PART 932—OLIVES GROWN IN CALIFORNIA Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601-674. Source: 30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, unless otherwise noted. Subpart A—Order Regulating Handling Definitions § 932.1 Secretary. Secretary § 932.2 Act. Act § 932.3 Person. Person § 932.4 Area. Area § 932.5 Olives. Olives § 932.6 Variety group 1. Variety group 1 § 932.7 Variety group 2. Variety group 2 § 932.8 Natural condition olives. Natural condition olives [33 FR 11266, Aug. 8, 1968] § 932.9 Packaged olives. Packaged olives (a) Processed olives in hermetically sealed containers and heat sterilized under pressure, otherwise known as canned ripe olives ripe, green ripe, tree-ripened (b) Olives, packed in brine, and which have been fermented and cured, otherwise known as green olives. § 932.10 Lot. Lot § 932.11 Grade. Grade § 932.12 Size. Size § 932.13 Size-grade. Size-grade § 932.14 Process. Process § 932.15 Handler. Handler § 932.16 Handle. Handle Provided, [36 FR 20356, Oct. 21, 1971] § 932.17 Producer. Producer § 932.18 Committee. Committee [47 FR 32906, July 30, 1982] § 932.19 Crop year and fiscal year. (a) Crop year (b) Fiscal year [47 FR 32906, July 30, 1982] § 932.20 Part and subpart. Part subpart § 932.21 District. District (a) District 1 (b) District 2 (c) District 3 § 932.22 Sublot. Sublot [36 FR 20356, Oct. 21, 1971] § 932.23 Undersize olives and limited use size olives. Undersize olives limited use size olives [36 FR 20356, Oct. 21, 1971, as amended at 47 FR 32906, July 30, 1982] § 932.23a Limited use. Limited use [47 FR 32906, July 30, 1982] § 932.24 Noncanning use. Noncanning use [36 FR 20356, Oct. 21, 1971] Olive Administrative Committee § 932.25 Establishment and membership. A California Olive Committee consisting of 16 members, is hereby established to administer the terms and provisions of this part. Each member shall have an alternate who meets the same qualifications as the member. Eight of the members and their alternates shall be producers or officers or employees of producers, and eight of the members and their alternates shall be handlers or directors, officers, or employees of handlers. The eight members of the committee who are producers or officers or employees of producers are referred to in this subpart as “producer members” of the committee; and the eight members of the committee who are handlers or directors, officers, or employees of handlers are referred to in this subpart as “handler members” of the committee. The committee may be increased by one public member who shall not be a producer or handler of olives nor an officer or employee or director of any producer or handler of olives. District representation of the producer members shall be two from District 1, four from District 2, and two from District 3. Allocation of the handler members shall be four members to represent cooperative marketing organizations, herein referred to as “cooperative handlers”, and four members to represent handlers who are not cooperative marketing organizations, herein referred to as “independent handlers”: Provided, [47 FR 32907, July 30, 1982] § 932.26 Term of office. The term of office of members and alternate members of the committee shall be 2 years beginning on June 1 and ending on May 31 of odd numbered years: Provided, § 932.27 Selection. Selection of members of the committee, and their respective alternates, shall be made in the appropriate numbers specified in § 932.25 by the Secretary from nominees nominated pursuant to this part or, in the discretion of the Secretary, from other persons eligible for nominations for such positions. § 932.28 Eligibility. Each producer member of the committee shall, at the time of selection and during the member's term of office, be a producer in the district for which selected, and except for producers who are members of cooperative handlers shall not be engaged in the handling of olives either in a proprietary capacity, or as a director, officer, or employee. Each handler member of the committee shall, at the time of selection and during the member's term of office, be a handler in the group that the member represents or a director, officer, or employee of such handler. The public member and alternate public member of the committee shall not at the time of selection and during the term of office be engaged in or have a financial interest in the commercial production, marketing, buying, grading, or processing of olives, nor shall such member or alternate be an officer, director, member, or employee of any firm engaged in such activities. [47 FR 32907, July 30, 1982] § 932.29 Nominations. (a) Producer members. (i) Meetings shall be held in each producer district for the purpose of selecting candidates for the member and alternate member nominations; (ii) Those candidates selected at the producer meetings shall be nominated by mail balloting of producers in that district; (iii) The committee shall adopt, with approval of the Secretary, appropriate procedures to be observed for conducting producer nominations by mail: Provided, (2) Only producers, including duly authorized officers or employees of producers, shall participate in the nomination of producer members and alternate members. Each producer shall be entitled to cast only one vote for each nominee to be selected in the district in which the producer produces olives. No producer shall participate in the selection of nominees in more than one district. If a producer produces olives in more than one district, such producer shall select the district in which such producer will so participate and notify the committee of such choice. (b) Handler members. (2) At a meeting or meetings called by the committee, the independent handlers shall nominate a qualified person for each member position and a qualified person for each alternate member position allocated to independent handlers as provided in § 932.25. (3) Each handler shall be entitled to cast only one vote for each nominee for cooperative handler member or alternate member or independent handler member or alternate member, as the case may be, which vote shall be weighed by the tonnages of olives handled by such handler during the crop year in which nominations are made and in the previous crop year. (c) Public member. [33 FR 11266, Aug. 8, 1968, as amended at 47 FR 32907, July 30, 1982] § 932.30 Alternates. An alternate for a member of the committee shall act in the place and stead of such member (a) during such member's absence, and (b) in the event of such member's removal, resignation, disqualification or death, until a successor for such member's unexpired term has been selected and has qualified. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subpart, the provisions of this part applicable to members also apply to alternate members. The committee or the chariman of the committee may request one or more alternates to attend any or all meetings notwithstanding the expected or actual attendance of the respective member or members. [47 FR 32907, July 30, 1982] § 932.31 Failure to nominate. If nominations for any position on the committee are not received by the Secretary by May 1 of the year in which nominations are to be made, the Secretary may select an eligible individual without regard to nomination. § 932.32 Acceptance. Any person selected by the Secretary as a member or as an alternate member of the committee shall qualify by filing a written acceptance with the Secretary promptly after being notified of such selection. § 932.33 Vacancies. To fill any vacancy occasioned by the failure of any person selected as a member, or as an alternate member of the committee to qualify, or in the event of the removal, resignation, disqualification, or death of any member or alternate member, a successor for such person's unexpired term shall be nominated and selected in the manner set forth in § 932.29 insofar as such provisions are applicable. If nomination to fill any such vacancy is not made within 60 calendar days after such vacancy occurs, the Secretary may fill such vacancy without regard to nominations, but on the basis of the applicable representations and qualifications set forth in §§ 932.25, 932.27, and 932.28. § 932.34 Powers. The committee shall have the following powers: (a) To administer this subpart in accordance with its terms and provisions; (b) To make rules and regulations to effectuate the terms and provisions of this subpart; (c) To receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of the provisions of this subpart; and (d) To recommend to the Secretary amendments to this subpart. § 932.35 Duties. The committee shall have, among others, the following duties: (a) To act as intermediary between the Secretary and any producer or handler; (b) To keep minutes, books, and other records, which shall clearly reflect all of its acts and transactions, and such minutes, books, and other records shall be subject to examination by the Secretary at any time; (c) To make, subject to approval by the Secretary, scientific and other studies, and assemble data on the producing, handling, shipping, and marketing conditions relative to olives, which are necessary in connection with the performance of its official duties; (d) To submit to the Secretary such available information with respect to olives as he may request or as the committee may deem desirable and pertinent; (e) To select, from among its members, a chairperson and other officers, and to adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it may deem advisable; (f) To appoint or employ such other persons as it may deem necessary, and to determine the salaries and define the duties of each such person; (g) To submit to the Secretary, prior to the beginning of each fiscal year and not later than December 15, a budget of the anticipated expenses of the committee