AMS to Allow Imports of Smaller Grapefruits

The Agricultural Marketing Service is relaxing minimum size requirements for imported grapefruit and grapefruit grown in Florida, it said in an interim rule. Effective Nov. 24, AMS will allow importation of grapefruits with a diameter of at least 3 inches, instead of the previous minimum size requirement of 3 5/16 inches, the agency said. The change to the marketing order on oranges, grapefruits, pomelos and tangerines comes in response to a recommendation by the Citrus Administrative Committee after Hurricane Irma damaged the Florida crop in September. AMS will consider comments on the change received by Jan. 22. The citrus committee also recommended a relaxation of minimum size requirements for oranges, which AMS will consider “under a separate action,” the agency said.