[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53863]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21105]



 ========================================================================
 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
 
 The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 29, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 53863]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 984

[Doc. No. AMS-SC-21-0077; SC21-984-4]


Walnuts Grown in California; Notification of Moratorium

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture 
(USDA).

ACTION: Notification.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a six-
month moratorium on the enforcement of mandatory inspection 
requirements under the Federal marketing order for California walnuts.

DATES: This enforcement moratorium began September 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the marketing order may be obtained from the 
office 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 305, Portland, OR 97204; Telephone: 
(503) 326-2724; or the Office of the Docket Clerk, Market Development 
Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; Telephone: (202) 720-2491; or 
on the internet https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joshua R. Wilde or Gary D. Olson, West 
Region Branch, Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, 
AMS, USDA, 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 305, Portland, OR 97204; 
Telephone: (503) 326-2724, or Email: [email protected] or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Marketing Agreement and Order 
No. 984, as amended (7 CFR part 984), hereinafter referred to as the 
``Order,'' and applicable provisions of the Agricultural Marketing 
Agreement Act of 1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), hereinafter 
referred to as the ``Act,'' it is hereby announced that a six-month 
moratorium on the enforcement of mandatory inspection requirements 
under the Federal marketing order for California walnuts is effectuated 
beginning September 1, 2021. This moratorium also includes inspection 
requirements on walnuts imported into the United States under section 
608e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended.
    The six-month moratorium will also affect the California Walnut 
Board's (CWB) collection of assessments from domestic handlers under 
the marketing order. While the moratorium is in effect, the CWB will be 
unable to collect assessments to finance its operational activities. 
Instead, the CWB will be able to employ financial practices authorized 
by the marketing order, which may include utilizing borrowing 
authority, using its financial reserves, and accepting voluntary 
contributions.
    The moratorium is based on discussions with industry about market 
disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as labor and 
transportation interruptions and ongoing tariff issues. The combination 
of these issues is adversely affecting market conditions across the 
California walnut industry.
    Through this notification, USDA is informing stakeholders, 
including the Dried Fruit Association; the California Department of 
Food and Agriculture; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and walnut 
producers, handlers, and importers that USDA is exercising its 
discretion to issue the six-month moratorium on the enforcement of 
mandatory inspection requirements.
    The moratorium will remain in place for six months beginning 
September 1, 2021. If, during the moratorium, the CWB will submit a 
proposal for formal rulemaking to address inspection requirements in 
the marketing order. USDA may extend the moratorium until resolution of 
the rulemaking process.
    USDA's role of overseeing the CWB and the Order's operations will 
continue uninterrupted during the moratorium.

Erin Morris,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-21105 Filed 9-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P