and the proposed assessment rate for such fiscal year, together with a report thereon. (h) To cause the books of the committee to be audited by one or more certified public accountants at least once each fiscal year, and at such other times as the committee may deem necessary or as the Secretary may request. The report of each such audit shall show, among other things, the receipts and expenditures of funds, and at least two copies of each such audit report shall be submitted to the Secretary. (i) To prepare monthly statements of its financial operations and make such statements, together with the minutes of its meetings, available at the office of the committee for inspection by any producer or handler, and to submit copies of such statements and minutes to the Secretary; (j) To give reasonable advance notice of each meeting by mail addressed to each member, and such notice shall be given as widespread publicity as practicable. The same notice of meetings given to members shall be given to the Secretary; (k) With the approval of the Secretary, to redefine the districts into which the area has been divided in § 932.21 and to reapportion the membership in accordance therewith: Provided, (l) To investigate compliance with the provisions of this part. [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 33 FR 11266, Aug. 8, 1968; 47 FR 32907, July 30, 1982; 88 FR 82232, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.36 Procedure. Decisions of the committee shall be by majority vote of the members, including alternates acting as members, present and voting, and a quorum must be present: Provided, Provided, [85 FR 38762, June 29, 2020, as amended at 88 FR 82232, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.37 Compensation and expenses. The members of the committee and alternates when acting as members or at the request of the committee or its chairperson shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses, as approved by the committee, incurred by them in the performance of their duties under this part. [47 FR 32908, July 30, 1982, as amended at 88 FR 82232, Nov. 24, 2023] Expenses and Assessments § 932.38 Expenses. The committee is authorized to incur such expenses as the Secretary finds are reasonable and likely to be incurred by the committee for its maintenance and functioning and to enable it to exercise its powers and perform its duties in accordance with the provisions of this part. The funds to cover such expenses shall be acquired in the manner prescribed in § 932.39. § 932.39 Assessments. (a) As each handler's pro rata share of the expenses which the Secretary finds are reasonable and likely to be incurred by the committee during a fiscal year, each handler who first handles olives during the current crop year shall pay to the committee, upon demand, assessments less any amounts which may be credited pursuant to § 932.45, on all olives to be used in the production of packaged olives, including olives to be used in canned ripe olives of the “tree-ripened” type or green olives when such are regulated as packaged olives pursuant to § 932.52. The payment of assessments for maintenance and functioning of the committee may be required under this part throughout the period it is in effect irrespective of whether particular provisions thereof are suspended or become inoperative. (b) The Secretary shall fix the rate of assessment to be paid by each such handler during a fiscal year in an amount designed to secure sufficient funds to cover the expenses which may be incurred during such period. At any time during or after the fiscal year, the Secretary may increase the rate of assessment in order to secure sufficient funds to cover any later finding by the Secretary relative to the expenses which may be incurred. Such increase shall be applied to all olives handled during the applicable crop year. In order to provide funds for the administration of the provisions of this part during the first part of a fiscal year before sufficient operation income is available from assessments, the committee may accept the payment of assessments in advance, and may also borrow money for such purpose. (c) Any assessment not paid by a handler within a period of time prescribed by the committee may be subject to an interest or late payment charge, or both. The period of time, rate of interest and late payment charge shall be as recommended by the committee and approved by the Secretary. Subsequent to such approval, all assessments not paid within the prescribed period of time shall be subject to an interest or late payment charge or both. [47 FR 32908, July 30, 1982, as amended at 47 FR 51093, Nov. 12, 1982; 88 FR 82232, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.40 Accounting. (a) If, at the end of a fiscal year, the assessments collected are in excess of expenses incurred, such excess shall be accounted for in accordance with one of the following: (1) If such excess is not retained in a reserve as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the committee shall refund or credit to handler accounts the aforesaid excess. Each handler's share of such excess funds shall be the amount of assessments such handler has paid in excess of such handler's pro rata share of the actual net expenses of the committee for such fiscal year. Excess funds may be used temporarily by the committee to defray expenses of the subsequent fiscal year: Provided, (2) The committee, with the approval of the Secretary, may carry over such excess into subsequent fiscal years as a reserve: Provided, Provided, (b) All funds received by the committee pursuant to the provisions of this part shall be used solely for the purpose specified in this part and shall be accounted for in the manner provided in this part. The Secretary may at any time require the committee and its members to account for all receipts and disbursements. (c) Upon the removal or expiration of the term of office of any member of the committee, such member shall account for all receipts and disbursements and deliver all property and funds in his possession to the committee, and shall execute such assignments and other instruments as may be necessary or appropriate to vest in the committee full title to all of the property, funds, and claims vested in such member pursuant to this part. [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 47 FR 32908, July 30, 1982] Research and Development § 932.45 Production research and marketing research and development projects. (a) The following activities of the committee are authorized under this section. (1) The committee may, with the approval of the Secretary, establish or provide for the establishment of production research, and marketing research and development projects designed to assist, improve or promote the marketing, distribution, and consumption or efficient production of California olives. Such projects may provide for any marketing research and development projects designed to assist, improve, or promote the marketing, distribution, and consumption or efficient production of California olives. Such projects may provide for any form of marketing promotion including paid advertising. The expenses of such research and projects shall be paid from funds collected pursuant to § 932.39 or from voluntary contributions. Voluntary contributions may be accepted by the committee only to pay the expenses of such projects: Provided, (2) The committee, with the approval of the Secretary, may provide for crediting a portion of a handler's direct expenditures for paid brand advertising for olives. Such expenditures may include, but are not limited to, money spent for advertising space in magazines, newspapers, outdoor media and transit or time charges for radio and television. No handler shall receive credit in excess of such handler's pro rata share of the total monies allotted by the committee for brand advertising credit. Each advertisement must be published, broadcast or displayed during the fiscal year for which credit is requested. Before any creditable brand advertising may be undertaken pursuant to this paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the Secretary, upon recommendation by the committee, shall prescribe appropriate rules and regulations as are necessary to effectively regulate such activity. (b) In recommending marketing research and development projects pursuant to this section, the committee shall give consideration to the following factors: (1) The expected supply of olives in relation to market requirements; (2) The supply situation among competing areas and commodities; and (3) The need for marketing research with respect to any marketing development activity and the need for a coordinated effort with USDA's Plentiful Food Program. (c) In recommending production research projects pursuant to this section, the committee shall give consideration to the extent and need for assistance to, and improvement of California olive production. (d) If the committee should conclude that a program of production research, marketing research, or development should be undertaken or continued pursuant to this section in any fiscal year, it shall submit the following for the approval of the Secretary: (1) Its recommendations as to funds to be obtained pursuant to § 932.39 or voluntary contributions; (2) Its recommendations as to any production research or marketing research project; and (3) Its recommendation as to promotion activity and paid advertising. (e) The committee shall, as soon as practicable, prepare and mail reports on current production research and marketing research and development projects to the Secretary and make a copy of such reports available at the committee office for examination by producers, handlers, or other interested parties. [36 FR 20356, Oct. 21, 1971, as amended at 47 FR 