Papaya marketing order bye bye

In today's Friday the 13th edition of the Federal Register comes this news about the termination of the marketing order for Hawaiian papayas.

This final rule terminates the Federal marketing order (order) for papayas grown in Hawaii, and the rules and regulations established under the order. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously determined the order should be terminated due to the results of a referendum in which growers indicated a lack of support for the continuation of the order. However, USDA postponed the termination until licensing agreements regarding development and use of transgenic papaya varieties could be resolved. Sufficient time has elapsed for the industry to resolve any outstanding licensing issues. Therefore, USDA is proceeding with the termination of the order.

TK: If anyone can lead the industry to acceptance of transgenic produce, it is the papaya shippers in Hawaii. They won't do so with the help of a marketing order, however.