[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 8, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11155-11165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4306]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 8, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 11155]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 927

[Docket No. AO-F&V-927-A1 FV04-927-1 PR]


Winter Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Secretary's Decision 
and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreement and 
Order No. 927

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule and referendum order.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This decision proposes amending the marketing agreement and 
order (order) for winter pears grown in Oregon and Washington, and 
provides producers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to 
determine if they favor the changes. The amendments are based on 
recommendations jointly proposed by the Winter Pear Control Committee 
and the Northwest Fresh Bartlett Marketing Committee, which are 
responsible for local administration of orders 927 and 931, 
respectively. Marketing Agreement and Order No. 931 regulates the 
handling of fresh Bartlett pears grown in Oregon and Washington. The 
amendments would combine the winter pear and fresh Bartlett orders into 
a single program under marketing order 927, and would add authority to 
assess pears for processing. All of the proposals are intended to 
streamline industry organization and improve the administration, 
operation, and functioning of the program.

DATES: The referendum will be conducted from March 22 through April 8, 
2005. The representative period for the purpose of the referendum is 
July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Schmaedick, Marketing Order 
Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, USDA, Post Office Box 1035, Moab, UT 84532, 
telephone: (435) 259-7988, fax: (435) 259-4945.
    Small businesses may request information on this proceeding 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior documents in this proceeding: Notice 
of Hearing issued on March 24, 2004, and published in the March 30, 
2004, issue of the Federal Register (69 FR 16501), and a Recommended 
Decision issued on January 5, 2005, and published in the January 13, 
2005, issue of the Federal Register (70 FR 2520).
    This action is governed by the provisions of sections 556 and 557 
of title 5 of the United States Code and is therefore excluded from the 
requirements of Executive Order 12866.

Preliminary Statement

    The amendments are based on the record of a public hearing held on 
April 13 and 14, 2004, in Yakima, Washington and on April 16, 2004, in 
Portland, Oregon. The hearing was held to consider the proposed 
amendment of Marketing Agreement and Order No. 927, regulating the 
handling of winter pears grown in the States of Oregon and Washington, 
hereinafter referred to as the ``order.''
    The hearing was held pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural 
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), 
hereinafter referred to as the ``Act,'' and the applicable rules of 
practice and procedure governing the formulation of marketing 
agreements and marketing orders (7 CFR part 900).
    Notice of this hearing was published in the Federal Register on 
March 30, 2004 (69 FR 16501). The notice of hearing contained order 
changes proposed by both the Winter Pear Control Committee and the 
Northwest Fresh Bartlett Marketing Committee, which are responsible for 
local administration of orders 927 and 931, respectively. Marketing 
order 927 regulates the handling of winter pears grown in Oregon and 
Washington. Marketing order 931 regulates the handling of Bartlett 
pears in the same production area.
    The amendments included in this decision would:
    1. Expand the definition of ``pears'' to include all varieties of 
pears classified as summer/fall pears in addition to winter pears; add 
Concorde, Packham, and Taylor's Gold pears to the current list of 
winter pear varieties; and add a third category of pears which would 
include varieties not classified as summer/fall or winter pears. This 
amendment would extend program coverage to all pears grown in Oregon 
and Washington.
    2. Revise the definition of ``size'' to include language currently 
used within the industry.
    3. Extend the order's coverage to pears for processing by revising 
the definition of ``handle,'' and adding definitions of ``processor'' 
and ``process.''
    4. Establish districts for pears for processing. This amendment 
would divide the order's production area into two districts for pears 
for processing: one being the State of Oregon and the other being the 
State of Washington.
    5. Dissolve the current Winter Pear Control Committee and establish 
two new administrative committees: The Fresh Pear Committee and the 
Processed Pear Committee (Committees). This proposal would add a public 
member and public alternate member seat to both of the newly 
established Committees and would remove Section 927.36, Public 
advisors. The Committees would coordinate administration of Marketing 
Order 927, with each Committee recommending assessments and 
administering program functions specific to their commodity. 
Coordinated administration would allow each Committee to make decisions 
on behalf of the commodity they represent, yet combine administrative 
functions, when applicable, to maximize efficiencies and minimize 
program costs.
    Additionally, related changes would be made to order provisions 
governing nomination and selection of members and their alternates, 
terms of office, eligibility for membership, and quorum and voting 
requirements, to reflect the proposed dual committee structure.
    6. Authorize changes in the number of Committee members and 
alternates, and allowing reapportionment of committee membership among 
districts and groups (i.e., growers, handlers, and processors). Such 
changes would require a Committee recommendation and approval by the 
Department.

[[Page 11156]]

    7. Add authority to establish assessment rates for each category of 
pears, including: summer/fall pears, winter pears, and all other pears. 
In addition, rates of assessment could be different for fresh pears and 
pears for processing in each category, and could include supplemental 
rates on individual varieties.
    8. Add authority for container marking requirements for fresh 
pears.
    9. Remove the order provision allowing grower exemptions from 
regulation. This is a tool no longer used by the industry and, thus, is 
considered obsolete.
    10. Amend Sec.  927.70, Reports, to update order language regarding 
confidentiality requirements to conform to language under the Act.
    11. Clarify inspection requirements and adding authority to 
eliminate those requirements if an alternative, adequate method of 
ensuring compliance with quality and size standards in effect under the 
order can be developed.
    12. Eliminate the current exemptions for pears for processing and 
for pears shipped to storage warehouses.
    13. Provide that separate continuance referenda be held every 6 
years for fresh pears and processing pears.
    14. Add the authority for the Committees to conduct post-harvest 
research, in addition to production research and promotion (including 
paid advertising).
    15. Update several order provisions to make them more current.
    16. Revise order provisions to reflect the two-committee structure 
being recommended for administration of the program.
    AMS also proposed to allow such changes as may be necessary to the 
order, if any of the proposed changes are adopted, so that all of the 
order's provisions conform to the effectuated amendments.
    Upon the basis of evidence introduced at the hearing and the record 
thereof, the Administrator of AMS on January 5, 2005, filed with the 
Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, a Recommended Decision 
and Opportunity to File Written Exceptions thereto by February 14, 
2005. No comments were filed.