32908, July 30, 1982; 47 FR 51093, Nov. 12, 1982] Regulations § 932.50 Report of marketing policy. At least 14 days prior to the start of each crop year (except that this period may be shortened by the committee not more than 5 days if warranted), the committee shall hold a meeting for the purpose of formulating a marketing policy for the coming crop year: Provided, [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 47 FR 32908, July 30, 1982] § 932.51 Incoming regulations. (a) Minimum standards for natural condition olives. (i) Weighed on scales sealed by the State of California Department of Weights and Measures, an official certified weight certificate issued thereon, and a copy of such certificate furnished to the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service and the committee; and (ii) Size-graded, either by sample or by lot, under the supervision of any such inspection service and classified into separate size designations and a certification issued with respect thereto by such inspection service. Such size designations shall be in accordance with those set forth in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Ripe Olives (7 CFR part 52) or subsequent amendments thereto, or such sizes as may be recommended by the committee and established by the Secretary: Provided, Designation(s) Approximate count (per pound) Average count range (per pound) Subpetite 181 and up. Petite 160 141-180, inclusive. Extra Large Sevillano “L” 82 76-88, inclusive. Extra Large Sevillano “C” 70 65-75, inclusive. Provided further, Provided, (2) Each handler may satisfy the incoming and outgoing size requirements for any lot of olives under the conditions set forth in subdivisions (i), (ii), and (iii) of this paragraph: Provided, (i) When the Secretary authorizes use of limited size olives for limited use styles during any crop year, any lot of limited use size olives may be used in the production of packaged olives for limited use styles without an outgoing inspection if such olives are within the following average count range for that variety group, and meet such further size requirements as recommended by the committee with the approval of the Secretary: Variety Average count range (per pound) Group 1, except Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino 76-88, inclusive. Group 1, Ascolano, Barouni and St. Agostino 89-140, inclusive. Group 2, except Obliza 141-180, inclusive. Group 2, Obliza 128-140, inclusive. Provided, (ii) When limited use size olives are not authorized for limited use styles during any crop year, any lot of the minimum canning size olives may be used in the production of packaged olives for limited use styles without an outgoing inspection for size if such olives are within the following average count range for that variety group, and meet such further size requirements as recommended by the committee with approval of the Secretary: Variety Average count range (per pound) Group 1, except Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino 65-75, inclusive. Group 1, Ascolano, Barouni and St. Agostino 65-88, inclusive. Group 2, except Obliza 128-140, inclusive. Group 2, Obliza 106-121, inclusive. Provided, Provided further, (iii) The committee may recommend, subject to approval by the Secretary, size certification procedures for olives used in the production of canned whole or pitted styles of olives: Provided, (3) Each handler shall, under the supervision of any such inspection service, dispose of into noncanning use an aggregate quantity of olives, comparable in size and characteristics and equal to the quantities shown on the certification for each lot to be: (i) Variety Group 1 olives, except the Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties, of a size which individually weigh less than 1/90 (ii) Variety Group 1 olives of the Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties of a size which individually weigh less than 1/140 (iii) Variety Group 2 olives, except the Obliza variety, of a size which individually weigh less than 1/180 (iv) Variety Group 2 olives of the Obliza variety of a size which individually weigh less than 1/140 (v) Such other sizes for the foregoing variety groups as are not authorized for limited use pursuant to § 932.52; and (vi) Olives classified as culls. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, a handler may (i) meet any deficit in such handler's undersize obligation in one variety by disposing of, under supervision of the inspection service, as other than canned ripe olives, an equal quantity of undersize olives, of any other variety, or by so disposing of an equal quantity of olives of that or any other variety of sizes larger than undersize of a quality better than culls, and (ii) meet any deficit in such handler's cull obligation in one variety by so disposing of an equal quantity of cull olives of any other variety, or by so disposing of an equal quantity of olives of any variety of sizes larger than undersize of a quality better than culls. (5) Each handler shall hold at all times a quantity of olives equal to the quantities required in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, less any quantity previously disposed of as specified in such subparagraph. (b) Whenever a handler receives a lot of natural condition olives, or makes a separation resulting in a sublot, solely for use in the production of green olives or canned ripe olives of the “tree-ripened” type, he may handle such lot or sublot without regard to the provisions of this section and § 932.52 only if (1) he notifies the committee upon receiving such a lot or making such a separation; (2) the identity of all such lots and sublots of olives is maintained by keeping them separate and apart from other olives he receives; (3) the packaged olives produced from such lots and sublots after processing are canned ripe olives of the “tree-ripened” type or green olives; and (4) there are no outgoing regulations pursuant to § 932.52 then applicable to packaged olives that are canned ripe olives of the “tree-ripened” type or green olives. [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 33 FR 11267, Aug. 8, 1968; 36 FR 20356, Oct. 21, 1971; 47 FR 32909, July 30, 1982] Effective Date Notes: 1. At 56 FR 49669, Oct. 1, 1991, in § 932.51, paragraphs (a)(3) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and the words “for the foregoing variety groups” in paragraph (a)(3)(v) were suspended indefinitely. 2. At 81 FR 46569, July 18, 2016, in § 932.51 paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (a)(5) were suspended indefinitely. § 932.52 Outgoing regulations. (a) Minimum standards for packaged olives. (1) Canned ripe olives, other than those of the “tree-ripened” type, shall grade at least U.S. Grade C as such grade is defined in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Ripe Olives (7 CFR part 52) or subsequent amendments thereto, or as modified by the committee, with approval of the Secretary, for purposes of this part. (2) Except as provided in § 932.51(a) (1) and (2), canned whole ripe olives, other than those of the “tree-ripened” type, shall conform to the single size designations set forth in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Ripe Olives (7 CFR part 52) or subsequent amendments thereto, or as modified by the committee, with the approval of the Secretary, and shall be of a size not smaller than the following applicable size requirements, tolerances and percentages: Provided, (i) With respect to variety group 1 olives, except the Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties, the individual fruits shall each weigh no less than 1/75 1/75 1/82 1/75 (ii) With respect to variety group 1 olives of the Ascolano, Barouni and St. Agostino varieties, the individual fruits shall each weigh not less than 1/88 1/88 1/98 1/88 (iii) With respect to variety group 2 olives, except the Obliza variety, the individual fruits shall each weigh not less than 1/140 1/140 1/160 1/140 (iv) With respect to Variety Group 2 olives of the Obliza variety, the individual fruits shall each weigh not less than 1/121 a 1/121 1/135 b 1/121 (3) Subject to the provisions set forth in paragraph (a)(4) of this section and § 932.51(a) (1) and (2), processed olives to be used in the production of canned pitted ripe olives, other than those of the “tree-ripened” type, shall meet the same requirements as prescribed pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section: Provided, Provided further, (i) Variety Group 1 olives, except the Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties, of a size which individually weigh 1/90 (ii) Variety Group 1 olives of the Ascolano, Barouni, or St. Agostino varieties, of a size which individually weigh 1/140 (iii) Variety Group 2 olives, except the Obliza variety, of a size which individually weigh 1/180 (iv) Variety Group 2 olives of the Obliza variety, of a size which individually weigh 1/140 (4) The Secretary may, upon recommendation of the committee, restrict the total quantity of limited use size olives for limited use during any crop year. Such restricted quantity shall be apportioned among the handlers by applying a percentage, established annually by the Secretary upon recommendation by the committee, to each handler's total receipts of limited use size olives during such crop year. (5) Canned ripe olives of the “tree-ripened” type and green olives shall meet such grade, size, and pack requirements as may be established by the Secretary based upon the recommendation of the committee or other available information. (6) The size designations used in this section mean the size designations described in (a)(1)(ii) of § 932.51. (7) For the purposes of this part the committee may, with the approval of the Secretary, specify the styles of olives, including the requirements with respect