Irish Potatoes Grown in Modoc and Siskiyou Counties, California, and in All Counties in Oregon, Except Malheur County; Temporary Suspension of Handling Regulations and Establishment of Reporting Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule without change, the provisions of an interim final rule suspending, for the 1999-2000 season only, the minimum grade, size, quality, maturity, pack, and inspection requirements currently prescribed under the Oregon-California potato marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Modoc and Siskiyou Counties, California, and in all Counties in Oregon, except Malheur County, and is administered locally by the Oregon- California Potato Committee (Committee). During this suspension of the handling regulations, reports from handlers will be required to obtain information necessary to administer the marketing order. This rule is expected to reduce industry expenses.