Winter Pears Grown in Oregon, Washington, and California; Order Amending the Order

This final rule amends the marketing agreement and order for winter pears grown in Oregon, Washington, and California. The amendments were recommended by the Winter Pear Control Committee (WPCC), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order, and were favored by winter pear producers in a referendum held from November 1 through November 30, 1995. The amendments will: Redefine ``ship or handle'' to include shipments of winter pears within the production area; update the definition of ``export market'' to recognize that there are now 50 states in the United States; authorize the WPCC to accept voluntary contributions and how such funds may be used; and revise the authority for exempting certain shipments from regulation. These amendments are designed to improve the administration, operation and function of the winter pear marketing agreement and order program.