thereto, for limited use. (b) Disposition requirements for limited use size olives. (2) Each handler shall, under the supervision of the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, USDA, or the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service, dispose of limited use size olives into limited use or into noncanning use: Provided, (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a handler may meet any deficit in his obligation to dispose of limited use size olives into noncanning use pursuant to this paragraph by disposing of, under supervision of the inspection service, an equivalent quantity of olives of a size larger than the limited use size and of a quality better than culls. (4) Each handler shall hold at all times a quantity of olives eligible to meet the disposition requirements of this paragraph less any quantity previously disposed of as specified in paragraphs (b) (2) and (3) of this section. [36 FR 20357, Oct. 21, 1971, as amended at 47 FR 32910, July 30, 1982; 88 FR 82233, Nov. 24, 2023] Effective Date Note: At 56 FR 49669, Oct. 1, 1991, in § 932.52, in paragraph (a)(3) introductory text and paragraphs (a)(3)(i) through (a)(3)(iv) the words “but any such limited use size olives so used shall be not smaller than the following applicable minimum size: Provided further, § 932.53 Inspection and certification. (a) Each handler shall have the olives such handler handles inspected and certified as for conformance with all applicable requirements pursuant to §§ 932.51 and 932.52 with respect to such handling. Inspection and certification for conformance with the requirements of § 932.51 shall be by the Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service, including certification as to size, and inspection for conformance with the requirements of § 932.52 shall be by the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, USDA, except that the disposition of olives, other than as canned ripe olives, in accordance with the requirements of § 932.51(a)(3) may be under the supervision of any of such inspection services. A copy of each certification by the said inspection services, pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be furnished to the committee. (b) The committee may enter into an agreement with either or both of said inspection services with respect to the costs of the inspection required by this section and may collect from handlers their respective pro rata share of such costs. [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 47 FR 32910, July 30, 1982; 88 FR 82233, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.54 Transfers. Transfers within the area of olives from one handler to another for further handling within the area are permitted. Whenever such a transfer of olives is made, the transferring handler shall comply with all applicable regulations up to the time of such transfer, and the receiving handler shall comply with all applicable regulations subsequent to such transfer: Provided, [33 FR 11267, Aug. 8, 1968, as amended at 36 FR 20357, Oct. 21, 1971; 47 FR 32910, July 30, 1982] § 932.55 Exemption. (a) The provisions of this subpart shall not be applicable to processed olives on hand on the effective date of this subpart but only if the identity of such olives is maintained and such olives are not commingled with olives processed after such effective date in the production of packaged olives. However, olives on hand on such effective date that are commingled with olives processed after such date and are used in the production of packaged olives shall be subject to all relevant provisions applicable to the handling of packaged olives. (b) Upon the basis of the recommendation submitted by the committee or from other available information, the Secretary may relieve from any or all requirements under this part the handling of olives in such minimum quantities, in such types of shipments, or for such specified purposes (including shipments to facilitate the conduct of marketing research and development projects established pursuant to § 932.45) as the committee with the approval of the Secretary may prescribe. (c) The committee, with the approval of the Secretary, shall prescribe rules, regulations, and safeguards as it may deem necessary to ensure that olives exempted under the provisions of this section are handled only as authorized. [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 33 FR 11267, Aug. 8, 1968] Reports and Records § 932.60 Reports of acquisitions, sales, uses, shipments and creditable brand advertising. (a) Each handler shall file such reports of his acquisitions, sales, uses, and shipments of olives, as may be requested by the committee. (b) Upon the request of the committee, each handler shall furnish such other reports and information as are needed to enable the committee to perform its functions under this part. (c) Each handler shall file such reports of creditable brand advertising as recommended by the committee and approved by the Secretary. [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 47 FR 51094, Nov. 12, 1982] § 932.61 Records. Each handler shall maintain such records of olives acquired, held, and disposed of by such handler as may be prescribed by the committee and needed by it to perform its functions under this subpart. Such records shall be retained for at least two years beyond the crop year in which the transaction occurred. The committee, with the approval of the Secretary, may prescribe rules and regulations to include under this section handler records that detail advertising and promotion activities which the committee may need to perform its functions under § 932.45(a). [47 FR 51094, Nov. 12, 1982] § 932.62 Verification of reports. For the purpose of checking and verifying reports filed by handlers, the committee, through its duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any handler's premises during regular business hours, and shall be permitted at any such time to: (a) Inspect such premises and any olives held by such handler, and any and all records of the handler with respect to such handler's acquisition, sales, uses and shipments of olives; and (b) inspect any and all records of such handler with respect to advertising and promotion activities subject to § 932.45(a) and maintained by the handler pursuant to § 932.61. Each handler shall furnish all labor and equipment necessary to make such inspections. [47 FR 51094, Nov. 12, 1982] § 932.63 Confidential information. All reports and information submitted by handlers pursuant to the provisions of this part shall be received by, and at all times be in the custody of one or more designated employees of the committee. No such employees shall disclose to any person, other than the Secretary upon request therefor, data, or information obtained or extracted from such reports and records which might affect the trade position, financial condition, or business operation of the particular handler from whom received: Provided, Miscellaneous Provisions § 932.65 Compliance. Except as provided in this part, no person shall handle olives, the handling of which has been prohibited by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of this part, and no person shall handle olives except in conformity with the provisions of this part and the regulations issued hereunder. § 932.66 Right of the Secretary. The members of the committee (including successors and alternates) and any agents or employees appointed or employed by the committee, shall be subject to removal or suspension at any time by the Secretary. Each and every order, regulation, determination, decision, or other act of the committee shall be subject to the continuing right of the Secretary to disapprove of the same at any time. Upon such disapproval, such disapproved action shall be deemed null and void except as to acts done in reliance thereon or in compliance therewith prior to such disapproval by the Secretary. § 932.67 Effective time. The provisions of this subpart, as well as any amendments to this subpart, shall become effective at such time as the Secretary may declare, above his signature, and shall continue in force until terminated in one of the ways specified in § 932.68. § 932.68 Termination. (a) The Secretary may, at any time, terminate the provisions of this subpart by giving at least one day's notice by means of a press release or in any other manner which he may determine. (b) The Secretary shall terminate or suspend the operation of any or all of the provisions of this subpart whenever he finds such provisions do not tend to effectuate the declared policy of the act. (c) The Secretary shall terminate the provisions of this subpart at the end of any crop year whenever the Secretary finds that such termination is favored by a majority of producers who, during a representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in the area in the production of olives for market as packaged olives: Provided, [30 FR 12629, Oct. 2, 1965, as amended at 47 FR 32910, July 30, 1982] § 932.69 Proceedings after termination. (a) Upon the termination of the provisions of this subpart, the members of the committee then functioning shall continue as joint trustees, for the purpose of liquidating the affairs of the committee, of all funds and property then in the possession or under the control of the committee including claims for any funds unpaid or property not delivered at the time of such termination. Action by such trustee shall require the concurrence of a majority of the trustees. (b) Said trustees shall continue in such capacity until discharged by the Secretary; shall, from time to time, account for all receipts and disbursements, and deliver all property on hand, together with all books and records of the committee and the joint trustees, to such person as the Secretary may direct; and shall, upon the request of the Secretary, execute such assignments or other instruments necessary or appropriate to vest in such person full title and right to all of the funds, property, and claims vested in the committee or the joint trustees. (c) Any person to whom funds, property, or claims have been transferred or delivered by the committee or the joint trustees, pursuant to this section, shall be subject to the same obligations imposed upon the members of the said committee and upon said joint trustees. § 932.70 Effect of termination or amendment. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the Secretary, the termination of this subpart or any regulation issued pursuant thereto, or the issuance of any amendment to either thereof, shall not (a) affect or waive any right, duty, obligation, or liability which shall have arisen, or which may thereafter arise, in connection with any provision of this subpart, or any regulation issued thereunder; (b) release or extinguish any violation of this subpart or of any regulation issued thereunder; or (c) affect or impair any rights or remedies of the Secretary or any other person with respect to any such violation. § 932.71 Duration of immunities. The benefits, privileges, and immunities conferred upon any person by virtue of this subpart shall cease upon the termination of this subpart, except with respect to acts done under and during the existence of this subpart. § 932.72 Agents. The Secretary may, by a designation in writing, name any person, including any officer or employee of the U.S. Government or name any service or division in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to act as his agent or representative in connection with any of the provisions of this subpart. § 932.73 Derogation. Nothing contained in this subpart is or shall be construed to be, in derogation or in modification of the rights of the Secretary or of the United States to exercise any powers granted by the act or otherwise, or, in accordance with such powers, to act in the premises whenever such action is deemed advisable. § 932.74 Personal liability. No member or alternate member of the committee or any employee or agent thereof shall be held personally responsible, either individually or jointly with others, in any way whatsoever, to any person, for errors in judgment, mistakes, or other acts either of commission or omission, as such member, alternate member, employee, or agent, except for acts of dis- honesty. § 932.75 Separability. If any provision of this subpart is declared invalid or the applicability thereof to any person, circumstance, or thing is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this subpart or the applicability thereof to any other person, circumstance, or thing shall not be affected thereby. Subpart B—Administrative Requirements § 932.108 Noncanning olives. Noncanning olives [31 FR 12634, Sept. 27, 1966] § 932.109 Canned ripe olives of the tree-ripened type. (a) Canned ripe olives of the tree-ripened type (1) Range in color from pinkish red, with some greenish cast, to black; and (2) Have not more than 10 percent, by count, of off-color off-color (b) [Reserved] [40 FR 38146, Aug. 27, 1975] § 932.121 Producer districts. Pursuant to the authority in § 932.35(k), commencing with the term of office beginning June 1, 2005, district means any of the following geographical areas of the State of California: (a) District 1 shall include the counties of Alpine, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and all counties north thereof. (b) District 2 shall include the counties of Mono, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, Monterey and all counties south thereof. [70 FR 6326, Feb. 7, 2005] § 932.125 Producer representation on the committee. Pursuant to the authority in §§ 932.25 and 932.35(k), commencing with the term of office beginning June 1, 2005, representation shall be apportioned as follows: (a) District 1 shall be represented by three producer members and alternates. (b) District 2 shall be represented by five producer members and alternates. [70 FR 6326, Feb. 7, 2005] § 932.129 Nomination procedures for producer members. Members and alternate members on the Committee who represent producers shall be nominated in accordance with the procedures specified in either paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this section as the Committee may determine. (a) Mail ballot voting. (i) Any person who produces olives in a particular district may offer the name of any producer from that district as a candidate for either a member or alternate member position in said district. (ii) A producer, who produces olives in more than one district, can be selected as a candidate for a member or alternate member position in only one district. (iii) The Committee will notify by mail producers who are selected as candidates but are not in attendance at such meetings. Such producers have the right to decline such listing on the ballot within 7 days of mailing such notice. (iv) In the event a producer cannot attend a meeting but wishes to be included on the ballot, that producer may notify the Committee office in writing no later than 7 days after the date of the nomination meeting for the producer's district and request that the producer's name be included on the ballot. (v) In the event that no candidates or an insufficient number of candidates are selected at such meetings for the producer members and alternates in the respective districts, the Committee will give written notice to producers in said district that additional names may be submitted for the specified position(s). (2) Following such meetings, and no later than March 15 of each odd-numbered year, the Committee shall prepare and mail a ballot to each producer that delivered olives during that crop year in each district. (i) A producer who produces olives in more than one district must choose the district in which the producer will vote and notify the Committee of that choice. If the Committee is not notified and more than one ballot is received from such a producer, the first ballot received will be counted. Candidates may only vote in the district in which they are seeking nomination. (ii) Each ballot will list separately the names of candidates for the member positions and the names of candidates for the alternate member positions for said district. (iii) A ballot will be mailed to producers of record to give them an opportunity to vote. Committee records will be used to determine the list of producers eligible to cast ballots. However, any producer who is not identified in such records may receive a ballot if the Committee determines that such producer is eligible to participate in nominations in that district. (iv) A producer may cast a vote for as many candidates as there are member or alternate positions in said district. (v) The candidate on each list, as prescribed in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, who receives the most votes will be the nominee for the first position, and until all positions for that district are filled, the candidates receiving the second, third and fourth highest number of votes will be the nominees for the second, third and fourth position respectively. (vi) In the event of a tie which would result in elimination of a tied candidate, a second ballot with the names of those tied candidates will be mailed to producers in said district for another vote. (b) Nomination meetings. (1) Prior to March 15 of each odd-numbered year, the Committee shall schedule a nomination meeting to be held in each district for the purpose of obtaining nominees for producer members and alternate members for such district. (2) Nominations for members and balloting thereon shall precede nominations and balloting for alternate members. (3) The candidate for each position who receives the highest number of votes shall be the nominee for the position: Provided, (c) For the purposes of this section, a producer is a person engaged in a proprietary capacity as a single business unit in the production of olives for market as packaged olives and includes an individual (owner-operated), partnership, corporation, association, institution, or other legal business unit. (d) Determination of producer eligibility. (2) Each producer (as defined in paragraph (c) of this section) shall be entitled to cast only one vote for each position. (3) A producer having olive acreage in more than one district may participate in nominations and elections in only one district. The district in which the producer wishes to participate shall be the producer's choice. (4) Any member of a producer's family (husband, wife, son or daughter) may vote on behalf of an owner-operated, landlord-tenant, family enterprise, or other farming unit. (5) Any authorized officer or employee of a corporation which is a producer may vote. (6) Any authorized member of a partnership which is a producer may vote. (7) Power of attorney (proxies) for voting purposes are not accepted. [48 FR 24312, June 1, 1983, as amended at 54 FR 46222, Nov. 2, 1989] § 932.130 Public member and alternate public member eligibility requirements and nomination procedures. (a) Eligibility requirements. (2) The public member and alternate public member should be able to devote sufficient time and must express a willingness to attend subcommittee and committee activities regularly and to familiarize themselves with the background and economics of the olive industry. (3) The public member and alternate public member must be residents of California. (b) Nomination procedures. (2) The Committee will solicit, interview and recommend to the Secretary its nominees for public member and alternate public member. (3) A majority vote is required in Committee actions concerning the nomination of the public member and alternate