Avocados Grown in South Florida and Imported Avocados; Revision of the Maturity Requirements

This rule revises the maturity requirements currently prescribed for avocados grown in South Florida and for avocados imported into the United States that are shipped to the fresh market. The Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) which locally administers the marketing order for avocados grown in South Florida recommended the change for Florida avocados. A corresponding change in the import regulation is also required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. This rule requires that avocados which fail the maturity requirements and are reworked and presented for reinspection must meet the maturity requirements which correspond to the date of the original inspection. This rule will help ensure only mature avocados are shipped to the fresh market.