Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Modifications to the Raisin Diversion Program

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule modifying the raisin diversion program (RDP) currently authorized under the Federal marketing order for California raisins. The marketing order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). Under the RDP, producers are issued certificates representing reserve raisins for voluntarily reducing their raisin production in order to bring raisin supplies more closely in line with market needs. Producers may then sell these certificates to handlers, who, in turn, can redeem the certificates for reserve raisins. This rule continues in effect various modifications to the diversion program to improve compliance and bring the program in line with current industry practices. Improving compliance with the RDP helps ensure equity among all producers who participate in the program, and helps maintain the integrity of the RDP.