public member. [48 FR 24313, June 1, 1983] § 932.136 Use of communication technology. The Committee may conduct meetings by any means of audio and/or audiovisual communication technology available that effectively assembles members and alternates, and facilitates open communication; Provided, Provided, [84 FR 4308, Feb. 15, 2019] § 932.139 Late payment and interest charges. (a) The committee shall impose a late payment charge on any handler whose assessment has not been received in the committee's office, or the envelope containing the payment legibly postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service, within 30 days of the invoice date shown on the handler's assessment statement. The late payment charge shall be five percent of the unpaid balance. (b) In addition to that specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the committee shall impose an interest charge on any handler whose assessment payment has not been received in the committee's office, or the envelope containing the payment legibly postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service, within 30 days of the invoice date. The interest charge shall be the current commercial prime rate of the committee's bank plus two percent which shall be applied to the unpaid balance and late payment charge for the number of days all or any part of the assessment specified in the handler's assessment statement is delinquent beyond the 30-day payment period. (c) The committee, upon receipt of a late payment equal to or greater than the assessment specified on the handler's assessment statement, shall promptly notify the handler (by registered mail) of any late payment charge and/or interest due as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. If such charges are not paid, or the envelope containing payment is not legibly postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service, within 30 days of the date on such notification, late payment and interest charges as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section will accrue on the unpaid amount. [49 FR 29210, July 19, 1984, as amended at 88 FR 82233, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.149 Modified minimum quality requirements for specified styles of canned olives of the ripe type. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the minimum quality requirements prescribed in § 932.52(a)(1) are modified as follows, for specified styles of canned olives of the ripe type: (1) Canned whole and pitted olives of the ripe type shall meet the minimum quality requirements as prescribed in table 1 of this section; (2) Canned sliced, segmented (wedged), and halved olives of the ripe type shall meet the minimum quality requirements as prescribed in table 2 of this section; (3) Canned chopped olives of the ripe type shall meet the minimum quality requirements as prescribed in table 3 of this section; and shall be practically free from identifiable units of pit caps, end slices, and slices (“practically free from identifiable units” means that not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the unit of chopped style olives may be identifiable pit caps, end slices, or slices); and, (4) Canned broken pitted olives of the ripe type shall meet the minimum quality requirements as prescribed in table 4 of this section; (5) A lot of canned ripe olives is considered to meet the requirements of this section if all or most of the sample units meet the requirements specified in tables 1 through 4 of this section: Provided, Provided further, Table 1—Whole and Pitted Style [Defects by count per 50 olives] FLAVOR Reasonably good; no “off” flavor FLAVOR (Green Ripe Type) Free from objectionable flavors of any kind SALOMETER Acceptable Range in degrees: 3.0 to 14.0 COLOR Reasonably uniform with not less than 60% having a color equal or darker than the USDA Composite Color Standard for Ripe Type CHARACTER Not more than 5 soft units or 2 excessively soft units UNIFORMITY OF SIZE 60%, by visual inspection, of the most uniform in size. The diameter of the largest does not exceed the smallest by more than 4mm DEFECTS: Pitter Damage (Pitted Style Only) 15 Major Blemishes 5 Major Wrinkles 5 Pits and Pit Fragments (Pitted Style Only) Not more than 1.3% average by count Major Stems Not more than 3 HEVM Not more than 1 unit per sample Mutilated Not more than 3 Mechanical Damage Not more than 5 Split Pits or Misshapen Not more than 5 Table 2—Sliced, Segmented (Wedged), and Halved Styles [Defects by count per 255 grams] FLAVOR Reasonably good; no “off” flavor SALOMETER Acceptable Range in degrees: 3.0 to 14.0 COLOR Reasonably uniform with no units lighter than the USDA Composite Color Standard for Ripe Type CHARACTER Not more than 13 grams excessively soft DEFECTS: Pits and Pit Fragments Average of not more than 1 by count per 300 grams Major Stems Not more than 3 HEVM Not more than 2 units per sample Broken Pieces and End Caps Not more than 125 grams by weight Table 3—Chopped Style [Defects by count per 255 grams] FLAVOR Reasonably good; no “off” flavor SALOMETER Acceptable Range in degrees: 3.0 to 14.0 COLOR Reasonably uniform with no units lighter than the USDA Composite Color Standard for Ripe Type DEFECTS: Pits and Pit Fragments Average of not more than 1 by count per 300 grams Major Stems Not more than 3 HEVM Not more than 2 units per sample Table 4—Broken Pitted Style [Defects by count per 255 grams] FLAVOR Reasonably good; no “off” flavor SALOMETER Acceptable Range in degrees: 3.0 to 14.0 COLOR Reasonably uniform with no units lighter than the USDA Composite Color Standard for Ripe Type CHARACTER Not more than 13 grams excessively soft DEFECTS: Pits and Pit Fragments Average of not more than 1 by count per 300 grams Major Stems Not more than 3 HEVM Not more than 2 units per sample (b) Terms used in this section shall have the same meaning as are given to the respective terms in the current U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Ripe Olives (7 CFR part 52): Provided, [62 FR 1242, Jan. 9, 1997] § 932.150 Modified minimum quality requirements for canned green ripe olives. The minimum quality requirements prescribed in § 932.52 (a)(1) of this part are hereby modified with respect to canned green ripe olives so that no requirements shall be applicable with respect to color and blemishes of such olives. [62 FR 1244, Jan. 9, 1997] § 932.151 Incoming regulations. (a) Inspection stations. Provided, Provided further, (b) Lot identification. (i) Lot number; (ii) Date; (iii) Variety; and (iv) Number and type containers. (2) The handler shall maintain identity of such lot of olives with its corresponding lot weight and grade report. (c) Weighing. (d) Handler incoming responsibility General. (2) Certification. (A) Name of handler; (B) Name of producer; (C) County of production; (D) Applicable lot number; (E) Weight certificate number; (F) Net weight; (G) Number and type of containers; (H) Date received; (I) Time received; and (J) Weight of sample. (ii) The completed Form COC-3A or 3C shall be furnished to the committee, which shall certify thereon that the lot was weighed as required by § 932.51 if in accordance with the facts. (e) Disposition of noncanning olives Notification and inspection of noncanning olives. (A) Type and number of containers; (B) Type of olives (undersize or culls); (C) Net weight; (D) Variety; (E) Outlet (green olives, olive oil, etc.); and (F) Consignee. (ii) Before disposition of such olives, the completed Form COC-5 shall be furnished to the committee. (2) Control and surveillance. (3) Time period for disposition. Provided, (4) Olives not subject to incoming regulation requirements. Provided, (f) Partially exempted lots. (i) All the olives in the combined lot are delivered to the handler in the same day; (ii) The total net weight of the olives delivered to the handler by any person in such day does not exceed 500 pounds; (iii) Each such person had authorized combination of his lot with other lots; and (iv) The combined lot of the natural condition olives is weighed as required by § 932.51(a)(1)(i) prior to processing the olives. (2) Whenever the natural condition olives in partially exempt individual lots are combined with other such olives as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the provision of the section applicable on individual lots shall apply instead to a combined lot. (3) Each such handler shall file with the committee a weekly report showing for each day of the week the respective quantity in combined lots together with each person's authorization for combining lots. The report shall be filed upon a form supplied by the committee. (g) Additional Marketing Order Size Designations. Designation(s) Approximate count (per pound) Average count range (per pound) Subpetite 181 and up. Petite 166 141-180, inclusive. Extra Large Sevillano “L” 86 76-90, inclusive. Extra Large Sevillano “C” 70 65-75, inclusive. [31 FR 12635, Sept. 27, 1966, as amended at 33 FR 15631, Oct. 23, 1968; 34 FR 15389, Oct. 2, 1969; 49 FR 34440, Aug. 31, 1984; 49 FR 44448, Nov. 7, 1984; 52 FR 38224, Oct. 15, 1987; 52 FR 49346, Dec. 31, 1987; 81 FR 46569, July 18, 2016] § 932.152 Outgoing regulations. (a) Inspection stations. (b) Inspection—General. (c) Certification. (i) The total number of cases of packaged olives; (ii) Number of cans per case; (iii) Can size; (iv) Can code; (v) Variety; (vi) Fruit size; and (vii) Style. (2) The Inspection Service shall issue for each day's pack a signed certificate covering the quantities of such packaged olives which meet all applicable minimum quality and size requirements. Each such certificate shall contain at least the following: (i) Date; (ii) Place of inspection; (iii) Name and address of handler; (iv) Can code; (v) Variety; (vi) Fruit size; (vii) Can size; (viii) Style; (ix) Total number of cases; (x) Number