United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries, 35615 [05-12155]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 35615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12155]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 21, 2005 / 
Notices

[[Page 35615]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-309]


United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking 
research and other work associated with revising official grade 
standards, is soliciting comments on the need for possible revisions of 
the United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries. 
At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory 
Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade 
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result AMS has 
identified the color requirement for possible revision. Additionally, 
AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be 
necessary to better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 22, 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 Dewberries 
and Blackberries are available either at the above address 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 Dewberries and Blackberries using procedures that appear 
in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). 
These standards were published on February 13, 1928.

Background

    At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory 
Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade 
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified 
the United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries 
for possible revision. One area being reviewed is the color 
requirement. This requirement currently states, ``The whole surface of 
the berry shall be a blue or black color.'' AMS is considering changing 
the color requirement to allow for a lesser amount of color and/or 
requirement currently states, ``The whole surface of the berry shall be 
a blue or black color.'' AMS is considering changing the color 
requirement to allow for a lesser amount of color and/or varying shades 
of color. However, prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the 
proposed revision to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the 
proposed revision and any other comments on the United States Standards 
for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries to better serve the industry 
and the probable impact of any revisions on distributors, processors, 
and growers.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on whether any changes are necessary to the 
standards. Should AMS conclude that there is a need for any 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: June 15, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12155 Filed 6-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P