Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 1997-98 Crop Natural (Sun-Dried) Seedless and Zante Currant Raisins

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which established final volume regulation percentages for 1997-98 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (Naturals) and Zante Currant (Zantes) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). The volume regulation percentages are 66 percent free and 34 percent reserve for Naturals and 44 percent free and 56 percent reserve for Zantes. Free tonnage raisins may be sold by handlers to any market. Reserve raisins must be held in a pool for the account of the Committee and are disposed of through various programs authorized under the order. The volume regulation percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices and strengthen market conditions.