of cans per case; (xi) And statement that packaged olives meet the effective minimum quality requirements for canned ripe olives as warranted by the facts. (d) Olives which fail to meet minimum quality and size requirements. (i) Date; (ii) Place of inspection; (iii) Name and address of handler; (iv) Can code; (v) Variety; (vi) Fruit size; (vii) Can size; (viii) Style; (ix) Total number of cases; (x) Number of cans per case; and (xi) Reason why the applicable requirements were not met. (2) All such packaged olives shall be kept separate and apart from other packaged olives and shall be so identified by control cards or other means satisfactory to the Inspection Service and the committee that their identity is readily apparent. Such packaged olives may be reprocessed under supervision of the Inspection Service. Any such packaged olives that are not so reprocessed may be disposed of only in accordance with § 932.155. (e) Examination of certain olives received for use in the production of canned ripe olives of the tree-ripened type. (f) Size designations. Table I—Canned Whole Ripe Olive Sizes Average Count Ranges [Per Pound] Size designation Variety group 1 Variety group 2 Except Ascolano, Barouni, St. Agostino Ascolano, Barouni, St. Agostino Obliza Except Obliza Small N.A. N.A. N.A. 128-140 Medium N.A. N.A. 106-127 106-127 Large N.A. 91-105 91-105 91-105 Extra Large 65-75 65-90 65-90 65-90 Jumbo 47-60 47-60 47-60 47-60 Colossal 33-46 33-46 33-46 33-46 Sup. Colossal ( 1 ( 1 ( 1 ( 1 1 N.A.—Not Applicable. (2) The size of the canned whole olives shall conform with the applicable count per pound range indicated in table I of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. When the count per pound of whole olives falls between two count ranges, the size designation shall be that of the smaller size. The average count for canned whole ripe olives is determined from all containers in the sample and is calculated on the basis of the drained weight of the olives. (3) Pitted olives must meet the size requirements for canned whole olives specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this section prior to pitting, or must meet the size designations specified in § 52.3754 of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Ripe Olives subsequent to pitting, subject to the following minimum size requirements: (i) Variety group 1 olives, except Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties, shall be at least “Extra Large;” (ii) Variety group 1 olives of the Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties shall be at least “Large;” (iii) Variety group 2 olives, except the Obliza variety, shall be at least “Small;” (iv) Variety group 2 olives of the Obliza variety shall be at least “Medium.” (g) Size Certification. Table II—Limited Use Size Olives Variety Average count range (per pound) Group 1, except Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino 76-90, inclusive. Group 1, Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino 106-140, inclusive. Group 2, except Obliza 141-180, inclusive. Group 2, Obliza 128-140, inclusive. (2) When limited-use size olives are not authorized for limited-use styles during a crop year and a handler elects to have olives sized pursuant to § 932.51(a)(2)(ii), any lot of canning-sized olives may be used in the production of packaged olives for whole, pitted, or limited-use styles if such olives are within the average count range in table III contained herein for that variety group, and meet such further mid-point or acceptable count requirements for the average count range in each size as approved by the committee. Table III—Canned Whole Ripe Olive Sizes Average Count Ranges [Per Pound] Size designation Variety group 1 Variety group 2 Except Ascolano, Barouni, St. Agostino Ascolano, Barouni, St. Agostino Obliza Except Obliza Small N.A. N.A. N.A. 128-140 Medium N.A. N.A. 106-127 106-127 Large N.A. 91-105 91-105 91-105 Ex. Large 65-75 65-90 65-90 65-90 Jumbo 47-60 47-60 47-60 47-60 Colossal 33-46 33-46 33-46 33-46 Sup. Colossal ( 1 ( 1 ( 1 ( 1 1 N.A.—Not Applicable. (h) Canned whole ripe olives, other than those of the “tree-ripened” type, shall be of a size not smaller than the following applicable size requirements, tolerances and percentages: (1) With respect to variety group 1 olives, except Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties, the individual fruits shall each weigh no less than 1/75 pound, except that (i) For olives of the extra large size designation, not more than 25 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/75 pound each including not more than 10 percent, by count, of such olives that weigh less than 1/82 pound each; and (ii) For olives of any designation except the extra large size, not more than 5 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/75 pound each; (2) With respect to variety group 1 olives of the Ascolano, Barouni, and St. Agostino varieties, the individual fruits shall each weigh not less than 1/105 pound, except that (i) For olives of the large size designation, not more than 25 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/105 pound each including not more than 10 percent, by count, of such olives that weigh less than 1/116 pound each; and (ii) For olives of any designation except the large size, not more than 5 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/105 pound each; (3) With respect to variety group 2 olives, except the Obliza variety, the individual fruits shall each weigh not less than 1/140 pound, except that (i) For olives of the small size designation, not more than 35 percent by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/140 pound each including not more than 7 percent, by count, of such olives that weigh less than 1/160 pound each; and (ii) For olives of any designation except the small size, not more than 5 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/140 pound each; (4) With respect to variety group 2 olives of the Obliza variety, the individual fruit shall each weigh not less than 1/127 pound, except that (i) For olives of the medium size designation, not more than 35 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/127 pound each including not more than 7 percent, by count, of such olives that weigh less than 1/135 pound each; and (ii) For olives of any designation except the medium size, not more than 5 percent, by count, of such olives may weigh less than 1/127 pound each. [31 FR 12635, Sept. 27, 1966, as amended at 33 FR 15632, Oct. 23, 1968; 36 FR 24795, Dec. 23, 1971; 48 FR 54212, Dec. 1, 1983; 52 FR 38224, Oct. 15, 1987; 52 FR 49346, Dec. 31, 1987; 57 FR 36353, Aug. 13, 1992; 59 FR 38106, July 27, 1994; 59 FR 55341, Nov. 7, 1994; 62 FR 1244, Jan. 9, 1997; 88 FR 82233, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.153 Establishment of minimum quality and size requirements for processed olives for limited uses. (a) Minimum quality requirements. (b) Sizes. (1) The processed olives shall be identified and kept separate and apart from any olives harvested before August 1, 1996. (2) Variety Group 1 olives, except the Ascolano, Barouni, or St. Agostino varieties, shall be of a size which individually weigh at least 1/105 Provided, 1/105 (3) Variety Group 1 olives of the Ascolano, Barouni, or St. Agostino varieties shall be of a size which individually weigh at least 1/180 Provided, 1/180 (4) Variety Group 2 olives, except the Obliza variety, shall be of a size which individually weigh at least 1/205 Provided, 1/205 (5) Variety Group 2 olives of the Obliza variety shall be of a size which individually weigh at least 1/180 Provided, 1/180 [61 FR 40510, Aug. 5, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 1244, Jan. 9, 1997] § 932.154 Handler transfer. (a) Except as hereinafter provided in paragraph (b) of this section, Form COC-6 “Report of Interhandler Transfer” shall be completed by the transferring handler for all lots of processed, but not packaged, olives transferred to another handler within the area and for all lots and sublots of natural condition olives transferred to another handler within the area or shipped to destinations outside the area except fresh market outlets. For natural condition and processed, but not packaged, olives transferred between handlers within the area, two completed copies of said form, signed by the transferring handler, shall accompany the lot or sublot to the receiving handler who shall certify on both copies as to receipt of the olives and forward one copy to the committee within 10 days following receipt of the olives. For natural condition olives transferred by a handler to a destination outside the area, except fresh market outlets, two copies of said form shall be completed by the transferring handler with the words Outside the Area (b) Undersize or cull olives that are transferred from one handler to another and for which the transferring handler desires credit toward satisfaction of his obligation under § 932.51(a)(2) need only be accompanied by two copies of Form COC-5, report of limited and undersize and cull olives inspection and disposition: Provided, (c) No handler may ship any lot or sublot of natural condition olives to a destination outside the area, except fresh market outlets, unless such olives have first been size-graded and meet the disposition and holding requirements applicable under paragraphs (a) (2) and (4) of § 932.51. The size of such transferred olives shall be verified, prior to transfer, by certification issued to the transferring handler by the appropriate inspection service (Federal or Federal-State Inspection Service or the Specialty Crops Inspection Division, USDA). [31 FR 12636, Sept. 27, 1966, as amended at 36 FR 24795, Dec. 23, 1971; 49 FR 34440, Aug. 31, 1984; 49 FR 44448, Nov. 7, 1984; 88 FR 82233, Nov. 24, 2023] § 932.155 Special purpose