Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Partial Exemption From the Handling Regulation for Producer Field-Packed Tomatoes

This rule amends a prior interim final rule that changed the handling requirements prescribed under the Florida tomato marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Florida Tomato Committee (committee). The prior interim final rule exempted shipments of producer field-packed tomatoes from container net weight requirements and the requirement that all tomatoes must be packed at registered handler facilities. This rule exempts shipments of certain-sized producer field-packed tomatoes from a maximum size requirement specified in the handling regulation. These changes allow the industry to pack a higher colored, riper tomato to meet the demand of the expanding market for vine-ripe tomatoes. This facilitates the movement of Florida tomatoes and should ultimately improve returns to producers.