Limes and Avocados Grown in Florida; Relaxation of Container Dimension, Weight, and Marking Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule changing the container requirements prescribed under the Florida lime and avocado marketing orders. The marketing orders regulate the handling of limes grown in Florida and avocados grown in South Florida and are administered locally by the Florida Lime Administrative Committee and the Avocado Administrative Committee (Committees). This rule continues in effect changes to simplify container marking requirements for both limes and avocados by reducing the number of times the size for limes and the grade for avocados need to appear on a container. This rule also continues in effect the removal of weight limits on lime and avocado containers packed within a master container, and the relaxation of certain minimum weight requirements on containers of avocados. In addition, this rule continues in effect the elimination of specific container dimension requirements for both limes and avocados, but maintains net weight requirements. These changes are needed to reduce handling costs and provide greater flexibility in lime and avocado packing operations.