reporting Requirements, and Import Regulations for Red Types of Potatoes

This rule exempts red types of potatoes from minimum quality, maturity, pack, marking, and inspection requirements of the Washington potato marketing order for the remainder of the 2013-2014 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Washington and is administered locally by the State of Washington Potato Committee (Committee). During the exemption period, reports will be required from handlers of red types of potatoes to obtain information necessary to administer the marketing order. As required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, this action also exempts imported red- skinned, round type potatoes from minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements. This rule is expected to reduce overall industry expenses and increase net returns to producers and handlers while giving the industry the opportunity to explore alternative marketing strategies.