Small Business Consideration

    Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA), AMS has considered the economic impact of this 
action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final 
regulatory flexibility analysis.
    The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory actions to the scale of 
business subject to such actions so that small businesses will not be 
unduly or disproportionately burdened. Marketing orders and amendments 
thereto are unique in that they are normally brought about through 
group action of essentially small entities for their own benefit. Thus, 
both the RFA and the Act are compatible with respect to small entities.
    Small agricultural producers have been defined by the Small 
Business Administration (SBA)(13 CFR 121.201) as those having annual 
receipts of less than $750,000. Small agricultural service firms, which 
include handlers regulated under the order, are defined as those with 
annual receipts of less than $5,000,000.
    Interested persons were invited to present evidence at the hearing 
on the probable regulatory and informational impact of the proposed 
amendments to the order on small businesses. The record evidence is 
that most of the proposed amendments are designed to enhance industry 
efficiencies and reduce costs, thereby improving grower returns.
    The record indicates that there are approximately 1,850 pear 
growers in Oregon and Washington. Of that total, 1,345 growers report 
Bartlett or other summer/fall pear production, and 1,753 growers report 
winter pear production. Two-year average NASS figures (the 2002 crop 
year and preliminary figures for 2003) provides the following 
production profile for Washington and Oregon, respectively: bearing 
acres, 24,800 and 17,600; yield per acre, 16.8 tons and 11.8 tons; 
annual production, 417,500 tons and 207,500 tons. Total acres planted 
in pears for Washington and Oregon (including non-bearing acres) in 
2002 were 26,586 and 22,822, respectively.
    Summing average Washington and Oregon pear acreage for 2002 and 
2003, and dividing by the number of growers (1,850), the estimated 
average acreage per grower in the two-state area is 26.7 total acres 
and 22.9 bearing acres. According to the 1997 Agricultural Census, the 
average Oregon and Washington pear grower had approximately 23 and 15 
total acres, respectively. The sum of average Washington and Oregon 
pear production for 2002 and 2003, divided by the number of growers, 
yields an estimated average production per grower in the two-state area 
of 338 tons (676,000 pounds).
    The average fresh market grower return for the two States has been 
between 20 and 22 cents per pound in recent years, and between 10 and 
12 cents per pound for processing. Estimated 2-year average pear sales 
revenue per grower in the production area is approximately $101,000, 
which is between \1/7\ and \1/8\ of the revenue that would qualify a 
grower to be a large grower according to the SBA definition (if based 
on pear sales alone). According to the hearing record, roughly 75 
percent of the fresh pear producers in the States of Oregon and 
Washington qualify as small producers. One witness stated that a 1,000-
acre farm represents the threshold between a small and a large producer 
(a substantially different definition from what the SBA uses).
    There are 55 handlers that handle fresh pears produced in Oregon 
and Washington; 73 percent of these fall into the SBA definition of 
``small business.'' There are five processing plants in the production 
area, with one in Oregon and four in Washington. All five processors 
are larger than the SBA's definition of small business. According to 
information presented by processors testifying at the hearing, roughly 
90 percent of pears received for processing come from small grower 
entities.
    The proposals put forth at the hearing would streamline industry 
organization, but would not result in a significant change in industry 
production, harvest or distribution activities. In discussing the 
impacts of the proposed amendments on small growers and handlers, 
witnesses indicated that the changes are expected to result in lower 
costs.
    If implemented, the amendments would result in the consolidation of 
marketing orders 927 and 931, regulating fresh winter pears and summer/
fall pears, respectively. Program coverage would also be extended to 
pears for processing. The combined programs would be administered by 
two new administrative committees, one for fresh pears and one for 
pears for processing. Cost savings could occur as a result of more 
efficient coordination of administrative activities between the two 
proposed committees.
    Record evidence indicates the proposal to revise the order's 
inspection provisions may result in cost savings for handlers. Handlers 
within the production area typically have about 75 percent of their 
product inspected on a voluntary basis. The remaining 25 percent 
represents the amount of additional product that would be required to 
be inspected if regulations were in effect.
    Handler witnesses also reported that inspection costs average 12\1/
2\ cents per hundredweight, with a $9.00 minimum fee. In addition to 
paying the inspection fee, handlers may also experience delays in 
shipments while waiting for inspection to be completed. Handlers

[[Page 11157]]

indicated that such delays could be longer for smaller shippers that do 
not have inspectors regularly stationed at their warehouses. This 
proposal seeks to reduce these costs by allowing alternatives to 
mandatory inspection.
    Traditionally, the pear industry has used end-line inspection 
procedures. Under this scenario, samples of packed pears are examined 
at the end of the production process, and the results are certified by 
Federally licensed inspectors. The record shows that in recent years, 
the Federal-State Inspection Service has developed effective, less 
costly alternatives to the end-line inspection program. One alternative 
is the ``Partners in Quality'' program, a documented quality assurance 
system. Under this program, individual packing houses must demonstrate 
and document their ability to pack product that meets all relevant 
quality requirements. Effectiveness of the program is verified through 
periodic, unannounced audits of each packer's system by USDA-approved 
auditors.
    Another program recently developed is the Customer Assisted 
Inspection Program (CAIP). Under CAIP, USDA inspectors oversee the in-
line sampling and inspection process performed by trained company 
staff. USDA oversight ranges from periodic visits throughout the day to 
a continuous on-site presence. Witnesses at the hearing testified that 
the fresh pear industry should be able to utilize any method of 
inspection acceptable to the Federal-State Inspection Service. These 
alternative methods have been developed by USDA as a means of reducing 
costs to industry. If this amendment were implemented, individual pear 
handlers could choose the method of inspection best suited to their 
operations, thereby possibly reducing costs associated with inspection.
    Additionally, the authority to eliminate inspection requirements 
could have handler cost implications. However, any increase or decrease 
in costs could not be determined until specific alternative methods are 
developed to assure compliance with any quality and size standards in 
effect.
    The proposal to authorize container marking requirements is not 
expected to result in significant cost increases for fresh pear 
handlers. Testimony indicated that packing facilities are already 
configured for labeling and container marking. Witnesses noted that 
there would be little, if any, need for equipment changes or additions. 
Thus, the proposed change is not expected to have any adverse financial 
impact related to handling fresh pears. It should be noted that the 
proposed amendment would only grant the committees authority to 
recommend container markings; implementation of this authority could be 
done through informal rulemaking in the future. The amendment itself 
would therefore not impose any new regulatory requirements on Oregon or 
Washington fresh pear handlers.
    Witnesses explained that the winter, summer/fall, fresh and 
processed pear industries are closely inter-related. Growing, 
harvesting, packing, processing and marketing activities of these 
industries all impact each other. Thus, bringing all industry segments 
together under a single marketing program would be beneficial for the 
Oregon and Washington pear industry. Proponent witnesses stated that 
the combined amendments, if implemented, would help to improve the 
orderly marketing of product within the industry.
    Similarly, coordinated marketing and distribution efforts for fresh 
varieties that appear in the marketplace simultaneously would assist in 
maximizing grower returns from each variety. While the industries 
currently undertake coordinated marketing and promotional activities, 
witnesses stated that combining these industries would further 
synchronize activities and facilitate industry discussions and 
decision-making.
    The amendments would add authority to assess summer/fall pear 
handlers and undertake promotional activities on their behalf in a 
manner similar to that done currently for winter pears. When asked if 
assuming this authority would be acceptable to the summer/fall pear 
industry, witnesses supported promotional activities, including paid 
generic advertising, as a way to boost sales and maintain market share.
    Post-harvest research would also benefit the pear industries by 
focusing on a section of the pear crop-to-market flow that, until now, 
has not benefited from research activities. Improved storage techniques 
resulting from industry-funded post-harvest research could benefit the 
pear industry by decreasing the loss of product due to storage, or by 
increasing the storability of product to help prolong the marketing 
season.
    A significant market-facilitating function carried out by the 
current marketing order committees is the collection of statistical 
data. That function would continue under the amended marketing order 
and the authority to collect information would extend to additional 
varieties that are currently produced. Flexibility is provided for 
including other varieties in the future. Witnesses emphasized the 
importance and value of collecting and disseminating accurate 
statistical information to enable industry participants to make 
economic and marketing decisions.
    The proposal to establish two administrative committees also 
includes the addition of a public member to each of those committees. 
The benefit of adding a non-industry, consumer perspective to committee 
deliberations and decision-making could prove very beneficial. 
Witnesses stated that this additional perspective would improve the 
committees' understanding of the consumer in the marketplace and could 
enhance committee activities aimed at increasing consumer demand for 
Oregon and Washington pears.
    The addition of a public member to each committee is not expected 
to result in any substantial cost increases. While these members would 
be entitled to reimbursement for certain expenses allowed for under the 
order, this expense is neither different nor any more burdensome than 
the current reimbursement arrangement for committee members.
    Interested persons were invited to present evidence at the hearing 
on the probable regulatory and informational impact of the proposed 
amendments to the order on small entities. The record evidence is that 
most of the amendments are designed to reduce costs. While some of the 
proposals could impose some minimal costs, those costs would be 
outweighed by the benefits expected to accrue to the Oregon and 
Washington pear industry.
    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.
    The Department has not identified any relevant Federal rules that 
duplicate, overlap or conflict with this proposed rule. These 
amendments are designed to enhance the administration and functioning 
of the marketing order to the benefit of the industry.
    Committee meetings regarding these proposals as well as the hearing 
dates were widely publicized throughout the winter pear industry, and 
all interested persons were invited to attend the meetings and the 
hearing and participate in Committee deliberations on all issues. All 
Committee meetings and the hearing were public forums and all entities, 
both large and small, were able to express views on these issues.

