Melons Grown in South Texas; Change in Container Regulation

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule changing the handling regulation currently prescribed under the South Texas melon (cantaloupes and honeydews) marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of melons grown in South Texas and is administered locally by the South Texas Melon Committee (committee). This rule continues in effect changes to the dimensions of bulk containers used for shipping honeydew melons, requirements that these containers be octagonal or rectangular in shape, and the addition of a dimension tolerance for that container. It also continues the provisions allowing the committee to approve the use of experimental containers and melon shipments for experimental purposes, and the removal of two experimental containers that have not been used by the industry for several years. These changes were unanimously recommended by the committee and will enable handlers to compete more effectively in the marketplace.