Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Pack Requirements

This rule relaxes the pack requirements prescribed 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). This rule increases the size variation tolerance for Size 42 kiwifruit and increases the maximum number of fruit per 8-pound sample for Sizes 42 through 30. In addition, it suspends, for the 1998-99 season, the minimum net weight requirements for kiwifruit packed in containers with cell compartments, cardboard fillers, or molded trays. These changes were unanimously recommended by the Committee and are expected to reduce handler packing costs, increase producer returns, and enable handlers to compete more effectively in the marketplace.