United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes, 25804-25805 [05-9695]

Download as PDF 25804 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 93 / Monday, May 16, 2005 / Notices Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Monthly. Total Burden Hours: 4,713. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 05–9646 Filed 5–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request May 10, 2005. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104–13. Comments regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. 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Summary of Collection: The Department of Agriculture is responsible for preventing plant diseases or insect pests (such as Gypsy Moth) from entering the United States, preventing the spread of pest and Noxious Weeds not widely distributed in the U.S., and eradicating those imported pests when eradication is feasible. The Plant Protection and Quarantine Service (PPQ) of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) engages in detection surveys to monitor the presence of the European gypsy moth and the Asian gypsy moth. The European gypsy moth is one of the most destructive pests of fruit and ornamental trees as well as hardwood forests. The Asian gypsy moth is an exotic strain of gypsy moth that is closely related to the European variety already established in the U.S. This strain is considered to pose an even greater threat to trees and forested areas. In order to determine the presence and extent of a European gypsy moth or an Asian gypsy moth infestation, APHIS sets traps in high-risk areas to collect specimens. Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information from the Gypsy Moth Identification Worksheet, PPQ Form 305, to identify and track specific specimens that are sent for test based on DNA analysis. This information collected is vital to APHIS’’ ability to monitor, detect, and eradicate gypsy moth infestations and the worksheet is completed only when traps are found to contain specimens. Information on the worksheet includes the name of the submitter, the submitter’s agency, the date collected, the trap number, and the trap’s location (including the nearest port of entry), the number of specimens in the trap, and the date the specimen was sent to the laboratory. Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; Federal Government. Number of Respondents: 120. Frequency of Responses: Reporting; On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 41. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 05–9647 Filed 5–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [No. FV–05–329] United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes. AMS received two petitions from food processors asking USDA to consider revising the current definition for the style of ‘‘Whole’’ in the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes. The change was requested to reflect newer varieties, new sorting techniques, and canning processes. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 15, 2005. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this notice. Comments must be sent to Chere L. Shorter, Standardization Section, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 0709, South Building; STOP 0247, Washington, DC 20250; fax (202) 690– 1527, e-mail Chere.Shorter@usda.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes is available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS Web site on the Internet at https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ ppb.html. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, 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. Those United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables 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 U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 93 / Monday, May 16, 2005 / Notices Sweetpotatoes using the procedures that appear in part 36 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background AMS received two petitions from food processors through the Food Products Association (FPA), formerly the National Food Processors Association, requesting revision of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes. The petitioners requested the USDA to revise the definition of the style of ‘‘Whole’’ to reflect newer varieties, new sorting techniques, and canning processes. The ‘‘Beauregard’’ variety, a new variety widely used in canned sweetpotatoes is oddly shaped and must be cut and trimmed to give the appearance of a whole sweet potato. This variety may or may not be tapered on one end and because of mechanical trimming may not meet the definition of whole. The current definition for the style of ‘‘Whole’’ states that, ‘‘Whole means the canned sweetpotatoes have the appearance of being essentially whole or almost whole in that the units retain the approximate shape of whole sweetpotatoes.’’ The petitioners wanted to revise the definition for canned whole sweetpotatoes to allow for those that are cylindrical in shape, two inches plus or minus 0.5 inches in length, by 1.5 inches plus or minus 0.25 inches in diameter for 404 x 307 and 603 x 700 can sizes and 1.0 inch plus or minus 0.25 inches in diameter for smaller can sizes. Prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising the grade standards, AMS sought public comments on the petition. A notice requesting comments on the petition to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes was published in March 12, 2003, Federal Register (68 FR 11802). In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment from one of the processors that had requested the revision. The commenter did not favor the proposed revision of the standard, noting that the use of length and diameter requirement to describe a whole sweetpotato would be a severe disadvantage to canners. The commenter further suggested that the term ‘‘Almost Whole’’ be removed from the standard. AMS determined that the term ‘‘Whole’’ implies that the sweetpotatoes have not been cut into smaller pieces. An ‘‘Almost whole’’ sweetpotato unit should resemble a whole unit with one or both ends trimmed to remove fibrous ends. Larger sized sweetpotatoes would VerDate jul<14>2003 16:37 May 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 require excessive trimming to meet the suggested size requirements as stated in the petition. AMS decided that the best approach to revising the grade standards was to leave the style description for ‘‘Whole’’ unchanged without specific reference to length and size. AMS further decided to remove the style of ‘‘Sections,’’ which is not commercially packed, reducing the confusion between ‘‘Sections’’ and ‘‘Pieces, cuts, or cut’’ styles. The style ‘‘Other’’ was added to account for styles not specifically mentioned in the grade standard. These changes were suggested in order to more clearly delineate the difference between ‘‘whole’’ and ‘‘pieces, cuts, or cut’’ styles, thereby promoting uniformity in grading canned sweetpotatoes. A discussion draft that included these changes was sent to FPA, in March 2004. In December 2004, the members of FPA agreed with the proposed changes to the grade standard. Therefore, AMS is proposing a change to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes that will accommodate the needs of the industry and promote uniformity in grading. A copy of the proposed grade standards is posted on the AMS Web site located at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ppb.html and is available at the address above. This proposal will provide a common language for trade, a means of measuring value in the marketing of canned sweetpotatoes, and provide guidance in the effective utilization of canned sweetpotatoes. The official grade of a lot of canned sweetpotatoes covered by these standards will be determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food Products (7 CFR 52.1–52.83). This notice provides for a 60 day comment period for interested parties to comment on changes to the standards. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: May 11, 2005. Kenneth C. Clayton, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 05–9695 Filed 5–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P PO 00000 25805 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Whistle Stop Project on the Chugach National Forest, Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposed action to develop a series of remote interconnected backcountry train on-off load platforms along approximately 25 miles of existing Alaska Railroad track. The proposed action calls for six backcountry train on-off load platforms, construction of approximately 44 miles of new backcountry dispersed trail, and development of approximately six backcountry public use cabins and 34 dispersed, hardened backcountry sites for remote camping. The majority of all components of this project would occur on Chugach National Forest land in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by June 15, 2005. The Draft EIS is expected to be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for public review during the winter of 2005/2006. At that time, EPA will publish a Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS in the Federal Register. The comment period on the Draft EIS will be 45 days from the date the EPA publishes the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The Final EIS is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2006. ADDRESSES: Address all comments concerning this notice to the Chugach National Forest, ATTN: Whistle Stop Project, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK 99587. E-mail comments may be sent to: comments-chugachwhistle_stop@fs.fed.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam McClory, Glacier Ranger District, Chugach National Forest, (907) 754– 2352. The information presented in this notice is included to help the reviewer determine if they are interested in or potentially affected by the proposed action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action The Forest Service seeks to meet the growing demand for dispersed recreation opportunities and growing Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16MYN1.SGM 16MYN1

