Termination of Marketing Order 971; Lettuce Grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in South Texas

This action terminates the Federal marketing order for lettuce grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in South Texas (order) and the rules and regulations issued thereunder. The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) has determined that the order no longer tends to effectuate the declared policy of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (Act). In recent years, this industry has declined significantly in numbers of producers and handlers. In 1980, there were 42 producers and 11 handlers. In 1992, there were three producers and one handler. All known commercial production and handling of South Texas lettuce has ceased since 1992 and there are no indications that the industry will be revived.