[Federal Register: March 9, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 44)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 9969-9971]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09mr09-13]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

7 CFR Part 980

[Doc. No. AMS FV-08-0097; FV09-980-1 PR]

 
Vegetables, Import Regulations; Partial Exemption to the Minimum 
Grade Requirements for Fresh Tomatoes

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule invites comments on a proposed partial exemption to 
the minimum grade requirements under the tomato import regulation. The 
Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) which locally administers the 
marketing order for tomatoes grown in Florida (order) recommended the 
change for Florida tomatoes. The change in the import regulation is 
required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act 
of 1937. A separate rule amending the rules and regulations under the 
order to exempt Vintage Ripes TM tomatoes (Vintage Ripes 
TM) from the shape requirements associated with the U.S. No. 
2 grade is being issued by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This 
rule would provide the same partial exemption under the import 
regulation so it would conform to the regulations under the order.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 8, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Docket Clerk, 
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 
20250-0237; Fax: (202) 720-8938; or Internet: http://
www.regulations.gov. All comments should reference the document number 
and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and 
will be available for public inspection in the Office of the Docket 
Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: http://
www.regulations.gov. All comments submitted in response to this rule 
will be included in the record and will be made available to the 
public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or 
entities submitting the comments will be made public on the Internet at 
the address provided above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doris Jamieson, Marketing Specialist, 
or Christian Nissen, Regional Manager, Southeast Marketing Field 
Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 325-8793; or 
E-mail: Doris.Jamieson@usda.gov or Christian.Nissen@usda.gov.
    Small businesses may request information on complying with this 
regulation by contacting Jay Guerber, Marketing Order Administration 
Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 
720-2491, Fax: (202) 720-8938, or E-mail: Jay.Guerber@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed rule is issued under section 
8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter referred to as the ``Act,'' which provides 
that whenever certain specified commodities, including tomatoes, are 
regulated under a Federal marketing order, imports of these commodities 
into the United States are prohibited unless they meet the same or 
comparable grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements as those in 
effect for the domestically produced commodity.
    USDA is issuing this rule in conformance with Executive Order 
12866.
    This proposal has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
This proposal will not preempt any State or local laws, regulations, or 
policies, unless they

[[Page 9970]]

