Kiwifruit Grown in California; Temporary Suspension of an Inspection Requirement

This rule temporarily suspends an inspection requirement for kiwifruit covered under the California kiwifruit marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of kiwifruit grown in California, and is administered locally by the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee (Committee). Prior to this suspension, certification of any kiwifruit which was inspected and certified as meeting grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements in effect under the marketing order was valid until December 31 of the current fiscal year or 21 days from the date of inspection, whichever was later. This rule enables handlers to ship kiwifruit without the necessity for reinspection and recertification and the costs associated with such requirements. This temporary suspension was unanimously recommended by the Committee and is expected to reduce handler costs and to increase grower returns, while continuing to provide consumers with the same high quality fruit as was available under previous requirements.