[[Page 11158]]

    Current information collection requirements for part 927 are 
approved by OMB under OMB number 0581-0089. Any changes in those 
requirements as a result of this proceeding would be submitted to OMB 
for approval. Witnesses stated that existing forms could be adequately 
modified to serve the needs of the proposed fresh and processed pear 
committees. While conforming changes to the forms would need to be made 
(such as changing the name of the committee), the functionality of the 
forms would remain the same. Therefore, there would be no modification 
to reporting and recordkeeping burdens generated from these proposed 
amendments.

Civil Justice Reform

    The amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order 927 proposed herein 
have been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. 
They are not intended to have retroactive effect. If adopted, the 
proposed amendments would not preempt any State or local laws, 
regulations, or policies, unless they present an irreconcilable 
conflict with this proposal.
    The Act provides that administrative proceedings must be exhausted 
before parties may file suit in court. Under section 608c(15)(A) of the 
Act, any handler subject to an order may file with USDA a petition 
stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation 
imposed in connection with the order is not in accordance with law and 
request a modification of the order or to be exempted therefrom. A 
handler is afforded the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. 
After the hearing, USDA would rule on the petition. The Act provides 
that the district court of the United States in any district in which 
the handler is an inhabitant, or has his or her principal place of 
business, has jurisdiction to review USDA's ruling on the petition, 
provided an action is filed not later than 20 days after the date of 
the entry of the ruling.

Findings and Conclusions

    The material issues, findings and conclusions, rulings, and general 
findings and determinations included in the Recommended Decision set 
forth in the January 13, 2005, issue of the Federal Register (70 FR 
2520) are hereby approved and adopted.

Marketing Agreement and Order

    Annexed hereto and made a part hereof is the document entitled 
``Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Winter Pears 
Grown in Oregon and Washington.'' This document has been decided upon 
as the detailed and appropriate means of effectuating the foregoing 
findings and conclusions.
    It is hereby ordered, That this entire decision be published in the 
Federal Register.

Referendum Order

    It is hereby directed that a referendum be conducted in accordance 
with the procedure for the conduct of referenda (7 CFR part 900.400 et 
seq.) to determine whether the annexed order amending the order 
regulating the handling of winter pears grown in Oregon and Washington 
is approved or favored by producers, as defined under the terms of the 
order, who during the representative period were engaged in the 
production of pears in the production area.
    The representative period for the conduct of such referendum is 
hereby determined to be July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004.
    The agent of the Secretary to conduct such referendum is hereby 
designated to be Susan Hiller and Gary Olson, Northwest Marketing Field 
Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, AMS, USDA, 1220 SW. Third Avenue, room 385, Portland, Oregon 
97204; telephone (503) 326-2724.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 927

    Marketing agreements, Winter pears, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Dated: February 28, 2005.
Barry L. Carpenter,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Winter Pears Grown 
in Oregon and Washington \1\
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    \1\ This order shall not become effective unless and until the 
requirements of Sec.  900.14 of the rules of practice and procedure 
governing proceedings to formulate marketing agreements and 
marketing orders have been met.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Findings and Determinations

    The findings and determinations hereinafter set forth are 
supplementary to the findings and determinations which were previously 
made in connection with the issuance of the marketing agreement and 
order; and all said previous findings and determinations are hereby 
ratified and affirmed, except insofar as such findings and 
determinations may be in conflict with the findings and determinations 
set forth herein.
    (a) Findings and Determinations Upon the Basis of the Hearing 
Record.
    Pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement 
Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), and the applicable 
rules of practice and procedure effective thereunder (7 CFR part 900), 
a public hearing was held upon the proposed amendments to the Marketing 
Agreement and Order No. 927 (7 CFR part 927), regulating the handling 
of winter pears grown in Oregon and Washington. Upon the basis of the 
evidence introduced at such hearing and the record thereof, it is found 
that:
    (1) The marketing agreement and order, as amended, and as hereby 
proposed to be further amended, and all of the terms and conditions 
thereof, would tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act;
    (2) The marketing agreement and order, as amended, and as hereby 
proposed to be further amended, regulate the handling of pears grown in 
the production area in the same manner as, and are applicable only to, 
persons in the respective classes of commercial and industrial activity 
specified in the marketing agreement and order upon which a hearing has 
been held;
    (3) The marketing agreement and order, as amended, and as hereby 
proposed to be further amended, are limited in their application to the 
smallest regional production area which is practicable, consistent with 
carrying out the declared policy of the Act, and the issuance of 
several orders applicable to subdivisions of the production area would 
not effectively carry out the declared policy of the Act;
    (4) The marketing agreement and order, as amended, and as hereby 
proposed to be further amended, prescribe, insofar as practicable, such 
different terms applicable to different parts of the production area as 
are necessary to give due recognition to the differences in the 
production and marketing of pears grown in the production area; and
    (5) All handling of pears grown in the production area as defined 
in the marketing agreement and order, is in the current of interstate 
or foreign commerce or directly burdens, obstructs, or affects such 
commerce.

