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

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule relaxing the minimum size requirement for red seedless grapefruit 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) under the Florida citrus marketing order. The marketing order regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Citrus Administrative Committee (Committee). This rule continues to allow handlers and importers to ship size 56 red seedless grapefruit through November 7, 1999, and is expected to maximize grapefruit shipments to fresh market channels.