Walnuts Grown in California; Notification of Moratorium

• Published date: 29 September 2021
• Citation: 86 FR 53863
• Record Number: 2021-21105
• Section: Rules and Regulations
• Court: Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 186 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)

[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]
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                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.
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                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.
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                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