Order Relative to Handling

    It is therefore ordered, That on and after the effective date 
hereof, all handling of pears grown in Oregon and Washington shall be 
in conformity to, and in compliance with, the terms and conditions of 
the said order as hereby proposed to be amended as follows:

[[Page 11159]]

    The provisions of the proposed marketing agreement and order 
contained in the Recommended Decision issued by the Administrator on 
January 5, 2005, and published in the Federal Register on January 13, 
2005, will be and are the terms and provisions of this order amending 
the order and are set forth in full herein.

PART 927--PEARS GROWN IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON

    1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 927 continues to read as 
follows:

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

    2. Revise the heading of part 927 to read as set forth above.
    3. Revise Sec.  927.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.1  Secretary.

    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, 
or any officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture who has 
been delegated, or to whom authority may hereafter be delegated, the 
authority to act for the Secretary.
    4. Revise Sec.  927.3 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.3  Person.

    Person means an individual partnership, corporation, association, 
legal representative, or any other business unit.
    5. Revise Sec.  927.4 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.4  Pears.

    (a) Pears means and includes any and all varieties or subvarieties 
of pears with the genus Pyrus that are produced in the production area 
and are classified as:
    (1) Summer/fall pears including Bartlett and Starkrimson pears;
    (2) Winter pears including Beurre D'Anjou, Beurre Bosc, Doyenne du 
Comice, Concorde, Forelle, Winter Nelis, Packham, Seckel, and Taylor's 
Gold pears; and
    (3) Other pears including any or all other varieties or 
subvarieties of pears not classified as summer/fall or winter pears.
    (b) The Fresh Pear Committee and/or the Processed Pear Committee, 
with the approval of the Secretary, may recognize new or delete 
obsolete varieties or subvarieties for each category.
    6. Revise Sec.  927.5 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.5  Size.

    Size means the number of pears which can be packed in a 44-pound 
net weight standard box or container equivalent, or as ``size'' means 
the greatest transverse diameter of the pear taken at right angles to a 
line running from the stem to the blossom end, or such other 
specifications more specifically defined in a regulation issued under 
this part.
    7. Revise Sec.  927.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.6  Grower.

    Grower is synonymous with producer and means any person engaged in 
the production of pears, either as owner or as tenant.
    8. Revise Sec.  927.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.7  Handler.

    Handler is synonymous with shipper and means any person (except a 
common or contract carrier transporting pears owned by another person) 
who, as owner, agent, broker, or otherwise, ships or handles pears, or 
causes pears to be shipped or handled by rail, truck, boat, or any 
other means whatsoever.
    9. Revise Sec.  927.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.8  Ship or handle.

    Ship or handle means to sell, deliver, consign, transport or ship 
pears within the production area or between the production area and any 
point outside thereof, including receiving pears for processing: 
Provided, That the term ``'handle''' shall not include the 
transportation of pear shipments within the production area from the 
orchard where grown to a packing facility located within the production 
area for preparation for market or delivery for processing.
    10. Revise Sec.  927.9 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.9  Fiscal period.

    Fiscal period means the period beginning July 1 of any year and 
ending June 30 of the following year or such may be approved by the 
Secretary pursuant to a joint recommendation by the Fresh Pear 
Committee and the Processed Pear Committee.
    11. Revise Sec.  927.11 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.11  District.

    District means the applicable one of the following-described 
subdivisions of the production area covered by the provisions of this 
subpart:
    (a) For the purpose of committee representation, administration and 
application of provisions of this subpart as applicable to pears for 
the fresh market, districts shall be defined as follows:
    (1) Medford District shall include all the counties in the State of 
Oregon except for Hood River and Wasco counties.
    (2) Mid-Columbia District shall include Hood River and Wasco 
counties in the State of Oregon, and the counties of Skamania and 
Klickitat in the State of Washington.
    (3) Wenatchee District shall include the counties of King, Chelan, 
Okanogan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln, and Spokane in the State of 
Washington, and all other counties in Washington lying north thereof.
    (4) Yakima District shall include all of the State of Washington, 
not included in the Wenatchee District or in the Mid-Columbia District.
    (b) For the purpose of committee representation, administration and 
application of provisions of this subpart as applicable to pears for 
processing, districts shall be defined as follows:
    (1) The State of Washington.
    (2) The State of Oregon.
    (c) The Secretary, upon recommendation of the Fresh Pear Committee 
or the Processed Pear Committee, may reestablish districts within the 
production area.
    12. Revise Sec.  927.13 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.13  Subvariety.

    Subvariety means and includes any mutation, sport, or other 
derivation of any of the varieties covered in Sec.  927.4 which is 
recognized by the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee 
and approved by the Secretary. Recognition of a subvariety shall 
include classification within a varietal group for the purposes of 
votes conducted under Sec.  927.52.
    13. Add a new Sec.  927.14 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.14  Processor.

    Processor means any person who as owner, agent, broker, or 
otherwise, commercially processes pears in the production area.
    14. Add a new Sec.  927.15 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.15  Process.

    Process means to can, concentrate, freeze, dehydrate, press or 
puree pears, or in any other way convert pears commercially into a 
processed product.
    15. Revise the undesignated center heading preceding Sec.  927.20 
to read as follows:

Administrative Bodies

    16. Revise Sec.  927.20 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.20  Establishment and membership.

    There are hereby established two committees to administer the terms 
and provisions of this subpart as specifically provided in Sec. Sec.  
927.20 through 927.35:
    (a) A Fresh Pear Committee, consisting of 13 individual persons as 
its members is established to administer order provisions relating to 
the handling of pears for the fresh market. Six members of the Fresh 
Pear Committee shall be growers, six members shall be handlers, and one 
member shall represent the public. For each member

[[Page 11160]]

there shall be two alternates, designated as the ``first alternate'' 
and the ``second alternate,'' respectively. Each district shall be 
represented by one grower member and one handler member, except that 
the Mid-Columbia District and the Wenatchee District shall be 
represented by two grower members and two handler members.
    (b) A Processed Pear Committee consisting of 10 members is 
established to administer order provisions relating to the handling of 
pears for processing. Three members of the Processed Pear Committee 
shall be growers, three members shall be handlers, three members shall 
be processors, and one member shall represent the public. For each 
member there shall be two alternates, designated as the ``first 
alternate'' and the ``second alternate,'' respectively. District 1, the 
State of Washington, shall be represented by two grower members, two 
handler members and two processor members. District 2, the State of 
Oregon, shall be represented by one grower member, one handler member 
and one processor member.
    (c) The Secretary, upon recommendation of the Fresh Pear Committee 
or the Processed Pear Committee may reapportion members among 
districts, may change the number of members and alternates, and may 
change the composition by changing the ratio of members, including 
their alternates. In recommending any such changes, the following shall 
be considered:
    (1) Shifts in pear acreage within districts and within the 
production area during recent years;
    (2) The importance of new pear production in its relation to 
existing districts;
    (3) The equitable relationship between membership and districts;
    (4) Economies to result for growers in promoting efficient 
administration due to redistricting or reapportionment of members 
within districts; and
    (5) Other relevant factors.
    17. Revise Sec.  927.21 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.21  Nomination and selection of members and their respective 
alternates.

