Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 25, 2024

Title 7 - Agriculture last revised: Nov 20, 2024
DEFINITIONS
§ 989.102 - Inspection service.

Inspection service means the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.

[49 FR 18730, May 2, 1984, as amended at 83 FR 53973, Oct. 26, 2018]
§ 989.104 - Lot.

(a) Natural condition raisins—(1) Basic definition. For the purpose of incoming and outgoing inspection of natural condition raisins, lot means, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the quantity of such raisins of the same varietal type or of differing varietal types when commingled within their containers (including sweat and picking boxes and bins), which does not exceed a car, truck, or truck-trailer load, and which is submitted for inspection at one time and in the same place.

(2) Separation of large units. If a quantity of raisins in excess of a car, truck, or truck-trailer load is submitted for inspection, the total quantity may, at the discretion of the inspector, be separated into such readily identifiable portions, either prior to or in the course of inspection, as can be conveniently and properly inspected, and each such portion shall constitute a lot.

(3) Resubmission after reconditioning. Raisins which are submitted for inspection after reconditioning (such as sorting or drying) and whose original lot identity is no longer applicable, shall be a new lot.

(4) Meeting and failing portions. Where a portion of a quantity of raisins submitted for inspection meets the minimum grade and condition standards and has been separated from the remainder of the raisins failing to meet such standards:

(i) The meeting portion shall be one lot; and

(ii) The remainder shall be one or more lots as necessary to cause each lot to contain either (a) a single defect in excess of tolerance or (b) two or more of the same defects in excess of tolerance occurring together within each of the individual containers.

(5) Entire quantity failing. Where the entire quantity of raisins submitted for inspection fails to meet such standards, then, whether such quantity shall be one or more lots shall be determined in the same manner as for the failing remainder referred to in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.

(6) Special condition. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, any quantity of raisins failing to meet such standards and which are not to be reconditioned may be a single lot.

(b) Packed raisins. For the purpose of outgoing inspection of packed raisins, lot means: (1) For in-line inspection (i.e., where samples are drawn from a flow of raisins prior to packaging), the aggregate quantity of raisins of the same varietal type, subtype, or size (or in their mixed form), processed in any continuous production of one calendar day and packaged in one size and style of package but excluding those rejected by inspection; and (2) for floor inspection (i.e., where samples are drawn from containers of raisins), the aggregate quantity of such raisins in like containers but not necessarily processed in one continuous production or during one calendar day, identifiable and offered for inspection as a lot.

§ 989.105 - Inspection point.

Inspection point means any plant or receiving station of a handler, or any other place where raisins are received by a handler, and which is so designated by the Committee. The inspection point(s) of the handler shall include any area(s) in which he receives grapes or raisins for dehydration unless he keeps his raisin dehydration business separate, physically and by records, from his business of handling raisins.

[31 FR 16305, Dec. 21, 1966]
§ 989.106 - Ship.

Ship means the physical movement of raisins other than to storage for the handler's account within the general locality of the packing plant.

§ 989.107 - Inspection certificate.

Inspection certificate means any written certification, finding, or attestation as to the quality or condition of any lot or lots issued by an authorized member of the inspection service.

§ 989.110 - Varietal types.

Pursuant to § 989.10, specific definitions for each varietal type of raisins contained in that section are as follows:

(a) Natural (sun-dried) Seedless includes all sun-dried seedless raisins possessing similar identifiable characteristics as raisins produced from Thompson Seedless grapes or similar grape varieties, whether dried on trays or on the vine, with or without the application of a drying agent that is a food-grade additive such as, soda, oil, Ethyl Oleate, or Methyl Oleate prior to, during, or after the drying process.

(b) Dipped Seedless includes all raisins produced by artificial dehydration of seedless grapes that possess the characteristics similar to Thompson Seedless grapes which, in order to expedite drying, have been dipped in or sprayed with water only after such grapes have been removed from the vine.

(c) Golden Seedless includes all seedless raisins whose color generally varies from golden yellow to dark amber.

(d) Muscats (including other raisins with seeds) include all raisins which usually contain seeds and possess characteristics similar to Muscat raisins.

(e) Sultana includes all raisins which usually contain an undeveloped (vestigial) seed and possess characteristics similar to Sultana raisins.

(f) Zante Currant includes all raisins that possess characteristics similar to those produced from Black Corinth or White Corinth grapes.

(g) Monukka includes all raisins produced from Monukka grapes.

(h) Other Seedless includes all raisins produced from Ruby Seedless, Kings Ruby Seedless, Flame Seedless and other seedless grapes not included in any of the varietal categories for Seedless raisins defined in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) or (h) above.

(i) Other Seedless-Sulfured includes all raisins produced from Ruby Seedless, Kings Ruby Seedless, Flame Seedless and other seedless grapes not included in any of the varietal categories for Seedless raisins defined in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (h), or (i) of this section which have been artificially dehydrated and sulfured.

[49 FR 18730, May 2, 1984, as amended at 53 FR 34714, Sept. 8, 1988; 55 FR 32598, Aug. 10, 1990; 67 FR 36792, May 28, 2002; 68 FR 42947, July 21, 2003]
§ 989.111 - Independent producer and small cooperative producer.

(a) Independent producer means any producer who is not a member of a cooperative bargaining association or a cooperative marketing association, nor has sold for cash to a cooperative marketing association.

(b) Small cooperative producer means any producer who is a member of a cooperative marketing association which acquired less than 10 percent of total raisin acquisitions during the crop year preceding the year in which nominations are held.

[49 FR 18730, May 2, 1984]
§ 989.115 - Independent handler, major cooperative marketing association handler, and small cooperative marketing association handler.

(a) Independent handler means any handler who is not a cooperative marketing association of producers.

(b) Major cooperative marketing association handler means any handler who is a cooperative marketing association of producers which acquired not less than 10 percent of the total raisin acquisitions during the crop year preceding nominations.

(c) Small cooperative marketing association handler means any handler who is a cooperative marketing association of producers which acquired less than 10 percent of the total raisin acquisitions during the crop year preceding nominations.

[49 FR 18730, May 2, 1984]
§ 989.122 - Districts for independent and small cooperative producer representation on the Committee.

For the purposes of § 989.26(c) and commencing with the term of office beginning May 1, 1984, independent and small cooperative producer districts are as follows:

(a) District No. 1. All of the counties north of Fresno County.

(b) District No. 2. All of the counties south of Fresno County.

(c) District No. 3 All of Fresno County.

[49 FR 18730, May 2, 1984]
§ 989.126 - Representation of the Committee.

(a) To provide independent and small cooperative producers equitable representation throughout the production area commencing with the term of office beginning May 1, 1984, representation shall be apportioned among the three districts specified in § 989.122. Districts 1 and 2 shall each have one producer member, and District 3 shall have the remaining producer members to which independent and small cooperative producers are entitled pursuant to § 989.26(c).

(b) Pursuant to section 989.26(d) and commencing with the term of office beginning May 1, 1994, apportionment of the independent and small cooperative marketing association handlers shall be:

(1) Two members selected from and representing the four handler(s) other than major cooperative marketing association handler(s) who acquired the largest percentage of the total raisin acquisitions during the preceding crop year;

(2) Three members selected from and representing the six handlers other than major cooperative marketing association handler(s) who acquired the next largest percentage of the total raisin acquisitions during the preceding crop year; and

(3) The remaining member(s) selected from and representing all other handlers, including small cooperative marketing association handler(s) and all processors.

[49 FR 18730, May 2, 1984, as amended at 59 FR 27226, May 26, 1994]
§ 989.129 - Voting at nomination meetings.

