Specialty Crops; Import Regulations; Peanut Import Regulations

This final rule establishes minimum quality, identification, certification and safeguard requirements for imported farmers stock, shelled, and cleaned-inshell peanuts. This rule is issued under section 108B(f)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended. The provisions of paragraph (f)(2) require all peanuts in the domestic market to fully comply with all quality standards under Peanut Marketing Agreement No. 146 (Agreement). Therefore, this rule establishes the same quality requirements and handling procedures for imported peanuts as those which are in effect for domestically produced peanuts. This final rule addresses comments to the proposed rule submitted by members of the industry and other interested persons. This action will benefit peanut handlers, importers and consumers by helping to ensure that all peanuts in the marketplace comply with the same quality standards.