General Cull and Handling Requirements: Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado

Docket Number: AMS-FV-13-0001

Comments Due: November 26, 2013

 

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that modified the size requirements for potatoes handled under the Colorado potato marketing order, Area No. 2 (order). The order regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Colorado and is administered locally by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Area No. 2 (Committee). The interim rule revised the 1-inch minimum to 13/4-inch maximum diameter size allowance for U.S. Commercial and better grade potatoes contained in the order's handling regulation for Area No. 2 to3/4-inch minimum to 15/8-inch maximum diameter. In addition, this action revised the minimum size requirement under the order's general cull regulation to3/4-inch diameter. As required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, this action also revised the size requirements for imported round type potatoes, other than red-skinned varieties. This change is expected to facilitate the handling and marketing of the Area No. 2 potato crop; provide producers, handlers, and importers with increased returns; and offer consumers increased potato purchasing options.

 

Sue Coleman, Marketing Specialist, or Gary D. Olson, Regional Director

Northwest Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division

Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA

Telephone: (503) 326-2724

Fax: (503) 326-7440

Email: Sue.Coleman@ams.usda.gov or GaryD.Olson@ams.usda.gov.