Any person (defined in § 989.3 as an individual, partnership, corporation, association, or any other business unit) who is engaged, in a proprietary capacity, in the production of grapes which are sun-dried or dehydrated by artificial means to produce raisins and who qualifies under the provisions of § 989.29(b)(2) shall be eligible to cast one ballot for a nominee for each producer member position and one ballot for a nominee for each producer alternate member position on the committee which is to be filled for his district. Such person must be the one who or which: Owns and farms land resulting in his or its ownership of such grapes produced thereon; rents and farms land, resulting in his or its ownership of all or a portion of such grapes produced thereon; or owns land which he or it does not farm and, as rental for such land, obtains the ownership of a portion of such grapes or the raisins. In this connection, a partnership shall be deemed to include two or more persons (including a husband and wife) with respect to land the title to which, or leasehold interest in which, is vested in them as tenants in common, joint tenants, or under community property laws, as community property. In a landlord-tenant relationship, wherein each of the parties is a producer, each such producer shall be entitled to one vote for a nominee for each producer member position and one vote for each producer alternate member position. Hence, where two persons operate land as landlord and tenant on a share-crop basis, each person is entitled to one vote for each such position to be filled. Where land is leased on a cash rental basis, only the person who is the tenant or cash renter (producer) is entitled to vote. A partnership or corporation, when eligible, is entitled to cast only one vote for a nominee for each producer position to be filled in its district.

[83 FR 53972, Oct. 26, 2018]
§ 989.139 - Compensation for attendance of alternates at Committee meetings.

Whenever a member of the Raisin Administrative Committee has reason to believe that he will be unable to attend a Committee meeting and has so notified his alternate or the Committee manager, such notification or a request from the manager shall be held to be a request for the alternate to attend and he shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses subject to the limitations contained in § 989.39.

[42 FR 52376, Sept. 30, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 18731, May 2, 1984]
§§ 989.154-989.156 - §[Reserved]
QUALITY CONTROL
§ 989.157 - Raisins produced from grapes grown outside of California.

(a) Any raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California that are received by a handler shall be observed and marked for identification by an inspector. As provided in § 989.173(b)(7), the inspection service may request information needed to properly mark such raisins for identification; it shall be the handler's responsibility to arrange for such identification and furnish required documentation promptly.

(b) In the absence of an inspector to observe and mark such raisins for identification, the handler shall not permit the unloading to occur unless the handler has a written statement from the inspection service that an inspector cannot be furnished within a reasonable time: Provided, That raisins so unloaded shall be observed and marked properly upon an inspector being available.

(c) The handler shall notify the inspection service in writing at least one business day in advance of the time such handler plans to begin receiving raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California, unless a shorter period is acceptable to the inspection service.

(d) Raisins produced from grapes grown outside of the State of California and received by a handler shall be marked for identification by the inspector affixing to one container on each pallet or to each bin in each lot a prenumbered RAC control card (to be furnished by the Committee) which shall remain affixed until the raisins are processed and disposed of or disposed of as natural condition raisins. The cards shall be removed only by an inspector of the inspection service or authorized Committee personnel.

(e) Each handler shall store raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California separate and apart from all other raisins held by such handler to the satisfaction of the Committee. Storage of such raisins shall be deemed “separate and apart” if the containers are marked as raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California and placed so as to be readily and clearly identified.

(f) Any raisins received by a handler produced from grapes grown outside the State of California shall be processed and/or disposed of under the surveillance of the inspection service. The handler shall notify the inspection service in writing at least one business day in advance of the time such processing and/or disposition will occur, unless a shorter period is acceptable to the inspection service.

(g) The handler receiving raisins produced from grapes grown outside of California shall pay fees assessed by the inspection service to identify and maintain surveillance of such raisins.

[55 FR 28019, July 9, 1990]
§ 989.158 - Natural condition raisins.

(a) Incoming inspection. (1)(i) The Committee shall, upon request of a handler who complies with the requirements of this part with respect to inspection points, designate as his inspection point any place (including his plant or receiving station) where the handler receives raisins.

(ii) Each handler shall, at his expense, provide at each of his inspection points reasonably safe and adequate facilities for receiving raisins, drawing samples, and efficient inspection of natural condition raisins. At the time of inspection of any lot, the handler shall, at his expense, provide the inspector with any assistance necessary in the inspection of the raisins, including the movement of individual containers. Each handler, other than a processor, shall maintain with the Committee a current written description, defining the boundaries and other pertinent details, of each of his inspection points. In the event the Committee determines that any inspection point, or any modification thereof, does not comply with the definition or the requirements of this part, it shall notify the handler of the changes necessary for compliance. The handler shall make such changes promptly. In the event any of his inspection points is the same as that of another handler or person receiving raisins or grapes in any form, the handler shall maintain his raisins separate and apart from any other raisins.

(iii) The weight of each lot of raisins tendered for receiving, storage, reconditioning, acquisition, or disposition shall be substantiated by an official “State Certificate of Weights and Measures” issued by a public weighmaster, whether located at the inspection point or otherwise, or such other document approved by the Committee which accurately reflects the weight of each lot tendered. The net weight of such raisins for the purposes of this part, shall be determined by deducting the sand tare and box tare from the gross weight of the raisins. The sand tare shall be the weight of the sand and other foreign material removed from the raisins by passing the raisins over a screen (of a type commonly used by the industry for such purpose) having 36 square openings to the square inch, with each opening being one-eighth of an inch square.

(2) No handler, other than a processor, shall receive at points other than at an inspection point, natural condition raisins from a tenderer, either for acquisition, storage, reconditioning, inspection, or for disposition in eligible non-normal outlets: Provided, That this requirement shall not preclude a handler from dehydrating, free from the provisions of this part, at separate dehydrating facilities recognized in § 989.105 and located in California, raisins not delivered to an inspection point. Any handler who accepts raisins at an inspection point for drying or other reconditioning shall be deemed to have received the raisins for reconditioning and shall be subject to the provisions of this part with respect to such raisins.

(3) For each lot of natural condition raisins received by a handler for acquisition, reconditioning, storage, inspection, or for disposition in eligible non-normal outlets, the handler shall, immediately upon physical receipt and tentative acceptance thereof, issue a prenumbered (numbered serially in advance) door receipt or weight certificate showing the name and address of the tenderer, the weight of the lot, the number and type of containers in the lot, and any other information necessary to identify the lot. For the purposes of identifying incoming lots of raisins, other than dehydrated raisins covered by paragraph (e) of this section, a handler, if it is impracticable for him to issue immediately a door receipt or weight certificate, may issue for temporary use only a prenumbered “Request for USDA Inspection” on a form furnished by the Committee. Any such raisins so received by a handler shall, prior to their acceptance, be inspected at an inspection point during the unloading process, and if certified as standard raisins shall be, unless returned to the tenderer, either promptly acquired by the handler or received for storage on memorandum receipt: Provided, That in the absence of an inspector to perform inspection during unloading, the handler shall not permit unloading to occur unless such absence is during normal business hours and the handler has a written statement from the inspection service to the effect that inspection cannot be furnished within a reasonable time: And provided further, That the raisins so unloaded shall be inspected promptly upon an inspector being available. It shall be the handler's responsibility in any case to arrange for the inspection, other than with respect to dehydrated raisins covered by paragraph (e) of this section, and furnish weight certificates promptly. Any raisins received by a handler as off-grade for disposition in eligible non-normal outlets or for reconditioning may be accepted uninspected: Provided, That an application for receiving such uninspected raisins shall be submitted by the handler, on a form furnished by the Committee, to the Inspection Service prior to, or upon physical receipt of, such off-grade raisins. Such form shall provide for at least the name and address of the tenderer (equity holder), date, number, and type of containers, net weight of the raisins, and the particular defect(s) the handler indicates would cause the raisins to be off-grade. Handlers shall complete and sign the form. The application for such uninspected raisins shall not be acceptable unless signed by the tenderer. The uninspected raisins shall be subject to surveillance by the Inspection Service. Each lot of raisins accepted by a handler for reconditioning shall be reconditioned separately from any other lot.

