Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in Florida and Imported Grapefruit; Relaxation of the Minimum Size Requirement for Red Seedless Grapefruit

This rule relaxes the minimum size requirement for red seedless grapefruit grown in Florida and for red seedless grapefruit imported into the United States from size 48 (3\9/16\ inches diameter) to size 56 (3\5/16\ inches diameter). The Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency that locally administers the marketing order for oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida, unanimously recommended the change for Florida grapefruit. The change in the import regulation is required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. This change allows handlers and importers to ship size 56 red seedless grapefruit through November 12, 2000, and is expected to maximize grapefruit shipments to fresh market channels.