    Grower members and their respective alternates for each district 
shall be selected by the Secretary from nominees elected by the growers 
in such district. Handler members and their respective alternates for 
each district shall be selected by the Secretary from nominees elected 
by the handlers in such district. Processor members and their 
respective alternates shall be selected by the Secretary from nominees 
elected by the processors. Public members for each committee shall be 
nominated by the Fresh Pear Committee and the Processed Pear Committee, 
each independently, and selected by the Secretary. The Fresh Pear 
Committee and the Processed Pear Committee may, each independently, 
prescribe such additional qualifications, administrative rules and 
procedures for selection for each candidate as it deems necessary and 
as the Secretary approves.
    18. Revise Sec.  927.22 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.22  Meetings for election of nominees.

    (a) Nominations for members of the Fresh Pear Committee and their 
alternates shall be made at meetings of growers and handlers held in 
each of the districts designated in Sec.  927.11 at such times and 
places designated by the Fresh Pear Committee.
    (b) Nominations for grower and handler members of the Processed 
Pear Committee and their alternates shall be made at meetings of 
growers and handlers held in each of the districts designated in Sec.  
927.11 at such times and places designated by the Processed Pear 
Committee. Nominations for processor members of the Processed Pear 
Committee and their alternates shall be made at a meeting of processors 
at such time and place designated by the Processed Pear Committee.
    19. Revise Sec.  927.23 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.23  Voting.

    Only growers in attendance at meetings for election of nominees 
shall participate in the nomination of grower members and their 
alternates, and only handlers in attendance at meetings for election of 
nominees shall participate in the nomination of handler members and 
their alternates, and only processors in attendance for election of 
nominees shall participate in the nomination of processor members and 
their alternates. A grower may participate only in the election held in 
the district in which he or she produces pears, and a handler may 
participate only in the election held in the district in which he or 
she handles pears. Each person may vote as a grower, handler or 
processor, but not a combination thereof. Each grower, handler and 
processor shall be entitled to cast one vote, on behalf of himself, his 
agents, partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, and representatives, for 
each nominee to be elected.
    20. Revise Sec.  927.24 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.24  Eligibility for membership.

    Each grower member and each of his or her alternates shall be a 
grower, or an officer or employee of a corporate or LLC grower, who 
grows pears in the district in which and for which he or she is 
nominated and selected. Each handler member and each of his or her 
alternates shall be a handler, or an officer or employee of a handler, 
handling pears in the district in and for which he or she is nominated 
and selected. Each processor member and each of their alternates shall 
be a processor, or an officer or employee of a processor, who processes 
pears in the production area.
    21. Revise Sec.  927.26 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.26  Qualifications.

    Any person prior to or within 15 days after selection as a member 
or as an alternate for a member of the Fresh Pear Committee or the 
Processed Pear Committee shall qualify by filing with the Secretary a 
written acceptance of the person's willingness to serve.
    22. Revise Sec.  927.27 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.27  Term of office.

    The term of office of each member and alternate member of the Fresh 
Pear Committee and the Processed Pear Committee shall be for two years 
beginning July 1 and ending June 30: Provided, That the terms of office 
of one-half the initial members and alternates shall end June 30, 2006; 
and that beginning with the 2005-2006 fiscal period, no member shall 
serve more than three consecutive two-year terms unless specifically 
exempted by the Secretary. Members and alternate members shall serve in 
such capacities for the portion of the term of office for which they 
are selected and have qualified and until their respective successors 
are selected and have qualified. The terms of office of successor 
members and alternates shall be so determined that one-half of the 
total committee membership ends each June 30.
    23. Revise Sec.  927.28 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.28  Alternates for members.

    The first alternate for a member shall act in the place and stead 
of the member for whom he or she is an alternate during such member's 
absence. In the event of the death, removal, resignation, or 
disqualification of a member, his or her first alternate shall act as a 
member until a successor for the member is selected and has qualified. 
The second alternate for a member shall serve in the place and stead of 
the member for whom he or she is an alternate whenever both the member 
and his or her first alternate are unable to serve. In the event that a 
member of the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee and 
both that member's alternates are unable to attend a meeting, the 
member may designate any other alternate member from the same

[[Page 11161]]

group (handler, processor, or grower) to serve in that member's place 
and stead.
    24. Revise Sec.  927.29 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.29  Vacancies.

    To fill any vacancy occasioned by the failure of any person 
selected as a member or as an alternate for a member of the Fresh Pear 
Committee or the Processed Pear Committee to qualify, or in the event 
of death, removal, resignation, or disqualification of any qualified 
member or qualified alternate for a member, a successor for his or her 
unexpired term shall be nominated and selected in the manner set forth 
in Sec. Sec.  927.20 to 927.35. If nominations to fill any such vacancy 
are not made within 20 days after such vacancy occurs, the Secretary 
may fill such vacancy without regard to nominations.
    25. Revise Sec.  927.30 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.30  Compensation and expenses.

    The members and alternates for members shall serve without 
compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred 
by them in the performance of their respective duties.
    26. Revise Sec.  927.31 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.31  Powers.

    The Fresh Pear Committee and the Processed Pear Committee shall 
have the following powers to exercise each independently:
    (a) To administer, as specifically provided in Sec. Sec.  927.20 to 
927.35, the terms and provisions of this subpart:
    (b) To make administrative rules and regulations in accordance 
with, and to effectuate, the terms and provisions of this subpart; and
    (c) To receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary complaints 
of violations of the provisions of this subpart.
    27. Revise Sec.  927.32 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.32  Duties.

    The duties of the Fresh Pear Committee and the Processed Pear 
Committee, each independently, shall be as follows:
    (a) To act as intermediary between the Secretary and any grower, 
handler or processor;
    (b) To keep minutes, books, and records which will reflect clearly 
all of the acts and transactions. The minutes, books, and records shall 
be subject at any time to examination by the Secretary or by such 
person as may be designated by the Secretary;
    (c) To investigate, from time to time, and to assemble data on the 
growing, harvesting, shipping, and marketing conditions relative to 
pears, and to furnish to the Secretary such available information as 
may be requested;
    (d) To perform such duties as may be assigned to it from time to 
time by the Secretary in connection with the administration of section 
32 of the Act to amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act, and for other 
purposes, Public Act No. 320, 74th Congress, approved August 24, 1935 
(49 Stat. 774), as amended;
    (e) To cause the books to be audited by one or more competent 
accountants at the end of each fiscal year and at such other times as 
the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee may deem 
necessary or as the Secretary may request, and to file with the 
Secretary copies of any and all audit reports made;
    (f) To appoint such employees agents, and representatives as it may 
deem necessary, and to determine the compensation and define the duties 
of each;
    (g) To give the Secretary, or the designated agent of the 
Secretary, the same notice of meetings as is given to the members of 
the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee;
    (h) To select a chairman of the Fresh Pear Committee or the 
Processed Pear Committee and, from time to time, such other officers as 
it may deem advisable and to define the duties of each; and
    (i) To submit to the Secretary as soon as practicable after the 
beginning of each fiscal period, a budget for such fiscal year, 
including a report in explanation of the items appearing therein and a 
recommendation as to the rate of assessment for such period.
    28. Revise Sec.  927.33 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.33  Procedure.