(4) If any lot of natural condition raisins tendered to a handler is separated into two or more lots because a portion of the original lot failed to meet minimum grade and condition standards, or because the entire lot failed due to more than one defect, the handler shall issue a prenumbered weight certificate for each such new lot not returned to the tenderer, showing the name and address of the tenderer, the weight of the lot, and the number and type of containers in the lot. The weight of any meeting lot shall be determined by weighing it, or by weighing the failing portion of the incoming lot and deducting the weight thereof from the weight of the incoming lot. The weight of each failing lot shall be determined by weighing it, or by deriving such weight by applying the original average container weight to the number of containers.

(5) Any financially interested party may, upon the payment of any fees assessed by the inspection service, obtain an appeal inspection. An appeal inspection shall be applicable only to raisins which have not been removed from their containers, with pallet control cards still affixed, are readily identifiable, and have not been removed from the original inspection point: Provided, That when the condition of a lot of such raisins may have changed subsequent to the original inspection, an additional inspection, rather than an appeal inspection, may be obtained.

(6) Raisins produced by a handler shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) (3) and (4) of this section upon delivery to an inspection point. Raisins produced by a handler by dehydration within an inspection point shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) (3) and (4) of this section immediately upon completion of said dehydration.

(7) The inspection certificate for a mixed lot of natural condition raisins (raisins of different varietal types commingled within their containers) shall show the percentage which the raisins of each varietal type is of the total raisins contained in the lot.

(8) With respect to any lot of natural condition raisins being received and inspected at a handler's inspection point pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the handler shall notify the inspection service if he elects to have the raisins inspected for infestation. If the handler elects not to have the raisins inspected for infestation, he shall: (i) Fumigate promptly all raisins he receives; (ii) notify the inspection service in advance of the time he plans to fumigate such raisins; (iii) permit the inspection service to monitor the fumigation; and (iv) permit the inspection service to make periodic incubation checks of his packed raisins. The inspection service shall certify the raisins received as standard raisins if they meet all other grade and condition standards. If the handler elects to have the raisins inspected for infestation, the inspector shall afford such handler the opportunity to fumigate such raisins during the inspection and certification process. Such raisins shall remain under the supervision of the inspector during the fumigation. The inspection certificate shall not be issued until the fumigation is completed: Provided, That the inspection certificate shall be issued, whether or not the fumigation is completed, not later than five business days after the date the inspection and certification process is suspended by the inspector to permit fumigation.

(9) With respect to any lot (as defined in § 989.104(a)(1)) of natural condition raisins being received and inspected at a handler's inspection point pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section and notwithstanding separation of the meeting portion of the original lot from the failing portions thereof for the purposes on § 989.104 and paragraph (a)(4) of this section, any tenderer may, when permitted by the handler and when notified by the inspector of defects during the inspection and certification process, and in accordance with the provisions of this subparagraph, perform any one or more of the following on an individual box basis: (i) Mix raisins within boxes containing raisins that are wet, or of high moisture content in some areas of the box; (ii) dump raisins from wet boxes into dry boxes; (iii) remove wet raisins; or (iv) remove foreign material such as sandburs, puncture vine seed, Eucalyptus pods or leaves, rocks, and sticks. This authorization to the tenderer shall not extend to raisins in containers larger than sweat boxes; and the number of boxes in the original lot on which the aforesaid actions may be performed during such process shall not exceed ten, or five percent of the total number of containers in the lot, whichever is less. Where the percentage computation results in a fraction of a box and is less than ten boxes, it shall be rounded upward to the next number. The entire lot of raisins shall remain under surveillance of the inspector during such process. The actions of the tenderer shall be done without delay, take place at the unloading dock in the inspection point, or in the immediate area thereof, and be under observation of the inspector.

(b) Submission of inspection certificates to the Committee. A copy of each inspection certificate which a handler is required to submit to the Committee pursuant to § 989.58(d) shall be submitted not later than Wednesday of the week following the week for which such certificate was issued. This may be accomplished by authorizing the inspection service to submit a copy of each such inspection certificate directly to the Committee. A copy of such authorization shall be furnished to the Committee.

(c) Off-grade raisins—(1) Holding and identification. The inspection certificates covering any lot of off-grade raisins shall state whether or not such off-grade raisins are storable. Any raisins which do not meet the applicable grade and condition standards shall be classified in one of the three categories specified in § 989.58(e)(1) within 5 business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) after inspection or 3 such business days after issuance of the inspection certificate, whichever is later: Provided, That these time limits may be extended by the Committee under such conditions as it may deem necessary in the circumstances. The handler shall report to the Committee the information as required and specified in § 989.173(b)(5). Any such lot of off-grade raisins shall be identified immediately following inspection by fixing to a container on each pallet a prenumbered RAC control card (to be furnished by the Committee), and kept separate and apart from any other raisins in the handler's possession. In the event the handler does not normally use pallets in his operation the RAC control card shall be affixed to one or more of the containers in each lot. The RAC control cards shall remain fixed to the containers until the raisins are (i) disposed of by the handler in eligible non-normal outlets, (ii) returned unstemmed to the tenderer, or (iii) submitted for reconditioning. The cards shall be removed only by an inspector of the inspection service or authorized Committee personnel, except control cards designating lots held only for fumigation may be removed by the handler after the completion of fumigation to the satisfaction of the inspection service. Each lot of off-grade raisins not returned to the tenderer shall be stored by the handler separate and apart by varietal types from all other raisins and by disposition and conditioning categories which preserve the lot identity and, if for reconditioning, the defect identity. Off-grade raisins shall be stored in such a manner as to be accessible to the Committee.

(2) Change in off-grade categories. After raisins have been classified as to the categories in § 989.58(e)(1), any lot of natural condition off-grade raisins held by a handler under paragraph (i) or (iii) of § 989.58(e)(1), may be changed to the other category, or to paragraph (ii). Prior to making such change, the handler shall notify the inspection service at least one business day in advance of the time such handler plans to begin such change. Such notification shall be provided verbally or by other means of communication, including e-mail. Any off-grade lot under paragraph (ii) of § 989.58(e)(1) which has not been removed from the handler premises and is identifiable with the original inspection, may be tendered to the handler for the purposes of paragraph (i) or (iii) of § 989.58(e)(1) and, if accepted, the handler shall so report to the Committee. It shall be the responsibility of the handler to establish and maintain the identity of the raisins in the changed categories in accordance with the applicable provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Where the tenderer has a financial interest in the raisins the handler shall, before making any change in category, submit to the Committee evidence of the tenderer's permission to make any such change, except for changes from paragraph (i) or paragraph (iii) to paragraph (ii) of § 989.58(e)(1).

(3) Inter-plant and inter-packer transfer of off-grade raisins. Any packer may, pursuant to § 989.58(e)(2) and under the surveillance of the inspection service, transfer to or from another packer's plant in California, any off-grade raisins for reconditioning. Such transfer may be for the packer's convenience or that of a financially interested person. Where a tenderer or other person has a financial interest in the raisins, the handler shall first obtain the tenderer's or other interested person's written agreement to the transfer. The handler shall notify the inspection service in advance of the time such handler plans to transfer each lot. Such notification shall be provided verbally or by other means of communication, including e-mail. The notification shall be at least 1 business day in advance of the transfer unless a shorter period is acceptable to the inspection service. In the same manner except for the tenderer's or other person's written agreement, any packer may transfer off-grade raisins from one of his plants or inspection points to another of his plants in California. In both cases such raisins may be removed directly to the premises of the receiving packer or another plant of the packer under the surveillance of the inspection service. Upon completion of the transfer all applicable provisions of this part shall apply with respect to such raisins and the packer receiving them.

