Specialty Crops; Import RegulationsExemption of Brine Dried Prunes From Import Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which exempted brine dried prunes from import requirements by specifying that brine dried prunes do not fall within the definition of prunes in the import regulation. This rule is implemented in accordance with section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. Section 8e requires imports of prunes to meet the same or comparable requirements as those implemented under Federal Marketing Order No. 993, regulating the handling of dried prunes produced in California. The Department has determined that brine dried prunes are different from those normally handled by California prune handlers and that such prunes shall not be subjected to Section 8e import requirements.