Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Change in Reporting Requirements

This final rule changes the reporting requirements currently prescribed under the Texas orange and grapefruit marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of oranges and grapefruit grown in three counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and is administered locally by the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (committee). Shipments of oranges and grapefruit out of the production area must meet minimum standards of grade, size, quality, and pack. Such shipments are subject to mandatory inspection. This final rule adds language in the order's rules and regulations to require that all sales of over 400 pounds of oranges and grapefruit for resale inside the production area be covered by a ``Buyer Certification'' form (Certification Form). This requirement will ensure that handlers are aware of and accept responsibility for complying with the order's requirements and that buyers do not transport uninspected oranges and grapefruit out of the three-county production area.