Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Exemption From Area No. 2 Handling Regulation for Potatoes Shipped for Experimentation and the Manufacture or Conversion Into Specified Products

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which exempts shipments of potatoes handled for experimentation and the manufacture or conversion into specified products from the grade, size, maturity, and inspection requirements prescribed under the handling regulations of the Colorado Potato Marketing Order for Area No. 2 (San Luis Valley). This rule was unanimously recommended by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee for Area No. 2 (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order. This rule continues in effect exemptions designed to expand markets for potatoes and to increase fresh utilization. These changes are expected to improve the marketing of Colorado potatoes and increase returns to producers.