Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Changes to Pack Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which changed the pack requirements prescribed under the marketing order covering oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The marketing order regulates the handling of such fruit and is administered locally by the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee). This rule continues in effect the changes to the orange and grapefruit pack sizes so that each pack size reflects the actual number of fruit in a \7/10\ bushel carton. It also more closely aligns the pack sizes for Texas oranges with the pack sizes used by shippers of California oranges. The rule also continues in effect conforming changes to the pack size references in the minimum size regulations. Continuation of these changes will enable Texas handlers to compete more effectively in the marketplace.