(4) Reconditioning off-grade raisins—reconditioning requirements. (i) The handler shall notify the inspection service at least one business day in advance of the time such handler plans to begin reconditioning each lot of raisins, unless a shorter period is acceptable to the inspection service. Such notification shall be provided verbally or by other means of communication, including email. Natural condition raisins which have been reconditioned shall continue to be considered natural condition raisins for purposes of reinspection (inspection pursuant to § 989.58(d)) after such reconditioning has been completed, if no water or moisture has been added; otherwise, such raisins shall be considered as packed raisins. The weight of the raisins reconditioned successfully shall be determined by reweighing, except where a lot, before reconditioning, failed due to excess moisture only. The weight of such raisins resulting from reconditioning a lot failing account excess moisture may be determined by deducting 1.2 percent of the weight for each percent of moisture in excess of the allowable tolerance. When necessary due to the presence of sand, as determined by the inspection service, the requirement for deducting sand tare and the manner of its determination, as prescribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, shall apply in computing the net weight of any such successfully reconditioned natural condition raisins. The weight of the reconditioned raisins acquired as packed raisins shall be adjusted to natural condition weight by the use of factors applicable to the various degrees of processing accomplished. The applicable factor shall be that selected by the inspector of the reconditioned raisins from among factors established by the Committee with the approval of the Secretary.

(ii) In reconditioning off-grade raisins, a handler shall use methods designed to remove the defects whereby the lot fails to qualify as standard raisins. Lots with identical defects may be reconditioned simultaneously (commingled basis) but lots with differing defects shall be reconditioned as separate lots.

(5) General. Reconditioning of off-grade raisins by a handler shall be done in accordance with such procedure as will enable the inspector to observe the off-grade raisins at any time and to make a proper inspection. A packer may recover raisins from residual raisin material obtained from his reconditioning operations in conformity with the applicable provisions of § 989.159(g)(1).

(6) Off-grade raisins which are not reconditioned successfully. (i) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(6)(ii) of this section, no handler shall return to the tenderer any off-grade raisins received for reconditioning which, after his reconditioning of them is complete, have been stemmed and which then fail to meet the applicable minimum grade standards. Any raisins which fail to meet the applicable minimum grade and condition standards or minimum grade standards after reconditioning and all residual material from reconditioning, held by the handler, shall be identified promptly by affixing to one or more containers in each lot, or to a container in each pallet if pallets are used, a prenumbered RAC control card as prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section: Provided, That such failing raisins and residual material which are placed directly into trucks or trailers for immediate disposition need not be identified by affixing thereto a RAC control card. The handler shall hold the failing raisins and the residual material separate and apart from all other raisins. The control cards shall be removed from the containers only by an inspector of the inspection service or authorized Committee personnel. The handler shall physically dispose of the residual material, and any failing raisins which he does not return unstemmed to the tenderer, only in eligible non-normal outlets as provided in § 989.159(g)(2).

(ii) Any packer may arrange for or permit the tenderer to remove the stemmed raisins (described in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section), but not the residual, directly to the premises, within California, of another packer for further reconditioning of the raisins at the latter's premises. Such removal and transfer shall be made under the surveillance of the inspection service. The packer shall notify the inspection service as required in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. Such raisins may be received by the other packer without inspection. On and after such receipt of the raisins for further reconditioning, all applicable provisions of this part shall apply with respect to such raisins and the packer so receiving them.

(7) Return of off-grade raisins to tenderer. Any off-grade raisins which are to be returned unstemmed to the tenderer pursuant to § 989.58(e)(1)(ii), shall be physically returned within five business days after the issuance of the inspection certificate: Provided, That such time limit may be extended by the Committee as it may deem justified by extenuating circumstances. The handler shall file with the Committee a report of the returned raisins as required in § 989.173(b)(4).

(i) Unstemmed and stemmed raisins. For the purpose of determining whether or not off-grade raisins may be returned to the person tendering such raisins, “unstemmed” raisins shall be defined as lots of raisins that contain 150 or more capstems per pound. “Stemmed” raisins means lots of raisins that contain less than 150 capstems per pound.

(d) Reinspection of raisins held more than one hundred and twenty days on memorandum receipt. No handler shall acquire raisins held on memorandum receipt for a period longer than one hundred and twenty (120) days unless such raisins have been reinspected and certified immediately prior to acquisition as meeting the minimum requirements for standard raisins: Provided, That the Committee at any other time may require such reinspection and certification of raisins held on memorandum receipt as a prerequisite to acquisition if it has reason to believe that the raisins do not then meet such requirements.

(e) Inspection of raisins on dehydrator's premises—(1) Application and agreement. (i) Any dehydrator may submit to the Committee for approval, and the Committee may approve, in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph an application and agreement, on a form furnished by the Committee, providing for dehydrator on-premise inspection of natural condition raisins produced by the dehydrator by subjecting grapes to artificial heat. Raisins so produced are referred to in paragraph (a)(3) of this section and in this paragraph as “dehydrated raisins.”

(ii) The provisions of such application and agreement shall include at least the following:

(a) The dehydrator shall request the inspection service to inspect all dehydrated raisins which the dehydrator produces and to issue a related memorandum report of inspection at the time of loading any quantity of such raisins for delivery to a packer's inspection point;

(b) The dehydrator will arrange with the inspection service for the necessary inspection service to be performed by the service, and the dehydrator will submit to the Committee a statement from the inspection service that the dehydrator has adequate facilities for the inspection and that such arrangements have been made;

(c) All necessary reconditioning of dehydrated raisins, identification and segregation of raisins, and movement of inspected dehydrated raisins on or from the dehydrator's premises shall be done in such manner and under such conditions as the inspection service may require;

(d) The dehydrator shall, at the time of the packer's receipt of such raisins, furnish to the packer to whose inspection point the inspected raisins are delivered the original and one copy of the memorandum report of inspection covering such raisins;

(e) The dehydrator shall maintain such records and furnish such reports and permit access to such records and the dehydrator's premises as required in the application and agreement or as the Committee may subsequently request; and

(f) The application and agreement may be suspended or terminated as provided therein.

(iii) The Committee will notify raisin packers of each dehydrator whose application and agreement has been approved by the Committee (such dehydrator is referred to in this subpart as “authorized dehydrator”); similarly, the Committee will notify packers of each suspension or termination of a previously approved application and agreement.

(2) Delivery of inspected dehydrated raisins. Any dehydrated raisins which (i) are inspected on an authorized dehydrator's premises where produced; (ii) are moved promptly and directly to a packer's inspection point from the premises of the authorized dehydrator; (iii) are accompanied by an applicable memorandum report of inspection to be furnished to the packer; and (iv) are otherwise in compliance with the provisions of such approved application and agreement and this paragraph may be received by the packer without the inspection at time of receipt required by § 989.58(d). With respect to such dehydrated raisins, the packer shall comply with all applicable requirements and procedures of this part, including, but not limited to, inspection after any necessary reconditioning and the inspection prescribed in § 989.59.

(3) Packer's obligations. Immediately upon a packer's receiving any such already inspected dehydrated raisins accompanied by the applicable memorandum report of inspection, the packer shall give to the inspector at the packer's inspection point where the dehydrated raisins were received, the original and one copy of such memorandum report so that the inspector may enter the net weight and scale ticket number on such memorandum report of inspection and copy thereof. Whenever a packer receives off-grade raisins from an authorized dehydrator he shall so advise the inspector at the packer's inspection point at the time of such receipt; and such raisins shall not be unloaded except in the presence of the inspector or in accordance with such prior arrangements as may have been made between the packer and the inspection service.