    (a) Quorum and voting. A quorum at a meeting of the Fresh Pear 
Committee or the Processed Pear Committee shall consist of 75 percent 
of the number of committee members, or alternates then serving in the 
place of any members, respectively. Except as otherwise provided in 
Sec.  927.52, all decisions of the Fresh Pear Committee or the 
Processed Pear Committee at any meeting shall require the concurring 
vote of at least 75 percent of those members present, including 
alternates then serving in the place of any members.
    (b) Mail voting. The Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear 
Committee may provide for members voting by mail, telecopier or other 
electronic means, telephone, or telegraph, upon due notice to all 
members. Promptly after voting by telephone or telegraph, each member 
thus voting shall confirm in writing, the vote so cast.
    29. Revise Sec.  927.34 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.34  Right of the Secretary.

    The members and alternates for members and any agent or employee 
appointed or employed by the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear 
Committee shall be subject to removal or suspension by the Secretary at 
any time. Each and every regulation, decision, determination, or other 
act shall be subject to the continuing right of the Secretary to 
disapprove of the same at any time, and, upon such disapproval, shall 
be deemed null and void, except as to acts done in reliance thereon or 
in compliance therewith prior to such disapproval by the Secretary.
    30. Revise Sec.  927.35 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.35  Funds and other property.

    (a) All funds received pursuant to any of the provisions of this 
subpart shall be used solely for the purposes specified in this 
subpart, and the Secretary may require the Fresh Pear Committee or the 
Processed Pear Committee and its members to account for all receipts 
and disbursements.
    (b) Upon the death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or 
expiration of the term of office of any member or employee, all books, 
records, funds, and other property in his or her possession belonging 
to the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee shall be 
delivered to his or her successor in office or to the Fresh Pear 
Committee or Processed Pear Committee, and such assignments and other 
instruments shall be executed as may be necessary to vest in such 
successor or in the Fresh Pear Committee or Processed Pear Committee 
full title to all the books, records, funds, and other property in the 
possession or under the control of such member or employee pursuant to 
this subpart.
    31. Remove Sec.  927.36, Public advisors.
    32. Revise Sec.  927.40 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.40  Expenses.

    The Fresh Pear Committee and the Processed Pear Committee are 
authorized, each independently, to incur such expenses as the Secretary 
finds may be necessary to carry out their functions under this subpart. 
The funds to cover such expenses shall be acquired by the levying of 
assessments as provided in Sec.  927.41.
    33. Revise Sec.  927.41 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.41  Assessments.

    (a) Assessments will be levied only upon handlers who first handle 
pears. Each handler shall pay assessments on all pears handled by such 
handler as the pro rata share of the expenses which the Secretary finds 
are reasonable and likely to be incurred by the Fresh Pear

[[Page 11162]]

Committee or the Processed Pear Committee during a fiscal period. The 
payment of assessments for the maintenance and functioning of the Fresh 
Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee may be required under 
this part throughout the period such assessments are payable 
irrespective of whether particular provisions thereof are suspended or 
become inoperative.
    (b)(1) Based upon a recommendation of the Fresh Pear Committee or 
other available data, the Secretary shall fix three base rates of 
assessment for pears that handlers shall pay on pears handled for the 
fresh market during each fiscal period. Such base rates shall include 
one rate of assessment for any or all varieties or subvarieties of 
pears classified as summer/fall; one rate of assessment for any or all 
varieties or subvarieties of pears, classified as winter; and one rate 
of assessment for any or all varieties or subvarieties of pears 
classified as other. Upon recommendation of the Fresh Pear Committee or 
other available data, the Secretary may also fix supplemental rates of 
assessment on individual varieties or subvarieties categorized within 
the above-defined assessment classifications to secure sufficient funds 
to provide for projects authorized under Sec.  927.47. At any time 
during the fiscal period when it is determined on the basis of a Fresh 
Pear Committee recommendation or other information that different rates 
are necessary for fresh pears or for any varieties or subvarieties, the 
Secretary may modify those rates of assessment and such new rate shall 
apply to any or all varieties or subvarieties that are shipped during 
the fiscal period for fresh market.
    (2) Based upon a recommendation of the Processed Pear Committee or 
other available data, the Secretary shall fix three base rates of 
assessment for pears that handlers shall pay on pears handled for 
processing during each fiscal period. Such base rates shall include one 
rate of assessment for any or all varieties or subvarieties of pears 
classified as summer/fall; one rate of assessment for any or all 
varieties or subvarieties of pears, classified as winter; and one rate 
of assessment for any or all varieties or subvarieties of pears 
classified as other. Upon recommendation of the Processed Pear 
Committee or other available data, the Secretary may also fix 
supplemental rates of assessment on individual varieties or 
subvarieties categorized within the above-defined assessment 
classifications to secure sufficient funds to provide for projects 
authorized under Sec.  927.47. At any time during the fiscal period 
when it is determined on the basis of a Processed Pear Committee 
recommendation or other information that different rates are necessary 
for pears for processing or for any varieties or subvarieties, the 
Secretary may modify those rates of assessment and such new rate shall 
apply to any or all varieties or subvarieties of pears that are shipped 
during the fiscal period for processing.
    (c) Based on the recommendation of the Fresh Pear Committee, the 
Processed Pear Committee or other available data, the Secretary may 
establish additional base rates of assessments, or change or modify the 
base rate classifications defined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section.
    (d) The Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee may 
impose a late payment charge on any handler who fails to pay any 
assessment within the time prescribed. In the event the handler 
thereafter fails to pay the amount outstanding, including the late 
payment charge, within the prescribed time, the Fresh Pear Committee or 
the Processed Pear Committee may impose an additional charge in the 
form of interest on such outstanding amount. The Fresh Pear Committee 
or the Processed Pear Committee, with the approval of the Secretary, 
shall prescribe the amount of such late payment charge and rate of 
interest.
    (e) In order to provide funds to carry out the functions of the 
Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee prior to 
commencement of shipments in any season, handlers may make advance 
payments of assessments, which advance payments shall be credited to 
such handlers and the assessments of such handlers shall be adjusted so 
that such assessments are based upon the quantity of each variety or 
subvariety of pears handled by such handlers during such season. 
Further, payment discounts may be authorized by the Fresh Pear 
Committee or the Processed Pear Committee upon the approval of the 
Secretary to handlers making such advance assessment payments.
    34. Revise Sec.  927.42 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.42  Accounting.