present an irreconcilable conflict with this rule.
    There are no administrative procedures, which must be exhausted 
prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of import regulations 
issued under section 8e of the Act.
    This proposal invites comments on a proposed partial exemption to 
the minimum grade requirements for Vintage RipesTM imported 
into the United States. Absent an exemption, the import requirements 
specify that tomatoes must meet at least a U.S. No. 2 grade before they 
can be shipped and sold into the fresh market. An interim final rule 
amending the rules and regulations under the order exempting Vintage 
RipesTM from the shape requirements associated with the U.S. 
No. 2 grade was issued separately by USDA (73 FR 76191, December 16, 
2008). This rule would provide the same partial exemption under the 
import regulation so it would conform to the regulations under the 
order.
    Section 966.52 of the order provides the authority to establish 
grade requirements for Florida tomatoes. Section 966.323 of the order 
specifies, in part, the minimum grade requirements for tomatoes grown 
in Florida. Section 980.212 specifies the corresponding import 
requirements. Form and shape represent part of the elements of grade. 
The current minimum grade requirement for Florida tomatoes and for 
imported tomatoes is a U.S. No. 2. The specifics of this grade 
requirement are listed under the U.S. Standards for Grades of Fresh 
Tomatoes (7 CFR 51.1855-51.1877).
    The U.S. Standards for Grades of Fresh Tomatoes (Standards) specify 
the criteria tomatoes must meet to grade a U.S. No. 2, including that 
they must be reasonably well formed, and not more than slightly rough. 
These two elements relate specifically to the shape of the tomato. The 
definitions section of the Standards defines reasonably well formed as 
not decidedly kidney shaped, lopsided, elongated, angular, or otherwise 
decidedly deformed. The term slightly rough means that the tomato is 
not decidedly ridged or grooved. This rule would amend Sec.  980.212 to 
exempt Vintage RipesTM from these shape requirements as 
specified under the grade for a U.S. No. 2.
    Vintage RipesTM are a trademarked tomato variety bred to 
look and taste like an heirloom-type tomato. One of the characteristics 
of this variety is its appearance. Vintage RipesTM are often 
shaped differently from other round tomatoes. Depending on the time of 
year and the weather, Vintage RipesTM are concave on the 
stem end with deep, ridged shoulders. They can also be very misshapen, 
appearing kidney shaped and lopsided. Because of this variance in shape 
and appearance, Vintage RipesTM have difficulty meeting the 
shape requirements of the U.S. No. 2 grade.
    In addition, the cost of production and handling for these tomatoes 
tends to be higher when compared to standard commercial varieties. The 
shoulders on Vintage RipesTM are easily damaged, requiring 
additional care during picking and handling. These tomatoes are also 
more susceptible to disease. Consequently, Vintage RipesTM 
require greater care in production to keep injuries and blemishes to a 
minimum. Still, when compared to standard commercial varieties, even 
with taking special precaution, larger quantities of these tomatoes are 
left in the field or need to be eliminated in the packinghouse to 
ensure a quality product. Losses can approach 50 percent or higher for 
Vintage RipesTM. With the higher production costs and the 
reduced packout, these tomatoes tend to sell at a higher price point 
than standard round tomatoes.
    Heirloom-type tomatoes have been gaining favor with consumers. 
Vintage RipesTM were bred specifically to address this 
demand. However, with its difficulty in meeting established shape 
requirements, and its increased cost of production, producing these 
tomatoes for market may not be financially viable without an exemption. 
In order to make more of these specialty tomatoes available for 
consumers, the Committee agreed to a change which would provide an 
exemption for Vintage RipesTM from the shape requirements of 
the U.S. No. 2 grade. This exemption is the same as previously provided 
for a similar type tomato (72 FR 1919, January 17, 2007).
    This rule would only provide imported Vintage RipesTM 
with a partial exemption from the grade requirements under the import 
regulation. Consequently, Vintage RipesTM would only be 
exempt from the shape requirements of the grade and would still be 
required to meet all other aspects of the U.S. No. 2 grade. Vintage 
RipesTM would also continue to be required to meet all other 
requirements under the import regulation, such as size and inspection.
    Prior to the 1998-99 season, the Committee recommended that the 
minimum grade be increased from a U.S. No. 3 to a U.S. No. 2. A 
conforming change was also made to the import regulation. Committee 
members agree that increasing the grade requirement has been very 
beneficial to the industry and in the marketing of tomatoes. It is 
important to the Committee that these benefits be maintained. There was 
some industry concern that providing a partial exemption for shape for 
an heirloom-type tomato could result in the shipment of U.S. No. 3 
grade tomatoes of standard commercial varieties, contrary to the 
objectives of the exemption and the order.
    To ensure this exemption would not result in the shipment of U.S. 
No. 3 grade tomatoes of other varieties, this exemption only applies to 
Vintage RipesTM covered under the Agricultural Marketing 
Service's Identity Preservation (IP) program. The IP program was 
developed by the Agricultural Marketing Service to assist companies in 
marketing products having unique traits. The program provides 
independent, third-party verification of the segregation of a company's 
unique product at every stage, from seed, production and processing, to 
distribution. This exemption would be contingent upon the Vintage 
RipesTM maintaining positive program status under the IP 
program and continuing to meet program requirements. As such, this 
should help ensure that only Vintage RipesTM would be 
shipped under this exemption.
    Section 8e of the Act provides that when certain domestically 
produced commodities, including tomatoes, are regulated under a Federal 
marketing order, imports of that commodity must meet the same or 
comparable grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements. An interim 
final rule amending the rules and regulations under the order exempting 
Vintage RipesTM from the shape requirements associated with 
the U.S. No. 2 grade was issued separately by USDA (73 FR 76191, 
December 16, 2008). This rule would amend Sec.  980.212 of the import 
requirements to bring the tomato import regulation into conformity with 
the changes to the order.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 
has considered the economic impact of this proposed rule on small 
entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
business subject to such actions in order that small businesses will 
not be unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders issued 
pursuant to the Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are