(f) Inspection of raisins at cooperative bargaining association's receiving station—(1) Application and agreement. (i) In accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, any cooperative bargaining association may submit to the Committee for approval, and the Committee may approve, an application and agreement, on a form furnished by the Committee, providing that where the association receives from individual producers lots of natural condition raisins at any of its receiving points and the raisins are inspected and stored consistent with such application and agreement, such lots shall be eligible for delivery to handlers, pursuant to paragraph (f)(3) of this section, without reinspection. Any raisins which upon inspection by the inspection service do not meet the applicable grade and condition standards shall be identified immediately following inspection and kept separate and apart from any other raisins in the association's possession.

(2) Terms and conditions. The provisions of such application and agreement shall include at least the following terms and conditions:

(i) That the association shall, prior to delivery of any raisins to handlers, arrange for inspection services at the association's receiving station(s), and cause to be submitted to the Committee a statement by the inspection service of such arrangement and of the association's having adequate laboratory and other facilities for such services available at the association's receiving station(s).

(ii) That the association shall maintain such facilities satisfactory to the inspection service.

(iii) That the association shall request inspection of each lot of raisins immediately upon physical arrival thereof at the association's receiving station(s), and shall provide the inspector with any assistance necessary in the inspection of such raisins, including the movement of individual containers.

(iv) That the association shall fumigate all raisins received at the association's receiving station(s) as necessary to assure that the raisins are free from active infestation and maintain them as such while on such premises, and that fumigation shall be performed to the satisfaction of the inspection service.

(v) That the association shall, with respect to all raisins entering its premises which are not returned to the producer as provided in paragraph (f)(2)(vi) of this section, promptly affix to one or more containers in each lot, or to a container in each pallet if pallets are used, a Committee control card showing thereon such information as the Committee requires to maintain the producer identity of each lot and prevent commingling with any other lot. The association shall not move all or any portion of a lot of raisins on the premises of the association's receiving station(s) or load any such raisins for shipment, except in the presence of an inspector of the inspection service.

(vi) That the association shall store any standard raisins and any off-grade raisins which are held by it after receipt and inspection on the premises of its receiving station(s) under conditions which protect the raisins from rain, infestation and contamination, and which can be expected to maintain their respective conditions except for normal and natural deterioration and shrinkage. Any raisins which after receipt and inspection are not accepted and held by the association shall be returned to the producer within 5 business days after the issuance of the inspection certificate.

(vii) That the association shall furnish the inspection service with a completed Committee form requesting issuance, at the time of loading any lot of inspected raisins for delivery to any handler's inspection point, of a memorandum report of inspection covering such lot.

(viii) That the association shall deliver to the handler at the time of receipt of any such lot of eligible raisins at the handler's inspection point the original and one copy of the inspection service's related memorandum report of inspection; and such original and copy shall accompany the shipment of such lot from the premises of the association's receiving station(s) to the handler's inspection point.

(ix) That the association shall maintain complete records of the receipt, holding and disposition of each lot of raisins and retain such records for at least 2 years after the crop year in which such transactions occurred.

(x) That the association shall file promptly with the Committee certified reports showing such information as the Committee may request relative to the association's receipts, holdings, and dispositions of raisins.

(xi) That the association shall permit the Committee, the inspection service, and the Secretary of Agriculture, through their duly authorized representatives, to have access to the premises of the association's receiving station(s) to inspect such premises and any raisins thereon and any and all records with respect to the association's receipts, holdings and dispositions of raisins.

(xii) That upon approval of the application and agreement the Committee will notify handlers of such approval and that eligible lots of inspected raisins will not require incoming inspection at handler inspection points; will notify the interested handlers of any suspension or revocation, for good cause, of the eligibility of a particular lot of raisins; and will notify handlers of any suspension or termination of the application and agreement.

(xiii) That the Committee will request the inspection service to establish a fee to the association for the services to be rendered at the same rate as is charged handlers.

(xiv) That the application and agreement may be suspended or terminated as provided therein.

(3) Waiver of requirement for incoming inspection at handler inspection point. Any lot of raisins which (i) is inspected on the premises of the association's receiving station(s) pursuant to an approved application and agreement, (ii) is in compliance with the provisions of such application and agreement and this paragraph, (iii) is moved under the surveillance of the inspection service to a handler's inspection point from the association's receiving station(s) after issuance of the related memorandum report of inspection, and (iv) is accompanied by such memorandum report to be furnished to the handler may be received by the handler without the inspection as required by § 989.58(d) at time of receipt.

(4) Handler's obligations. With respect to such raisins received by the handler, the handler shall comply with all applicable requirements and procedures of this part, including, but not limited to, the inspection prescribed in § 989.59 and that required, as prescribed in § 989.58(d), prior to the handler acquiring reconditioned raisins. Immediately upon a handler receiving any such raisins accompanied by the applicable memorandum report of inspection, the handler shall give to the inspector at the handler's inspection point where such raisins are received, the original and one copy of the memorandum report so that the inspector may enter the net weight and scale ticket number on such memorandum report of inspection and copy thereof.

[27 FR 3112, Mar. 31, 1962, as amended at 27 FR 10249, Oct. 19, 1962; 27 FR 10409, Oct. 25, 1962; 28 FR 13544, Dec. 14, 1963; 31 FR 16305, Dec. 21, 1966; 32 FR 15915, Nov. 21, 1967; 32 FR 17467, Dec. 6, 1967; 35 FR 16037, Oct. 13, 1970; 38 FR 20237, July 30, 1973; 42 FR 52377, Sept. 30, 1977; 49 FR 18731, May 2, 1984; 49 FR 33994, Aug. 28, 1984; 55 FR 2226, Jan. 23, 1990; 55 FR 36608, Sept. 6, 1990; 73 FR 42259, July 21, 2008; 83 FR 53972, Oct. 26, 2018; 84 FR 30863, June 28, 2019]
§ 989.159 - Regulation of the handling of raisins subsequent to their acquisition.

(a) Inspection facilities. At each of the premises where packed raisins are to be inspected each handler shall, at his expense provide reasonably safe and adequate space and other facilities necessary for the proper and efficient inspection of such raisins.

(b) Identification of inspected raisins. (1) Each handler shall mark each shipping container with legible code or other identification, satisfactory to the Committee and the inspection service which shall indicate with respect to packed raisins, the date that the raisins in such shipping containers were packed, and with respect to shipments of natural condition raisins, the date on which such raisins were inspected.

(2) Each handler shall furnish promptly to the Committee, through the inspection service, a certified report on a form furnished by the Committee showing the handler's count and weight of the raisins of each pack and varietal type packed each day.

(c) Outgoing inspection. (1) Outgoing inspection and certification of raisins as required by § 989.59(d) shall be made as set forth in this paragraph.

(2) Such inspection of natural condition raisins (which is subject to exceptions and exemptions provided in this part) shall be made of each individual lot and in each case not more than five days before the date of shipment or other final disposition of the lot. The certificate that the raisins meet the applicable minimum grade and condition standards for natural condition raisins, which the handler is required to obtain and submit to the Committee pursuant to § 989.59(d), shall be on Form SC-146 labeled “Certificate of Quality and Condition (Processed Foods).” If shipment involves exportation to a foreign country, the handler shall surrender to the United States Customs Service at the port of exit two copies of such inspection certificate. Such an inspection and certification (on Form SC-146) may, if requested by the handler, be made at the time of his receipt or acquisition of the raisins. In such an event, no additional inspection shall be required if the lot remains intact and identifiable, and shipment or other final disposition takes place within five days after the date of the inspection.