    (a) If, at the end of a fiscal period, the assessments collected 
are in excess of expenses incurred, the Fresh Pear Committee or the 
Processed Pear Committee may carryover such excess into subsequent 
fiscal periods as a reserve: Provided, That funds already in the 
reserve do not exceed approximately one fiscal period's expenses. Such 
reserve may be used to cover any expense authorized under this part and 
to cover necessary expenses of liquidation in the event of termination 
of this part. Any such excess not retained in a reserve or applied to 
any outstanding obligation of the person from whom it was collected 
shall be refunded proportionately to the persons from whom it was 
collected. Upon termination of this part, any funds not required to 
defray the necessary expenses of liquidation shall be disposed of in 
such manner as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate: Provided, 
That to the extent practical, such funds shall be returned pro rata to 
the persons from whom such funds were collected.
    (b) All funds received pursuant to the provisions of this part 
shall be used solely for the purpose specified in this part and shall 
be accounted for in the manner provided in this part. The Secretary may 
at any time require the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear 
Committee and its members to account for all receipts and 
disbursements.
    35. Revise Sec.  927.43 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.43  Use of funds.

    From the funds acquired pursuant to Sec.  927.41 the Fresh Pear 
Committee and the Processed Pear Committee, each independently, shall 
pay the salaries of its employees, if any, and pay the expenses 
necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the Fresh Pear 
Committee or the Processed Pear Committee.
    36. Remove Sec.  927.44, Collection of unpaid assessments.
    37. Revise Sec.  927.45 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.45  Contributions.

    The Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee may accept 
voluntary contributions but these shall only be used to pay expenses 
incurred pursuant to Sec.  927.47. Furthermore, such contributions 
shall be free from any encumbrances by the donor and the Fresh Pear 
Committee or the Processed Pear Committee shall retain complete control 
of their use.
    38. Revise Sec.  927.47 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.47  Research and development.

    The Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee, with the 
approval of the Secretary, may establish or provide for the 
establishment of production and post-harvest research, or marketing 
research and development projects designed to assist, improve, or 
promote the marketing, distribution, and consumption of pears. Such 
projects may provide for any form of marketing promotion, including 
paid advertising. The expense of such projects shall be paid from funds

[[Page 11163]]

collected pursuant to Sec. Sec.  927.41 and 927.45. Expenditures for a 
particular variety or subvariety of pears shall approximate the amount 
of assessments and voluntary contributions collected for that variety 
or subvariety of pears.
    39. Revise Sec.  927.50 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.50  Marketing policy.

    (a) It shall be the duty of the Fresh Pear Committee to 
investigate, from time to time, supply and demand conditions relative 
to pears and each grade, size, and quality of each variety or 
subvariety thereof. Such investigations shall be with respect to the 
following:
    (1) Estimated production of each variety or subvariety of pears and 
of each grade, size, and quality thereof;
    (2) Prospective supplies and prices of pears and other fruits, both 
in fresh and processed form, which are competitive to the marketing of 
pears;
    (3) Prospective exports of pears and imports of pears from other 
producing areas;
    (4) Probable harvesting period for each variety or subvariety of 
pears;
    (5) The trend and level of consumer income;
    (6) General economic conditions; and
    (7) Other relevant factors.
    (b) On or before August 1 of each year, the Fresh Pear Committee 
shall recommend regulations to the Secretary if it finds, on the basis 
of the foregoing investigations, that such regulation as is provided in 
Sec.  927.51 will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the act.
    (c) In the event the Fresh Pear Committee at any time finds that by 
reason of changed conditions any regulation issued pursuant to Sec.  
927.51 should be modified, suspended, or terminated, it shall so 
recommend to the Secretary.
    40. Revise Sec.  927.51 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.51  Issuance of regulations; and modification, suspension, or 
termination thereof.

    (a) Whenever the Secretary finds, from the recommendations and 
information submitted by the Fresh Pear Committee, or from other 
available information, that regulation, in the manner specified in this 
section, of the shipment of fresh pears would tend to effectuate the 
declared policy of the act, he or she shall so limit the shipment of 
such pears during a specified period or periods. Such regulation may:
    (1) Limit the total quantity of any grade, size, quality, or 
combinations thereof, of any variety or subvariety of pears grown in 
any district and may prescribe different requirements applicable to 
shipments to different export markets;
    (2) Limit, during any period or periods, the shipment of any 
particular grade, size, quality, or any combination thereof, of any 
variety or subvariety, of pears grown in any district or districts of 
the production area; and
    (3) Provide a method, through rules and regulation issued pursuant 
to this part, for fixing markings on the container or containers, which 
may be used in the packaging or handling of pears, including 
appropriate logo or other container markings to identify the contents 
thereof.
    (b) Whenever the Secretary finds, from the recommendations and 
information submitted by the Fresh Pear Committee, or from other 
available information, that a regulation should be modified, suspended, 
or terminated with respect to any or all shipments of fresh pears grown 
in any district in order to effectuate the declared policy of the act, 
he or she shall so modify, suspend, or terminate such regulation. If 
the Secretary finds, from the recommendations and information submitted 
by the Fresh Pear Committee, or from other available information, that 
a regulation obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the declared 
policy of the act, he or she shall suspend or terminate such 
regulation. On the same basis and in like manner, the Secretary may 
terminate any such modification or suspension.
    41. Revise Sec.  927.52 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.52  Prerequisites to recommendations.

    (a) Decisions of the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear 
Committee with respect to any recommendations to the Secretary pursuant 
to the establishment or modification of a supplemental rate of 
assessment for an individual variety or subvariety of pears shall be 
made by affirmative vote of not less than 75 percent of the applicable 
total number of votes, computed in the manner hereinafter described in 
this section, of all members. Decisions of the Fresh Pear Committee 
pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  927.50 shall be made by an 
affirmative vote of not less than 80 percent of the applicable total 
number of votes, computed in the manner hereinafter prescribed in this 
section, of all members.
    (b) With respect to a particular variety or subvariety of pears, 
the applicable total number of votes shall be the aggregate of the 
votes allotted to the members in accordance with the following: Each 
member shall have one vote as an individual and, in addition, shall 
have a vote equal to the percentage of the vote of the district 
represented by such member; and such district vote shall be computed as 
soon as practical after the beginning of each fiscal period on either:
    (1) The basis of one vote for each 25,000 boxes (except 2,500 boxes 
for varieties or subvarieties with less than 200,000 standard boxes or 
container equivalents) of the average quantity of such variety or 
subvariety produced in the particular district and shipped therefrom 
during the immediately preceding three fiscal periods; or
    (2) Such other basis as the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed 
Pear Committee may recommend and the Secretary may approve. The votes 
so allotted to a member may be cast by such member on each 
recommendation relative to the variety or subvariety of pears on which 
such votes were computed.
    42. Revise Sec.  927.53 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.53  Notification.

