Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Partial Exemption to the Minimum Grade Requirements

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule providing a partial exemption to the minimum grade requirements under the marketing order for tomatoes grown in Florida (order). The order regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida and is administered locally by the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee). Absent an exemption, Florida tomatoes covered by the order must meet at least a U.S. No. 2 grade before they can be shipped and sold outside the regulated area. This rule continues in effect the action that exempted Vintage Ripes\TM\ tomatoes (Vintage Ripes\TM\) from the shape requirements associated with the U.S. No. 2 grade. This change increases the volume of Vintage Ripes\TM\ that meets the order requirements, and helps increase shipments and availability of these tomatoes.