Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Partial Exemption From the Handling Regulation for Single Layer and Two Layer Place Packed Tomatoes

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule providing an exemption to the pack and container requirements currently prescribed under the Florida tomato marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee). This rule exempts shipments of single layer and two layer place packed tomatoes from the container net weight requirements under the marketing order. This rule facilitates the movement of single layer and two layer place packed tomatoes and should improve returns to producers of Florida tomatoes.