Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Relaxation of Handling Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that relaxed the handling requirements prescribed under the California table grape marketing order (order) and the table grape import regulation. The interim final rule relaxed the minimum bunch size requirement for the 2009 season for grapes packed in containers holding 2 pounds net weight or less. Under the relaxation, up to 20 percent of the weight of such containers may consist of single clusters weighing less than one quarter pound, but with at least five berries each. The interim final rule was necessary to provide California desert grape handlers and importers the flexibility to respond to a marketing opportunity on a test basis for one season to meet consumer needs.