shipments. (a) The disposition of packaged olives covered by § 932.152(d) which are not reprocessed, and new packaged olive products covered under paragraph (b) of this section which have not been disposed of by the end of the test market period, shall be handled in conformity with the applicable provisions of this paragraph. (1) Under the supervision of the Inspection Service, such packaged olives may be disposed of for use in the production of olive oil or dumped. (2) Such packaged olives may be disposed of to a charitable organization for use by such organization, provided the following conditions are met: (i) Any handler who wishes to so dispose of olives shall first file a written application with, and obtain written approval thereof, from the committee. Each such application shall contain at least: (A) The name and address of the handler and the charitable organization; (B) The physical location of the charitable organization's facilities; (C) The quantity, in cases, the variety, size, can size, and can code of the packaged olives; and (D) A certification from the charitable organization that such olives will be used by the organization and will not be sold. (ii) Prior to approval, the committee shall perform such verification of the accuracy of the information on the application as it deems necessary. The committee may deny any application if it finds that the required information is incomplete or incorrect, or has reason to believe that the intended receiver is not a charitable organization, or that the handler or the organization has disposed of packaged olives contrary to a previously approved application. The committee shall notify the applicant and the organization in writing of its approval, or denial, of the application. Any such approval shall continue in effect so long as the packaged olives covered thereby are disposed of consistent with this section. The committee shall notify the handler and the organization of each such termination of approval. The handler shall furnish the committee, upon demand, such evidence of disposition of the packaged olives covered by an approved application as may be satisfactory to the committee. (b) In accordance with the provisions of § 932.55(b), packaged olives to be used in marketing development projects may be handled without regard to § 932.149 provided the following conditions are met. Such olives must be identified to the satisfaction of the Inspection Service and kept separate from other packaged olives. The handler shall submit to the committee for its approval “COC Form 155” at least 10 working days prior to the shipment of such packaged olives to test markets, and report progress or changes to the committee, as requested. The applicant handler shall provide the following information on COC Form 155: (1) The quantity of olives to be utilized (limited to not more than five percent of the handler's crop year acquisitions); (2) Specific market outlet; (3) Flavorings or other ingredients added to the olives; (4) Style of olives used; (5) Type of olives used, either black or green ripe; (6) Container sizes; (7) Varieties used, whether Ascolano, Barouni, Manzanillo, Mission, Sevillano, etc.; (8) Sizes of olives utilized; (9) Approximate dates when the new product will be packaged; (10) Name and address of requesting handler; (11) Place of inspection; (12) Certification that all assessment and reporting requirements in effect under the marketing order will be met prior to shipment; (13) Certification that all such fruit will be kept separate from other packaged olives and will be so identified by control cards or other means acceptable to the Inspection Service; (14) Purpose and nature of the request, whether for test marketing, evaluation, market research, etc.; and (15) An estimate of the amount of time required to complete the test. The committee shall promptly approve or deny the application, and may add limitations to any such approval. Upon approval, the applicant handler shall notify the Inspection Service. Packaged olives so identified and remaining unused at the end of the approved test-market period shall be disposed of according to paragraph (a) of this section. (c) In accordance with the provisions of § 932.55(b), any handler may use processed olives in the production of packaged olives for repackaging, and ship packaged olives for repackaging, if the packaged olives meet the minimum quality requirements, except for the requirement that the packaged olives possess a reasonably good flavor: Provided, [33 FR 15632, Oct. 23, 1968, as amended at 39 FR 38221, Oct. 30, 1974; 62 FR 1244, Jan. 9, 1997; 65 FR 4575, Jan. 31, 2000] § 932.159 Reallocation of handler membership. Pursuant to § 932.25, handler representation on the Committee is reallocated to provide that the two handlers who handled the largest and second largest total volume of olives during the crop year in which nominations are made and in the preceding crop year shall each be represented by four members and four alternate members. [65 FR 62994, Oct. 20, 2000] § 932.161 Reports. (a) Reports of olives received. (b) Sales reports. (i) Whole and whole pitted styles of canned ripe olives in consumer size containers; (ii) Whole and whole pitted styles of canned ripe olives in institutional size containers; (iii) Chopped style of canned ripe olives in all types of containers; and (iv) Halved, segmented (wedged), and sliced styles of canned ripe olives in all types of containers. The quantity in each category shall be reported in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. (2) Each handler shall submit to the committee, on a form provided by the committee, for each month and not more than 15 days after the end of such month, a report showing the total quantity of packaged olives of the ripe and green ripe types sold during the month. Such reports shall include the following information, as applicable: (i) With respect to the whole, pitted, and broken pitted styles of packaged olives of the ripe or green ripe type, each style shall be reported separately on COC Form 29a in terms of the quantity of each size of olives as designated on the form. Such quantity, or quantities, shall be reported in terms of the total amount packaged in each of the container sizes listed on said form except that the committee may require such reporting in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. Each handler shall report separately the total monthly sales of packaged olives of the green ripe type. (ii) Limited use styles of packaged olives of the ripe or green ripe type shall be reported in terms of the quantity of each style packaged in each of the container sizes listed on COC Form 29b except that the committee may require such reporting in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. (c) Report of handler's utilization of limited size olives. (d) Packaged olive inventory reports. (1) With respect to the whole, pitted, and broken pitted styles of packaged ripe or green ripe type olives, each style shall be reported separately on COC Form 27a in terms of the packaged quantity of each size designated on the form. Such quantity, or quantities, shall be reported in terms of the total amount packaged in each of the container sizes listed on said form except that the committee may require such reporting in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. Each handler shall report separately the total quantity of any packaged olives of the green ripe type held in storage at all locations. (2) Halved, sliced, segmented (wedged), and chopped styles of packaged olives of the ripe or green ripe type shall be reported in terms of the quantity of each style packaged in each of the container sizes listed on COC Form 27b except that the committee may require such reporting in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. (e) Processed olive bulk inventory reports. (1) The total tonnage of processed olives of the ripe and green ripe types, held in storage by the handler, which are of any size that may be used in the production of packaged olives of the whole or the pitted styles shall be reported on COC Form 27c in terms of the total quantity of each size designated on the form. (2) The total tonnage of processed olives of the ripe and green ripe types, held in storage by the handler, which are of sizes that may be used in the production of packaged olives of the halved, sliced, segmented (wedged), or chopped style shall be reported on COC Form 27b. (f) Packout reports. (1) With respect to the whole, pitted, and broken pitted styles of packaged olives of the ripe or the green ripe types, each style shall be reported separately on COC Form 28a in terms of the total quantity of each size of olives as designated on the form. Such quantity, or quantities, shall be reported in terms of the total amount packaged in each of the container sizes listed on said form except that the committee may require such reporting in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. Each handler shall report separately the total monthly production of packaged olives of the green ripe type. (2) Halved, sliced, segmented (wedged), and chopped styles of packaged olives of the ripe or green ripe type shall be reported in terms of the quantity of each style packaged in each of the container sizes listed on COC Form 28b except that the committee may require such reporting in terms of the equivalent number of cases of 24 No. 300 (300 × 407) size cans. [33 FR 15632, Oct. 23, 1968, as amended at 36 FR 24795, Dec. 23, 1971; 47 FR 13118, Mar. 29, 1982; 49 FR 34440, 34441, Aug. 31, 1984; 49 FR 44448, Nov. 7, 1984] § 932.230 Assessment rate. Link to an amendment published at 91 FR 55244, Aug. 27, 2026. On and after January 1, 2024, an assessment rate of $28 per ton is established for California olives. [89 FR 57064, July 12, 2024]