United States Standards for Grades of Kale, 12172-12173 [05-4813]

Download as PDF 12172 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 47 / Friday, March 11, 2005 / Notices USDA with regard to quantity of leaf tobacco in all forms in the United States and Puerto, owned by or in the possession of dealers, manufacturers, growers’ cooperative associations, and others with the exception of the original growers of the tobacco. The information furnished under the provisions of this Act shall be used only for statistical purposes for which it is supplied. Need and Use of the Information: The basic purpose of the information collection is to ascertain the total supply of unmanufactured tobacco available to domestic manufacturers and to calculate the amount consumed in manufactured tobacco products. This data is also used for the calculation of production quotas for individual types of tobacco and for price support calculations. Without the information USDA would not be able to disseminate marketing information as directed and authorized in the Act. Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit. Number of Respondents: 76. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: quarterly. Total Burden Hours: 278. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 05–4809 Filed 3–10–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–04–307] United States Standards for Grades of Cucumbers Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; withdrawal. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing the notice soliciting comments on its proposal to amend the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Cucumbers. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agency has decided not to proceed with this action. EFFECTIVE DATE: March 11, 2005. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Priester, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, STOP 0240, Washington, DC 20250–0240, Fax (202) 720–8871 or call (202) 720–2185; e-mail VerDate jul<14>2003 16:40 Mar 10, 2005 Jkt 205001 David.Priester@usda.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of Cucumbers 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. 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 had identified the United States Standards for Grades of Cucumbers for a possible revision. The United States Standards for Grades of Cucumbers were last amended March 1, 1958. On June 25, 2004, a notice requesting comments on the possible revision of the standards by incorporating industry terms as well as other changes was published in the Federal Register (69 FR 35572) with the comment period ending August 24, 2004. Three comments were received during the official period for comment. One comment from a consumer did not support revising the standard. One comment from an industry member supported the inclusion of industry terms. The commenter stated, ‘‘I feel we should have two categories for Super Selects: #1 criteria being a 66–76 count and a #2 criteria being a 56–65 count.’’ However, another industry member commented, ‘‘That the terms Super Select, Select, Small, Large and Plain are commonly used by the industry to convey the desired size, quality and condition of cucumbers but that the criteria for these terms are not consistently defined. This commenter noted that the meaning is often interpreted differently by various trading partners.’’ This industry member further stated, ‘‘* * * that wholesale receivers and the greater produce industry would be better served if current trading practices were supported by a system of U.S. grade standards that establish reasonable parameters for size, consistency of size within packs and provide more meaningful definitions for quality and condition.’’ However, the commenter did not include those definitions. While some members of the industry agree that a consistency of size and specific count ranges would promote orderly marketing, different segments within the industry are divided over the meanings of industry terms. In view of the lack of any substantial consensus as to whether the proposed inclusion of industry terms would meet the needs of the entire industry, the notice is being withdrawn. The withdrawal of this PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 notice will provide industry representatives with an opportunity for further discussions in the areas of mutual concern. After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agency has decided not to proceed with the action. Therefore, the notice published June 25, 2004 (69 FR 35572), is withdrawn. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: March 7, 2005. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–4810 Filed 3–10–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–04–311] United States Standards for Grades of Kale 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 Kale. 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 allow percentages to be determined by count rather than weight. AMS is also proposing to revise the application of tolerances for packages which contain less than 15 specimens. Additionally, based on a request from an industry group, the North American Perishable Agriculture Receivers (NAPAR), AMS is proposing to allow the standards to be used for kale leaves and bunches of leaves in addition to kale plants. The proposed revision would bring the standards for kale in line with current marketing practices, thereby improving the usefulness in serving 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) E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 47 / Friday, March 11, 2005 / Notices 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 Kale 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. 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 Kale 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 1934. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 58879) on October 1, 2004, soliciting comments on the possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Kale. In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment from an industry group, NAPAR. The comment was in favor of the proposed revision. The proposed revision will allow percentages to be determined by count rather than weight. AMS is also proposing to revise the application of tolerances for packages which contain less than 15 specimens. This change will allow double the tolerances VerDate jul<14>2003 16:40 Mar 10, 2005 Jkt 205001 specified, and that at least one defective specimen may be permitted in any sample, as long as the average for the entire lot is within the tolerance specified for the grade. AMS also received a request from NAPAR to allow the standards to be used for kale leaves and bunched kale leaves in addition to kale plants. Currently the standards only apply to kale plants. This proposal will bring the standards for kale in line with current marketing practices, thereby, improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry. The official grade of a lot of kale covered by these standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, 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 changes to the standard. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: March 7, 2005. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 05–4813 Filed 3–10–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–04–304] United States Standards for Grades of Mangos 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 the proposed voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Mangos. Members of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and other members of the mango industry have requested this action to be taken. The proposed standards would provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting orderly and efficient marketing of mangos. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 12173 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 and on the Internet. The draft of the United States Standards for Grades of Mangos is available by accessing AMS’s home page on the Internet at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ fpbdocketlist.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 the USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to establish voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Mangos using the procedures that appear in part 36 title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background On December 16, 2003, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (68 FR 69984) soliciting comments for the possible development of U.S. Standards for Grades of Mangos. AMS received seven comments, one from a foreign government agency, two from trade organizations, three from importers, and one from growers and exporters. All of these comments supported the creation of U.S. standards. Based on those comments, AMS has developed proposed grade standards for mangos. These standards contain sections pertaining to grades, sizes, E:\FR\FM\11MRN1.SGM 11MRN1

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[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 47 (Friday, March 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12172-12173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4813]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-311]


United States Standards for Grades of Kale

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

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

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 Kale. 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 allow percentages 
to be determined by count rather than weight. AMS is also proposing to 
revise the application of tolerances for packages which contain less 
than 15 specimens. Additionally, based on a request from an industry 
group, the North American Perishable Agriculture Receivers (NAPAR), AMS 
is proposing to allow the standards to be used for kale leaves and 
bunches of leaves in addition to kale plants. The proposed revision 
would bring the standards for kale in line with current marketing 
practices, thereby improving the usefulness in serving 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)

[[Page 12173]]

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 Kale 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 Kale 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 1934.

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 58879) on October 1, 2004, soliciting comments on the 
possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Kale.
    In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment 
from an industry group, NAPAR. The comment was in favor of the proposed 
revision.
    The proposed revision will allow percentages to be determined by 
count rather than weight. AMS is also proposing to revise the 
application of tolerances for packages which contain less than 15 
specimens. This change will allow double the tolerances specified, and 
that at least one defective specimen may be permitted in any sample, as 
long as the average for the entire lot is within the tolerance 
specified for the grade.
    AMS also received a request from NAPAR to allow the standards to be 
used for kale leaves and bunched kale leaves in addition to kale 
plants. Currently the standards only apply to kale plants. This 
proposal will bring the standards for kale in line with current 
marketing practices, thereby, improving the usefulness of the standards 
in serving the industry.
    The official grade of a lot of kale covered by these standards is 
determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing 
Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, 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 changes to the standard.

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

    Dated: March 7, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-4813 Filed 3-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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