    (a) The Fresh Pear Committee shall give prompt notice to growers 
and handlers of each recommendation to the Secretary pursuant to the 
provisions of Sec.  927.50.
    (b) The Secretary shall immediately notify the Fresh Pear Committee 
of the issuance of each regulation and of each modification, 
suspension, or termination of a regulation and the Fresh Pear Committee 
shall give prompt notice thereof to growers and handlers.
    42a. Remove Sec.  927.54, Exemption certificates.
    43. Amend Sec.  927.60 by revising paragraph (a) and adding a new 
paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  927.60  Inspection and certification.

    (a) Handlers shall ship only fresh pears inspected by the Federal-
State Inspection Service or under a program developed by the Federal-
State Inspection Service: except, that such inspection and 
certification of shipments of pears may be performed by such other 
inspection service as the Fresh Pear Committee, with the approval of 
the Secretary, may designate. Promptly after shipment of any pears, the 
handler shall submit, or cause to be submitted, to the Fresh Pear 
Committee a copy of the inspection certificate issued on such shipment.
* * * * *
    (c) The Fresh Pear Committee may, with the approval of the 
Secretary, prescribe rules and regulations modifying or eliminating the 
requirement for mandatory inspection and certification of shipments: 
Provided, That an adequate method of ensuring compliance with quality 
and size requirements is developed.

[[Page 11164]]

    44. Revise Sec.  927.65 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.65  Exemption from regulation.

    (a) Nothing contained in this subpart shall limit or authorize the 
limitation of shipment of pears for consumption by charitable 
institutions or distribution by relief agencies, nor shall any 
assessment be computed on pears so shipped. The Fresh Pear Committee or 
the Processed Pear Committee may prescribe regulations to prevent pears 
shipped for either of such purposes from entering commercial channels 
of trade contrary to the provisions of this subpart.
    (b) The Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee may 
prescribe rules and regulations, to become effective upon the approval 
of the Secretary, whereby quantities of pears or types of pear 
shipments may be exempted from any or all provisions of this subpart.
    45. Revise Sec.  927.70 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.70  Reports.

    (a) Upon the request of the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed 
Pear Committee, and subject to the approval of the Secretary, each 
handler shall furnish to the aforesaid committee, respectively, in such 
manner and at such times as it prescribes, such information as will 
enable it to perform its duties under this subpart.
    (b) All such reports shall be held under appropriate protective 
classification and custody by the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed 
Pear Committee, or duly appointed employees thereof, so that the 
information contained therein which may adversely affect the 
competitive position of any handler in relation to other handlers will 
not be disclosed. Compilations of general reports from data submitted 
by handlers are authorized subject to the prohibition of disclosure of 
individual handler's identities or operations.
    (c) Each handler shall maintain for at least two succeeding years 
such records of the pears received and of pears disposed of, by such 
handler as may be necessary to verify reports pursuant to this section.
    46. Revise Sec.  927.75 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.75  Liability.

    No member or alternate for a member of the Fresh Pear Committee or 
the Processed Pear Committee, nor any employee or agent thereof, shall 
be held personally responsible, either individually or jointly with 
others, in any way whatsoever, to any party under this subpart or to 
any other person for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts, 
either of commission or omission, as such member, alternate for a 
member, agent or employee, except for acts of dishonesty, willful 
misconduct, or gross negligence.
    47. Revise Sec.  927.76 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.76  Agents.

    The Secretary may name, by designation in writing, any person, 
including any officer or employee of the Government or any bureau or 
division in the Department of Agriculture to act as his or her agent or 
representative in connection with any of the provisions of this 
subpart.
    48. Revise Sec.  927.77 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.77  Effective time.

    The provisions of this subpart and of any amendment thereto shall 
become effective at such time as the Secretary may declare, and shall 
continue in force until terminated in one of the ways specified in 
Sec.  927.78.
    49. Amend Sec.  927.78 by revising paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  927.78  Termination.

* * * * *
    (b) The Secretary shall terminate or suspend the operation of any 
or all of the provisions of this subpart whenever he or she finds that 
such operation obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the declared 
policy of the act.
    (c) The Secretary shall terminate the provisions of this subpart 
applicable to fresh pears for market or pears for processing at the end 
of any fiscal period whenever the Secretary finds, by referendum or 
otherwise, that such termination is favored by a majority of growers of 
fresh pears for market or pears for processing, respectively: Provided, 
That such majority has during such period produced more than 50 percent 
of the volume of fresh pears for market or pears for processing, 
respectively, in the production area. Such termination shall be 
effective only if announced on or before the last day of the then 
current fiscal period.
    (d) The Secretary shall conduct a referendum within every six-year 
period beginning on the date this section becomes effective, to 
ascertain whether continuance of the provisions of this subpart 
applicable to fresh pears for market or pears for processing are 
favored by producers of pears for the fresh market and pears for 
processing, respectively. The Secretary may terminate the provisions of 
this subpart at the end of any fiscal period in which the Secretary has 
found that continuance of this subpart is not favored by producers who, 
during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been 
engaged in the production of fresh pears for market or pears for 
processing in the production area: Provided, That termination of the 
order shall be effective only if announced on or before the last day of 
the then current fiscal period.
* * * * *
    50. Revise Sec.  927.79 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.79  Proceedings after termination.

    (a) Upon the termination of this subpart, the members of the Fresh 
Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee then functioning shall 
continue as joint trustees for the purpose of liquidating all funds and 
property then in the possession or under the control of the Fresh Pear 
Committee or the Processed Pear Committee, including claims for any 
funds unpaid or property not delivered at the time of such termination.
    (b) The joint trustees shall continue in such capacity until 
discharged by the Secretary; from time to time account for all receipts 
and disbursements; deliver all funds and property on hand, together 
with all books and records of the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed 
Pear Committee and of the joint trustees, to such person as the 
Secretary shall direct; and, upon the request of the Secretary, execute 
such assignments or other instruments necessary and appropriate to vest 
in such person full title and right to all of the funds, property, or 
claims vested in the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed Pear 
Committee or in said joint trustees.
    (c) Any funds collected pursuant to this subpart and held by such 
joint trustees or such person over and above the amounts necessary to 
meet outstanding obligations and the expenses necessarily incurred by 
the joint trustees or such other person in the performance of their 
duties under this subpart, as soon as practicable after the termination 
hereof, shall be returned to the handlers pro rata in proportion to 
their contributions thereto.
    (d) Any person to whom funds, property, or claims have been 
transferred or delivered by the Fresh Pear Committee or the Processed 
Pear Committee or its members, upon direction of the Secretary, as 
provided in this section, shall be subject to the same obligations and 
duties with respect to said funds, property, or claims as are imposed 
upon the members or upon said joint trustees.
    51. Revise Sec.  927.80 to read as follows:


Sec.  927.80  Amendments.

    Amendments to this subpart may be proposed from time to time by the 
Fresh

[[Page 11165]]

Pear Committee or the Processed Pear Committee or by the Secretary.

[FR Doc. 05-4306 Filed 3-7-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P