[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 25, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 61585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28149]


 ========================================================================
 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. 74, No. 226 / Wednesday, November 25, 2009 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 61585]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 989

[Doc. No. AMS-FV-08-0042; FV08-989-2 PR]


Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Withdrawal of a 
Proposed Rule

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Withdrawal of proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This document withdraws a proposed rule published in the 
Federal Register on July 18, 2008, on use of an estimated trade demand 
figure to compute volume regulation percentages for 2008-09 Natural 
(sun-dried) Seedless (NS) raisins covered under the Federal marketing 
order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling 
of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered 
locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). The 
proposal provided parameters for implementing volume regulation for 
2008-09 NS raisins, if supplies were short, for the purpose of 
maintaining the industry's export markets and stabilizing the domestic 
market. Since the 2008-09 NS crop was larger than anticipated, this 
action is no longer warranted. Therefore, the proposed rule is being 
withdrawn.

DATES: The proposed rule published on July 18, 2008 (73 FR 41302), is 
withdrawn effective November 25, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose M. Aguayo, Marketing Specialist, 
or Kurt J. Kimmel, Regional Manager, California Marketing Field Office, 
Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
AMS, USDA; Telephone: (559) 487-5901, Fax: (559) 487-5906, or E-mail: 
[email protected] or [email protected].
    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: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Marketing Agreement and Order No. 989, both 
as amended (7 CFR part 989), regulate the handling of raisins produced 
from grapes grown in California, hereinafter referred to as the 
``order.'' The order is effective under the Agricultural Marketing 
Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter 
referred to as the ``Act.''
    This action withdraws a proposed rule published in the Federal 
Register on July 18, 2008 (73 FR 41302), on use of an estimated trade 
demand figure to compute volume regulation percentages for 2008-09 NS 
raisins. Specifically, the proposed rule would have provided parameters 
for implementing volume regulation for 2008-09 crop NS raisins, if 
supplies were short, for the purpose of maintaining a raisin reserve 
pool to support a portion of the industry's export markets and help 
stabilize the domestic market.
    Historically, reserve raisins have been used by the Committee to 
support market development programs that have strengthened export sales 
and reduced surpluses, thus stabilizing the domestic market. In two 
previous years when raisin supplies were low, the Committee recommended 
an alternative method of calculating its volume control percentages, 
including the use of an estimated trade demand figure, to ensure that a 
reserve was maintained and the export programs could continue from year 
to year.
    Subsequent to publication of the proposed rule, the Committee 
determined that the 2008-09 crop was larger than anticipated and that 
use of the alternative method for calculating volume control 
percentages would be unnecessary for that crop year. Therefore, the 
proposed action is no longer warranted.
    Accordingly, the proposed rule regarding use of an estimated trade 
demand figure to compute volume regulation percentages for 2008-09 NS 
raisins published in the Federal Register July 18, 2008 (73 FR 41302), 
is hereby withdrawn.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 989

    Grapes, Marketing agreements, Raisins, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

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

    Dated: November 17, 2009.
Rayne Pegg,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E9-28149 Filed 11-24-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P