(3) Such inspection of packed raisins shall be made prior to shipment or other final disposition, and unless made during the final processing or packing operations so as to facilitate proper sampling, the inspector shall perform the inspection on the basis of representative samples drawn from shipping containers of the packed raisins.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in this part, where there is presented for inspection a lot of packed raisins consisting of raisins of different varietal types or sub-types commingled within their containers, each such type and sub-type shall be inspected separately, except that inspection for moisture shall be performed on the lot as a whole. The inspection certificate shall show the respective percentages which the raisins of the various types and sub-types are of the lot and whether each meets the applicable minimum grade standards. In the event the raisins of any such varietal type or sub-type contained in the lot fail to meet the applicable requirements, other than for moisture, none of the lot shall be certified as meeting minimum grade standards unless it is found to be practicable to separate the raisins into two new lots, one which meets and the other which fails to meet all of the applicable minimum standards, respectively. Any lot of mixed types or sub-types of packed raisins for which minimum grade standards are prescribed for each type or sub-type pursuant to § 989.59 (a) and (b) but which in their commingled form cannot be inspected against the standards for the respective varietal types or sub-types and hence are excluded from the category of “Mixed types” as defined in the then effective United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins, or any raisins which as a mixed lot contain moisture in excess of 18 percent, shall not be certified as meeting the minimum grade standard for packed raisins.

(d) Submission of inspection certificates to the Committee. A copy of each inspection certificate which a handler is required to submit to the Committee pursuant to § 989.59(d) shall be submitted not later than Wednesday of the week following the week in which the certificate was issued. This may be accomplished by authorizing the inspection service in writing to submit a copy of each such inspection certificate directly to the Committee. A copy of such authorization shall be furnished to the Committee.

(e) Term of inspection certificate. Any handler who:

(1) Fails to ship or make other final disposition for human consumption of any lot of packed raisins within 90 calendar days, or of any lot of natural condition raisins within 5 calendar days, after the date of the last inspection of the lot; or

(2) Has any shipment or portion of a shipment returned to his inspection point or storage premises within the area, shall, before any such shipment or final disposition, or before blending with other raisins, have such raisins inspected for condition and shall furnish promptly to the Committee (which may be through the inspection service as provided in § 989.158(b)) a copy of the inspection certificate showing that the raisins meet the respective requirements of this part for shipment, final disposition or blending.

(f) Exemption of experimental and specialty packs—(1) Shipment under exemption. Upon obtaining approval of the Committee as provided in this paragraph, any handler may ship or dispose of raisins in experimental or specialty packs without regard to one or more of the requirements of the minimum grade standards for packed raisins and inspection and certification requirements, prescribed pursuant to § 989.59. For the purpose of this exemption, experimental and specialty packs means raisins processed using methods, materials, or techniques that are not normally employed in packing raisins.

(2) Application for exemption. Each application for exemption shall be filed with the Committee in triplicate. The application shall at least contain information as to:

(i) The name and address of the handler;

(ii) The estimated quantity of each varietal type of raisins for which the exemption is requested;

(iii) The specific requirements in the minimum grade standards from which exemption is requested;

(iv) The special processing involved;

(v) The net weight of each type of container;

(vi) Whether disposition will be made direct to consumers, wholesalers, retailers, persons, or organizations, and any special uses to be made of such raisins; and

(vii) The general quality, style, and condition of the raisins for which the exemption is requested.

(3) Committee action on application. The Committee in its discretion shall approve each application for exemption of raisins, if it concludes that such exemption shall not jeopardize the objectives of the marketing order program. The Committee shall notify the handler promptly in writing of its approval or disapproval of his application and, if the application is approved, the maximum quantity for which approval is granted. If the application is disapproved, the Committee shall inform the handler of the reasons therefor.

(4) Reports. The handler shall report shipments or other dispositions under an approved exemption as required pursuant to § 989.173(e).

(g) Off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, and raisin residual material—(1) Recovery of raisins. (i) For the purposes of §§ 989.59(f) and 989.158(c)(4), a packer may recover raisins from:

(A) Residual raisins from his or her processing of standard raisins;

(B) Any raisins acquired as standard raisins which fail to meet the applicable outgoing grade and condition standards;

(C) Any raisins rejected on a condition inspection; and

(D) Residual raisins from reconditioning of off-grade raisins.

(ii) Provided, That such recovery under paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) and (C) of this section must occur without blending, if the failure to meet the minimum grade standards for packed raisins is due to a defect or defects affecting the wholesomeness of the raisins: And provided further, That such recovery under paragraph (g)(1)(i)(D) of this section must occur without blending, except as permitted in § 989.158(c)(4)(ii), and the weight of standard raisins in residual from off-grade raisins shall be credited equitably to the same lot or lots from which the residual was obtained. The provisions of this paragraph (g)(1) are not intended to excuse any failure to comply with all applicable food and sanitary rules and regulations of city, county, state, federal, or other agencies having jurisdiction.

(2) Disposition. (i) Except as authorized in this part, no handler shall ship or otherwise dispose of any off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, or raisin residual material. Any handler may ship, transfer, or otherwise dispose of off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, and raisin residual material to or at points within the continental United States (other than Alaska) for use in eligible non-normal outlets only after filing with the Committee a written application to make such shipment, transfer, or other disposition and receiving its written approval thereof. However, the requirements of prior filing and approval of any such application shall not apply to:

(A) The transfer of any such raisins or residual material by a handler from one of his plants to another of his plants in the State of California, except any transfer of raisins which are for reconditioning shall be in accordance with § 989.158(c)(3);

(B) Any inter-packer transfer or removal of off-grade raisins made in accordance with § 989.158(c)(3) and of unsuccessfully reconditioned off-grade raisins which have been stemmed (other failing raisins) made in accordance with § 989.158(c)(6)(ii);

(C) Any return by a handler of unstemmed off-grade raisins to the tenderer in accordance with § 989.158(c)(7);

(D) Any shipment or transfer of off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, or raisin residual material by any handler to a processor within the State of California for use, within the State, in eligible non-normal outlets;

(E) Any shipment or transfer of off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, or raisin residual material by a handler to any person with an effective agreement with the Committee, in which he agrees to use such raisins and raisin residual material only in eligible non-normal outlets, if not so used, to pay to the Committee liquidated damages in the amount and under the conditions specified in paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section, and to maintain complete, accurate, and current records regarding his dealings in raisins and raisin residual material, retain the records for at least 2 years, and permit representatives of the Committee and Secretary of Agriculture to examine all of his books and records relating to raisins and residual material; and

(F) Any direct use by the handler of such raisins or material in eligible non-normal outlets within the State of California.

(ii) Each such application shall, in addition to the agreement specified in paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this section, include as a minimum:

(A) The names and addresses of the handler, the buyer, the consignee, and the user;

(B) The quantity of off-grade and other failing raisins and the quantity of raisins residual material to be shipped or otherwise disposed of;

(C) A description of such off-grade raisins and other failing raisins and raisin residual material, as to type or origin;

(D) The present location of such raisins and raisin residual material;

(E) The particular use to be made of the raisins; and

(F) A copy of the sales contract, which may be on a form furnished by the Committee, wherein the buyer agrees:

(1) Not to ship such raisins or raisin residual material to points outside the continental United States or to Alaska;

(2) To dispose of the raisins or raisin residual material only for uses in eligible non-normal outlet(s); and

(3) To maintain complete, accurate, and current records regarding his or her dealings in raisins, retain the records for at least 2 years, and permit representatives of the Committee and of the Secretary of Agriculture to examine all of his or her books and records relating to raisins and residual material.

(iii) Each such application shall also include a provision for liquidated damages wherein the handler, in consideration of the Committee approving his application, agrees that in the event any raisins or raisin residual material covered by the approved application should be shipped to points outside of the continental United States or to Alaska, or disposed of in other than eligible non-normal outlets, by any person, it will cause serious and substantial damage to the Committee, to producers, and to handlers of raisins and will be difficult, if not impossible, to prove the extent of such damage. Therefore, the handler shall pay to the Committee a sum equal to the established field price as liquidated damages for each ton so shipped or disposed of, such sum being a fair measure of damages and not a penalty.