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[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 93 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25804-25805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9695]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[No. FV-05-329]


United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to 
the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes. AMS 
received two petitions from food processors asking USDA to consider 
revising the current definition for the style of ``Whole'' in the 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes. The change 
was requested to reflect newer varieties, new sorting techniques, and 
canning processes.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments 
concerning this notice. Comments must be sent to Chere L. Shorter, 
Standardization Section, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 0709, South Building; 
STOP 0247, Washington, DC 20250; fax (202) 690-1527, e-mail 
Chere.Shorter@usda.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Canned Sweetpotatoes is available either through the address cited 
above or by accessing the AMS Web site on the Internet at https://
www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ppb.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946, 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. Those 
United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables 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 U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned

[[Page 25805]]

Sweetpotatoes using the procedures that appear in part 36 of title 7 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

Background

    AMS received two petitions from food processors through the Food 
Products Association (FPA), formerly the National Food Processors 
Association, requesting revision of the United States Standards for 
Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes. The petitioners requested the USDA to 
revise the definition of the style of ``Whole'' to reflect newer 
varieties, new sorting techniques, and canning processes. The 
``Beauregard'' variety, a new variety widely used in canned 
sweetpotatoes is oddly shaped and must be cut and trimmed to give the 
appearance of a whole sweet potato. This variety may or may not be 
tapered on one end and because of mechanical trimming may not meet the 
definition of whole.
    The current definition for the style of ``Whole'' states that, 
``Whole means the canned sweetpotatoes have the appearance of being 
essentially whole or almost whole in that the units retain the 
approximate shape of whole sweetpotatoes.''
    The petitioners wanted to revise the definition for canned whole 
sweetpotatoes to allow for those that are cylindrical in shape, two 
inches plus or minus 0.5 inches in length, by 1.5 inches plus or minus 
0.25 inches in diameter for 404 x 307 and 603 x 700 can sizes and 1.0 
inch plus or minus 0.25 inches in diameter for smaller can sizes.
    Prior to undertaking research and other work associated with 
revising the grade standards, AMS sought public comments on the 
petition. A notice requesting comments on the petition to revise the 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes was 
published in March 12, 2003, Federal Register (68 FR 11802).
    In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment 
from one of the processors that had requested the revision. The 
commenter did not favor the proposed revision of the standard, noting 
that the use of length and diameter requirement to describe a whole 
sweetpotato would be a severe disadvantage to canners. The commenter 
further suggested that the term ``Almost Whole'' be removed from the 
standard.
    AMS determined that the term ``Whole'' implies that the 
sweetpotatoes have not been cut into smaller pieces. An ``Almost 
whole'' sweetpotato unit should resemble a whole unit with one or both 
ends trimmed to remove fibrous ends. Larger sized sweetpotatoes would 
require excessive trimming to meet the suggested size requirements as 
stated in the petition. AMS decided that the best approach to revising 
the grade standards was to leave the style description for ``Whole'' 
unchanged without specific reference to length and size. AMS further 
decided to remove the style of ``Sections,'' which is not commercially 
packed, reducing the confusion between ``Sections'' and ``Pieces, cuts, 
or cut'' styles. The style ``Other'' was added to account for styles 
not specifically mentioned in the grade standard. These changes were 
suggested in order to more clearly delineate the difference between 
``whole'' and ``pieces, cuts, or cut'' styles, thereby promoting 
uniformity in grading canned sweetpotatoes.
    A discussion draft that included these changes was sent to FPA, in 
March 2004. In December 2004, the members of FPA agreed with the 
proposed changes to the grade standard. Therefore, AMS is proposing a 
change to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Sweetpotatoes that 
will accommodate the needs of the industry and promote uniformity in 
grading. A copy of the proposed grade standards is posted on the AMS 
Web site located at https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ppb.html and is 
available at the address above.
    This proposal will provide a common language for trade, a means of 
measuring value in the marketing of canned sweetpotatoes, and provide 
guidance in the effective utilization of canned sweetpotatoes. The 
official grade of a lot of canned sweetpotatoes covered by these 
standards will be determined by the procedures set forth in the 
Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits 
and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed 
Food Products (7 CFR 52.1-52.83).
    This notice provides for a 60 day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards.

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

    Dated: May 11, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-9695 Filed 5-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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