Tomatoes Grown in Florida and Imported Tomatoes; Final Rule to Change Minimum Size and Size Designation Requirements

This final rule increases minimum diameter size requirements for Florida and imported tomatoes. For Florida tomatoes alone, the rule also changes size designations from Medium, Large, and Extra Large to numeric size designations of 6 x 7, 6 x 6, and 5 x 6. Also, the rule slightly increases the diameter size ranges for the designated sizes. The marketing order regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida, and is administered locally by the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee). This final rule will help the Florida tomato industry and importers meet domestic market and industry demands. Also, this rule will help provide handlers more marketing flexibility and increase returns to producers, as well as provide consumers with slightly larger, more mature tomatoes. Application of the size requirement increase to imported tomatoes is required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937.