[[Page 9971]]

unique in that they are brought about through group action of 
essentially small entities acting on their own behalf. Import 
regulations issued under the Act are based on those established under 
Federal marketing orders.
    There are approximately 200 importers of tomatoes subject to the 
regulation. Small agricultural service firms, which include tomato 
importers, are defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as 
those having annual receipts of less than $7,000,000 (13 CFR 121.201). 
Based on information from the Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, the 
dollar value of imported fresh tomatoes ranged from around $1.07 
billion in 2005 to $1.22 billion in 2007. Using these numbers, the 
majority of tomatoes importers may be classified as small entities.
    Mexico, Canada, and the Netherlands are the major tomato producing 
countries exporting tomatoes to the United States. In 2007, shipments 
of tomatoes imported into the United States totaled 1.7 million metric 
tons. Mexico accounted for 949,695 metric tons, 111,697 metric tons 
were imported from Canada, and 5,147 metric tons arrived from the 
Netherlands.
    This proposed rule would provide a partial exemption to the minimum 
grade requirements for Vintage Ripes(tm) imported into the United 
States. Absent an exemption, the import requirements for tomatoes 
specify that tomatoes must meet at least a U.S. No. 2 grade before they 
can be shipped and sold into the fresh market. An interim final rule 
amending the rules and regulations under the order to exempt Vintage 
RipesTM from the shape requirements associated with the U.S. 
No. 2 grade was issued separately by USDA (73 FR 76191, December 16, 
2008). Under section 8e of the Act, imports of tomatoes have to meet 
the same grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements as under the 
order. This rule would provide the same partial exemption under the 
import regulation so it conforms to the changes under the order.
    This action would represent a small increase in costs for producers 
and handlers of Vintage RipesTM primarily from costs 
associated with developing and maintaining an IP program. However, this 
rule would make additional volumes of Vintage RipesTM 
available for shipment. This would result in increased sales of Vintage 
Ripes TM. Consequently, the benefits of this action would 
more than offset the associated costs.
    This rule would not impose any additional reporting or 
recordkeeping requirements beyond the IP program on either small or 
large tomatoes importers. As with all Federal marketing order programs, 
reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information 
requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote 
the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services, and for other purposes.
    Additionally, except for applicable domestic regulations, USDA has 
not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap or 
conflict with this proposed rule. Finally, interested persons are 
invited to submit comments on this proposed rule, including the 
regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small 
businesses.
    A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and 
specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: http:/
/www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.o/
ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&page=MarketingOrdersSmallBus
inessGuide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to 
Jay Guerber at the previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
    In accordance with section 8e of the Act, the United States Trade 
Representative has concurred with the issuance of this proposed rule.
    This proposed rule invites comments on a partial exemption to the 
minimum grade requirements for imported tomatoes. A 60-day comment 
period is provided to allow interested persons to respond to this rule. 
All written comments timely received will be considered before a final 
determination is made on this matter.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 980

    Food grades and standards, Imports, Marketing agreements, Onions, 
Potatoes, Tomatoes.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 980 is 
proposed to beamended as follows:

PART 980--VEGETABLES; IMPORT REGULATIONS

    1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 980 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.

    2. In Sec.  980.212, paragraph (b)(1) all references to ``UglyRipe 
TM'' are revised to read ``UglyRipe TM and 
Vintage Ripes TM''.

    Dated: March 3, 2009.
Robert C. Keeney,
Acting Associate Administrator.
[FR Doc. E9-4849 Filed 3-6-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P