AMS Proposes End to Table Grape Import Rule Exemptions for Varietals Grown in Southeastern California

The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to end the exemptions to "regulatory period" rules for several varietals of table grapes grown in southeastern California, it said in a notice (here). During the regulatory period, April 10 through July 10, imported shipments of Vitis vinifera table grape varieties must be inspected for size, quality and other requirements. Four original varieties of grapes -- The Emperor, Calmeria, Almeria and Ribier -- and 16 other genetically related grape varieties are exempt from import regulations because these varieties "were not grown within the production area," it said. The AMS proposal "would update the order’s regulations to remove all varietal exemptions including the original varietal exemptions and subsequent administrative exemptions," it said. Due to "extensive breeding programs, the number of different grape varieties cultivated in the production area has expanded," the agency said. "Now, varieties administratively exempted from the import regulation, such as the Red Globe variety, are being grown in the production area." Comments are due Aug. 22.