(iv) The Committee shall notify the applicant in writing of its approval action. In acting on an application, the Committee may disapprove the application when: The application is incomplete, or any required information has not been submitted; the Committee has cause to believe that the raisins or raisin residual material covered by the application will not be shipped or disposed of in accordance with the application; or the handler, or any of the parties involved in the proposed shipment or disposition, had shipped or made disposition or use of raisins or raisin residual material covered by a previously approved application inconsistent with that application. When the use or the name and address of the user or consignee are not known to the handler, the Committee shall not approve the application until it has been informed as to such use and user and consignee of the raisins or residual material.

(v) The Committee may, for cause, revoke any previously approved application of a handler if the handler, buyer, consignee or user covered by the application has shipped or made disposition inconsistent with any approved application. The Committee shall notify the handler in writing of such revocation.

(vi) The handler shall furnish the Committee with a copy of the shipping document or other documentary evidence of the disposition as may be satisfactory to the Committee and at such times as the Committee may direct.

(h) Appeal inspection. An appeal inspection on an original inspection may be obtained from the inspection service upon the request of any financially interested party and upon the payment of any fees assessed by the inspection service for such appeal inspection.

[27 FR 3112, Mar. 31, 1962, as amended at 30 FR 6906, May 21, 1965; 31 FR 16306, Dec. 21, 1966; 36 FR 13980, July 29, 1971; 38 FR 13012, May 18, 1973; 38 FR 20237, July 30, 1973; 42 FR 52377, Sept. 30, 1977; 49 FR 18731, May 2, 1984; 84 FR 30863, June 28, 2019; 88 FR 82236, Nov. 24, 2023]
§ 989.160 - Exemptions.

(a) Any processor may receive or acquire any raisins for use in eligible non-normal outlets, and dispose of them for such use, without having them inspected and certified. Processors receiving or acquiring raisins under such exemption, or otherwise receiving or acquiring raisins which do not meet the applicable minimum grade and condition standards, shall not ship or otherwise dispose of any such raisins except in conformity with the provisions of § 989.159(g)(2). Processors shall report receipts and acquisitions and make such other reports as are or may be required pursuant to §§ 989.73 and 989.173.

(b) Disposition of raisins produced in Southern California. Raisins produced from grapes dried on the vine in the counties of Riverside, Imperial, San Bernardino, Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego, which are disposed of for use in distillation or livestock feed, shall be exempt from the provisions of this part.

[30 FR 6906, May 21, 1965, as amended at 38 FR 13013, May 18, 1973; 59 FR 44031, Aug. 26, 1994]
§§ 989.166-989.167 - §[Reserved]
REPORTS AND RECORDS
§ 989.173 - Reports.

(a) Inventory reports. Each handler shall submit to the Committee as of the close of business on July 31 of each crop year, and not later than the following August 6, an inventory report which shall show, with respect to each varietal type of raisins held by such handler, the quantity of off-grade raisins segregated as to those for reconditioning and those for disposition as such. Provided, That, for the Other Seedless varietal type, handlers shall report the information required in this paragraph separately for the different types of Other Seedless raisins. Upon request by the Committee, each handler shall file at other times, and as of other dates, any of the said information which may reasonably be necessary and which the Committee shall specify in its request.

(b) Reports of raisins received or acquired—(1) General. (i) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (i) of this section, each handler shall submit to the Committee (on forms furnished by it) for each week (Sunday through Saturday or such other 7-day period for which the handler has submitted a proposal to and received approval from the Committee) and not later than the following Wednesday, the reports specified in paragraphs (b)(2), (3), (4), and (5) of this section.

(ii) For each report required to be submitted pursuant to this paragraph, the required information shall be shown separately for each varietal type: Provided, That, for the Other Seedless varietal type, the required information shall be shown separately for the different types of Other Seedless raisins. With each report, other than that specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, the handler shall submit a copy of the door receipt, weight certificate or such other document approved by the Committee that accurately reflects the weight of each lot tendered, for each lot of raisins received or acquired by him during the reporting period and for each lot of raisins stored on memorandum or warehouse receipt which was returned to the tenderer during such period, which shall show the information to be contained on such receipts or weight certificates as specified in § 989.158(a)(3). At the time he submits the reports specified in paragraphs (b) (2) and (3) of this section to the Committee, each handler shall submit a copy of each such report to the Inspection Service.

(2) Acquisition of standard raisins. Each handler shall report:

(i) The total net weight of the standard raisins acquired during the reporting period; and

(ii) The cumulative totals of such acquisitions from the beginning of the then current crop year.

(3) Standard raisins received for memorandum storage. Each handler shall, with respect to all standard raisins held for memorandum receipt, storage, bailment, or warehousing (raisins received other than by acquisition or inter-handler transfer), report:

(i) The net weight of such standard raisins held at the start of the reporting period;

(ii) The net weight of such standard raisins received during the reporting period;

(iii) The net weight of such standard raisins acquired during such period and included with the acquisitions required to be reported pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section;

(iv) The net weight of such raisins returned during such period to the persons from whom they were received; and

(v) The net weight(s) and location(s) of such raisins held at the end of such period.

(4) Off-grade raisins returned to tenderers. Each handler shall report with respect to each lot of off-grade raisins which the handler returned during the reporting period to the tenderer pursuant to paragraph (1) of § 989.58(e):

(i) The inspection certificate number;

(ii) The net weight;

(iii) The name of the tenderer; and

(iv) The date the lot was returned to the tenderer.

(5) Off-grade raisins received for reconditioning or disposition in eligible non-food channels. Each handler who is not a processor shall, with respect to all off-grade raisins received by the handler and retained by him for reconditioning or for disposition or use in eligible non-normal outlets, report for each category received or reconditioned during the reporting period:

(i) The name of each tenderer;

(ii) The net weight of such raisins;

(iii) The locations where received;

(iv) The inspection certificate number covering each receipt;

(v) The name and address of each person to whom residual or off-grade lots were delivered for disposition, and the respective net weight delivered; and

(vi)(A) The total net weight (according to location) of each category of off-grade raisins held by him at the end of the reporting period.

(B) Each non-acquiring handler shall report also the weight of standard raisins recovered from reconditioning, their inspection certificate number(s) and the handler or other person to whom the standard raisins were delivered.

(6) Monthly report of raisins received or acquired by processors. Each processor who receives or acquires off-grade raisins, or who avail himself of the exemptions from the grade and inspection requirements provided in §§ 989.58, 989.59(f), and 989.160 and receives or acquires raisins or raisin residual material, shall submit to the Committee on or before the 7th day of each month a report of such raisins, raisin residual material, and off-grade raisins received or acquired during the preceding month. Each report shall show for each varietal type:

(i) The name and address of each handler, producer, or other person from whom such raisins or raisin residual material was received or acquired; and

(ii) The net weight of such raisins and raisin residual material.

(7) Receipt of raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California. Each handler who receives raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California shall submit to the Committee, on an appropriate form provided by the Committee so that it is received by the Committee not later than the eighth day of each month, a report of the receipt of such raisins. This report shall include: The varietal type of raisins received; the net weight (pounds) of raisins received for the current month as well as a cumulative quantity from August 1; and the state or country where the raisins were produced. With each report, the handler shall submit a copy of the door receipt, weight certificate, or such other document as required by the Committee that includes, but is not limited to, the name of the tenderer (equity holder) from whom such raisins were received, the varietal type(s) of raisins, the net fruit weight, the number and type of containers in the lot, the date of delivery, and the address including State or country where such raisins were produced.

