Kiwifruit Grown in California and Imported Kiwifruit; Modification of Handling Regulations
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
California kiwifruit growers and importers are getting a fresh update! The rules are changing to allow slightly smaller kiwifruits (except one special type) to be sold, making it easier to handle and sell more fruit. Comments on this tasty proposal are open until April 7, 2026, so get ready to share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New larger size categories defined
The rule adds two new large size designations for kiwifruit: Size 12 (maximum 19 pieces per 8‑pound sample) and Size 15 (maximum 22 pieces per 8‑pound sample). It also removes the wording "or larger" from the current "18 or larger" label (leaving Size 18 defined as 25 pieces per 8‑pound sample) and sets a 1‑inch size variation tolerance for Sizes 12 and 15 to help standardize packing and inspections.
Minimum size relaxed for most kiwifruit
For all kiwifruit varieties except Actinidia chinensis, the minimum size definition (Size 45) is relaxed by increasing the maximum from 55 pieces to 56 pieces per 8‑pound sample. The same change is proposed for the import rule (7 CFR 944.550), which the USDA says will allow a greater quantity of non‑Actinidia chinensis kiwifruit to be imported.
Small businesses are the main affected group
About 108 California kiwifruit growers and 19 handlers are subject to the Order; AMS estimates more than 90% of growers and at least 84% of handlers meet SBA small‑business size limits. AMS states the proposed changes would not impose additional costs on industry and are expected to benefit growers, handlers, and consumers.
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