United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries, 12175-12176 [05-4812]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 47 / Friday, March 11, 2005 / Notices changing these requirements is warranted to better serve the industry. The official grades of limes covered by these standards are determined by procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification and Standards of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the proposed revision of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Persian (Tahiti) Limes. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: March 7, 2005. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–4815 Filed 3–10–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–05–302] United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans. At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified that the standard may need to be modified to allow percentages to be determined by count and not weight. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by May 10, 2005. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250–0240; Fax (202) 720–8871, E-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal VerDate jul<14>2003 16:40 Mar 10, 2005 Jkt 205001 Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans is available either through the address cited above or by accessing the Fresh Products Branch Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above address or call (202) 720–2185; E-mail David.Priester@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices * * *.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to revise the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans using procedures that appear in Part 36 Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). These standards were last revised in 1990. Background At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans for a possible revision. As a result, AMS has identified that the standard may need to be modified to allow percentages to be determined by count and not weight. However, prior to undertaking detailed work to develop proposed revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the possible revision to the standards and the probable impact on distributors, processors, and growers. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry. This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 12175 comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude that there is a need for the revisions of the standards, the proposed revisions will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR Part 36. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: March 7, 2005. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–4816 Filed 3–10–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–05–301] United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for public comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of Agriculture, is soliciting comments on a proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. AMS has received a petition from the California Strawberry Commission (CSC), requesting that the current standards be modified to allow percentages be determined on the basis of count and not volume. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by May 10, 2005. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250–0240; Fax (202) 720–8871, E-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries are available either through the address cited above or by accessing the Fresh Products Branch Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above address E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1 12176 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 47 / Friday, March 11, 2005 / Notices or call (202) 720–2185, E-mail David.Priester@usda.gov. Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices * * *.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to revise the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries using procedures that appear in Part 36 Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). These standards were last revised in 1965. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background AMS received a petition from the CSC requesting a revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. The standards are established under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627). The petitioner represents more than 700 strawberry growers, shippers, and processors. The petitioner is requesting that USDA revise the standards to allow that percentages be determined on the basis of count and not volume. Currently the standards state that the percentages of defects will be determined on the basis of volume. The volume is determined by counting the berries in a sample, and then dividing the total number of berries into 100 percent. The resulting number will be the percentage by volume of the average size berry in the sample. For example, in a sample that has 25 berries the average size berry will be equal to 4 percent with smaller berries representing less and larger berries representing more of the percentage by volume in the sample. Industry believes determining percentages by count will simplify tolerance determination. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision to the standard, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted to revise the VerDate jul<14>2003 16:40 Mar 10, 2005 Jkt 205001 United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude that revisions are needed, the Agency will develop a proposed revised standard that will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR Part 36. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: March 7, 2005. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–4812 Filed 3–10–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–04–308] United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice, request for public comment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on it’s proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers. This action is being taken at the request of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, which asked AMS to review the grade standards for possible revision. AMS is proposing to revise the standards to report decay affecting the stems under the serious damage tolerance in all grades instead of the more restrictive tolerance of two percent for decay. Additionally, AMS is proposing to amend the similar varietal requirement to allow mixed colors and/or types when designated as speciality packs and remove the unclassified category. AMS is proposing to remove the requirement to re-designate lots of sweet peppers as ‘‘Mixed Color’’ in the grade statement when peppers fail to meet the color requirement. AMS is also proposing to include the Mixed Color designation as an option for any lot of sweet peppers intentionally packed with peppers of different color. The proposed revisions would bring the standards for sweet peppers in line with current marketing practices, thereby improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by May 10, 2005. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250–0240; fax (202) 720–8871, e-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers are available either through the address cited above or by accessing the Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ standards/stanfrfv.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above address or call (202) 720–2185; e-mail David.Priester@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices * * *.’’ AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to revise the voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers using procedures that appear in Part 36 Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). These standards were last revised in 1989. ADDRESSES: Background Prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revision of the grade standards, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (69 FR 33345) on June 15, 2004, soliciting comments on the possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers. In response to our request for comments, AMS received three E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 47 (Friday, March 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12175-12176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4812]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-301]


United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), of the Department of 
Agriculture, is soliciting comments on a proposal to revise the United 
States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. AMS has received a 
petition from the California Strawberry Commission (CSC), requesting 
that the current standards be modified to allow percentages be 
determined on the basis of count and not volume. Additionally, AMS is 
seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to 
better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 10, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 
0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax (202) 720-8871, E-mail 
FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the dates 
and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made 
available for public inspection in the above office during regular 
business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries 
are available either through the address cited above or by accessing 
the Fresh Products Branch Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/
standards/stanfrfv.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above 
address

[[Page 12176]]

or call (202) 720-2185, E-mail David.Priester@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes 
the Secretary of Agriculture ``to develop and improve standards of 
quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and 
demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and 
consistency in commercial practices * * *.'' AMS is committed to 
carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing 
of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards 
available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or 
U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal 
Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs.
    AMS is proposing to revise the voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Strawberries using procedures that appear in Part 36 
Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). These 
standards were last revised in 1965.

Background

    AMS received a petition from the CSC requesting a revision to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. The standards are 
established under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627). The petitioner represents more than 700 
strawberry growers, shippers, and processors.
    The petitioner is requesting that USDA revise the standards to 
allow that percentages be determined on the basis of count and not 
volume. Currently the standards state that the percentages of defects 
will be determined on the basis of volume. The volume is determined by 
counting the berries in a sample, and then dividing the total number of 
berries into 100 percent. The resulting number will be the percentage 
by volume of the average size berry in the sample. For example, in a 
sample that has 25 berries the average size berry will be equal to 4 
percent with smaller berries representing less and larger berries 
representing more of the percentage by volume in the sample. Industry 
believes determining percentages by count will simplify tolerance 
determination.
    Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision 
to the standard, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted 
to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude 
that revisions are needed, the Agency will develop a proposed revised 
standard that will be published in the Federal Register with a request 
for comments in accordance with 7 CFR Part 36.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Dated: March 7, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-4812 Filed 3-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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