(c) Reports of disposition—(1) Each month each handler who is not a processor shall furnish to the Committee, on an appropriate form provided by the Committee and so that it is received by the Committee not later than the seventh day of the month, a report showing the aggregate quantity of each varietal type of packed raisins and standard natural condition raisins which were shipped or otherwise disposed of by such handler during the preceding month (exclusive of transfers within the State of California between plants of any such handler and from such handler to other handlers): Provided, That, for the Other Seedless varietal type, handlers shall report such information for the different types of Other Seedless raisins. Such required information shall be segregated as to:

(i) Domestic outlets (exclusive of Federal Government purchases) according to the quantity shipped in consumer cartons, the quantity shipped in bags having a net weight content of four pounds or less, and the quantity shipped in bulk packs (including, but not limited to those in bags having a net weight content of more than four pounds);

(ii) Federal Government purchases;

(iii) The varietal type of raisin, with organically-produced raisins as specified in paragraph (g) of this section separated out, net weight, and condition of the raisins transferred: Provided, That, for the Other Seedless varietal type, handlers shall report such information for the different types of Other Seedless raisins; and

(iv) Export outlets, by countries of destination; and

(v) Each of any other outlets in which the handler has made disposition of such raisins other than by any transfer which is excluded by the preceding sentence.

(2) Disposition by handlers (other than processors) of off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, and raisin residual material. Each handler who is not a processor shall submit to the Committee on or before the seventh day of each month a report of all shipments and other dispositions made during the preceding month of off-grade raisins, other failing raisins, and raisin residual material. Such report shall be submitted on a form furnished by the Committee and shall include the following information:

(i) Date of each shipment and other disposition;

(ii) Name and address of each buyer and receiver; and

(iii) Description and net weight of the raisins and raisin residual material in each shipment or other disposition.

(3) Disposition by handlers of raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California. Each handler who receives raisins produced from grapes grown outside the State of California shall submit to the Committee, on or before the eighth day of each month, a report, on the appropriate form provided by the Committee, of all shipments of such raisins made during the preceding month. This report shall include:

(i) The varietal type(s) of raisins shipped;

(ii) The net weight (pounds) of raisins shipped;

(iii) The destination (domestic, export, and other disposition such as distilleries, livestock feeders, or concentrate) of such shipments; and

(iv) The area of origin (state or country) of the raisins shipped.

(4) Disposition reports by processors. Each processor shall submit to the Committee, upon its request, such of the following information and for such period as the Committee shall specify;

(i) The quantity of raisins and raisin material sold or otherwise disposed of by processing operations, segregated as to the processing outlets and the kinds of raisins or raisin material which the Committee shall specify; and

(ii) The quantity of raisins or raisin material sold or otherwise disposed of by the processor, segregated as to specified outlets and kinds of raisins or raisin material.

(d) Reports of inter-handler transfers. (1) Any handler who transfers raisins to another handler within the State of California shall submit to the Committee not later than five calendar days following such transfer a report showing:

(i) The date of transfer;

(ii) The name(s) and address(es) of the handler or handlers and the locations of the plants;

(iii) The varietal type of raisin, with organically-produced raisins as specified in paragraph (g) of this section separated out, net weight, and condition of the raisins transferred: Provided, That, for the Other Seedless varietal type, handlers shall report such information for the different types of Other Seedless raisins;

(iv) If packed, the inspection certificate number in the event such raisins have been inspected prior to such transfer and a certificate issued. Two copies of such report shall be forwarded to the receiving handler at the time the report is submitted to the Committee, on one of which the receiving handler shall certify to the receipt of such raisins and submit it to the Committee within five calendar days after the raisins or the copies of such report have been received by him, whichever is later; and

(v) If packed, the transferring handler shall certify that such handler is transferring only acquired raisins that meet all applicable marketing order requirements, including reporting, incoming inspection, and assessments.

(2) [Reserved]

(e) Report of shipments of experimental or specialty packs under exemption. Each handler who obtains an exemption pursuant to § 989.59(g) for the shipment of experimental or specialty packs of raisins shall submit to the Committee on a copy of the approved application for exemption a report showing the quantity of raisins shipped or disposed of under such exemption. The handler shall submit the report promptly after the end of the crop year or after completion by him of all shipments of such exempted raisins, whichever is earlier.

(f) Organically-produced raisins. For purposes of this section, organically-produced raisins means raisins that have been certified by an organic certification organization currently registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture or such certifying organization accredited under the National Organic Program. Handlers of such raisins shall submit the following reports to the Committee by varietal type: Provided: That, for the Other Seedless varietal type, handlers shall report such information for the different types of Other Seedless raisins.

(1) Inventory report of organically-produced raisins. Each handler shall submit to the Committee by the close of business on July 31 of each crop year, and not later than the following August 6, on an appropriate form provided by the Committee, a report showing, with respect to the organically-produced raisins held by such handler:

(i) The quantity of raisins, segregated as to locations where they are stored and whether they are natural condition or packed;

(ii) The quantity of off-grade raisins segregated as to those for reconditioning and those for disposition as such.

(2) Acquisition report of organically-produced standard raisins. Each handler shall submit to the Committee for each week (Sunday through Saturday or such other 7-day period for which the handler has submitted a proposal to and received approval from the Committee) and not later than the following Wednesday, on an appropriate form provided by the Committee, a report showing the following:

(i) The total net weight of the standard raisins acquired during the reporting period; and

(ii) The location of the reserve tonnage; and

(iii) The cumulative totals of such acquisitions (as so segregated) from the beginning of the current crop year.

(iv) Upon request of the Committee, each handler shall provide copies of the organic certificate(s) applicable to the quantity of raisins reported as acquired.

(3) Disposition report of organically-produced raisins. No later than the seventh day of each month, handlers who are not processors shall submit to the Committee, on an appropriate form provided by the Committee, a report showing the aggregate quantity of packed raisins and standard natural condition raisins which were shipped or otherwise disposed of by such handler during the preceding month (exclusive of transfer within the State of California between the plants of any such handler and from such handler to other handlers). Such information shall include:

(i) Domestic outlets (exclusive of Federal government purchases) according to the quantity shipped in consumer cartons, the quantity of bags having a net weight content of 4 pounds or less, and the quantity shipped in bulk packs (including, but not limited to those in bags having a net weight content of more than 4 pounds);

(ii) Federal government purchases;

(iii) Export outlets according to quantity shipped in consumer cartons, the quantity shipped in bags having a net weight of 4 pounds or less, and the quantity shipped in bulk packs (including, but not limited to those in bags having a net weight content of more than 4 pounds);

(iv) Export outlets, by countries of destination; and

(v) Each of any other outlets in which the handler disposed of such raisins other than by any transfer which is excluded by the preceding sentence.

(g) [Reserved]

(h) Certification of report. All reports submitted to the Committee pursuant to this part shall be dated, and certified to the United States Department of Agriculture and to the Raisin Administrative Committee as to the truthfulness, accuracy and completeness of the information shown thereon.

(i) Reporting by non-profit cooperative associations. Non-profit cooperative associations need not submit door tags, door receipts, weight certificates or other similar documents with its report as to raisins received or acquired from its members.

(j) Exemption from filing report. A handler may be relieved by the Committee of submitting any of the reports required pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section which he shall specify in a written application therefor to the Committee stating that no transactions subject to such reports are contemplated for the balance of the crop year: Provided, That any such exemption shall remain in effect only so long as said handler has no such transactions subject to such reports.

[27 FR 3112, Mar. 31, 1962] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 989.173, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.
§ 989.176 - Records.

Each handler shall maintain complete, accurate, and current records of all of his business affairs concerning which he is required to submit reports with the Committee, and shall maintain such records for at least two years after the termination of the crop year in which the transactions occurred.

authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674.
cite as: 7 CFR 989.110