United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli, 10001-10002 [E6-2769]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 39 / Tuesday, February 28, 2006 / Notices Service Administration (FSA) and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for establishing an agreed repayment plan in the promissory note using form CCC–279, Promissory Note. Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information on the debtor’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses when a debtor requests to enter into an installment agreement to settle their debt. Based on that information a determination can be made on whether the debtor can pay the debt in one lump sum or an installment is necessary. Without this financial information FSA/ CCC would have no method of allowing debtor’s to pay their debts in installments while still ensuring that the government’s financial interests are protected. Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Farms; Federal Government. Number of Respondents: 100. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 200. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6–2748 Filed 2–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–05–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES February 23, 2006. 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, Public Law 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 Feb 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. National Agriculture Statistics Service Title: NIOSH Farm Hazard, Injury, and Illness Survey. OMB Control Number: 0535–0235. Summary of Collection: Primary function of the National Agricultural Statistics Services (NASS) is to prepare and issue state and national estimates of crop and livestock production under the authority of 7 U.S.C 2204(a). NASS has been asked by the National Institute of Occupational Safety Health (NIOSH) to conduct a national farm hazard, injury, and illness survey. The survey is designed to provide estimates of the frequency of injury and illness hazards on farms; the number of farm operators, workers, and farm youth potentially exposed to these hazards; the association between hazards and the type of farming operation; and the annual occupational nonfatal injury and illness incidence rates for farm operators. Need and Use of the Information: Data from this survey will provide source of consistent information that NIOSH can use to target funds appropriated by Congress for the prevention of childhood agricultural injuries and adult occupational injuries. In particular, it will provide information on which farm hazards and health outcomes most need to be addressed. No source of data on childhood injuries or adult occupational farm injuries exists that covers all aspects of the agricultural production sector. Description of Respondents: Farms. Number of Respondents: 25,500. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other: One-time. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10001 Total Burden Hours: 8,496. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6–2747 Filed 2–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–20–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–05–303] United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting comments on its proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli. At a 2003 meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh fruit and vegetable standards for usefulness in serving the industry. The current U.S. grade standards do not have provisions for grading broccoli crowns and florets. The proposed revisions will allow crowns and florets to be certified to a United States grade. DATES: Comments must be received by May 1, 2006. 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 Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli is available either at the above address or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri Emery, at the above address or call (202) 720–2185; E-mail Cheri.Emery@usda.gov. Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627), as SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 10002 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 39 / Tuesday, February 28, 2006 / Notices wwhite on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES 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.’’ The Agricultural Marketing Service (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 United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli using the procedures that appear in part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These standards were last revised in 1943. Background On April 21, 2005, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (70 FR 20730) soliciting comments for the possible revision of the United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli. In response to this notice, AMS received three comments on the proposed revision. One from an agricultural trade association, one from a representative of an exporter of broccoli from Mexico, and one from a state agriculture representative. The comments are available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ fpbdocketlist.htm. The agricultural trade association supported including broccoli crowns and had an interest in ‘‘revisiting the diameter as well as the length under U.S. Fancy and No. 1’’ (for bunched broccoli). AMS has included crowns and florets in the proposed standard. However, the commenter provided no specific suggestions for diameters and lengths for the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades of broccoli. Further, AMS believes that the current diameters and lengths for U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 reflect current marketing practices. Therefore, AMS has not proposed a change to the existing requirements in these grades. The representative for the exporter of broccoli from Mexico noted the various styles of broccoli they market. AMS has taken into consideration the lengths and diameters provided for bunched and has included similar lengths and diameters VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:06 Feb 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 into the standards for crowns and florets. The state agricultural representative commented that the U.S. Fancy grade should be eliminated. The continued use of the U.S. Fancy grade for broccoli and other commodities, reflects commodity marketing practices. Therefore, AMS does not believe such a change is warranted. The commenter also stated there should be a separate ‘‘U.S. No. 1 Bunched,’’ ‘‘U.S. No. 1 Crowns,’’ and ‘‘U.S. No. 1 Florets’’ grade and inclusion of a similar U.S. No. 2 grade. AMS believes that separate grades would be redundant and are not necessary and will instead have the existing U.S. grades and other sections revised so the standards specifically cover the broccoli styles of bunched, crowns, and florets. The commenter also proposed for crowns a three inch minimum diameter with no maximum size along with a stem length of maximum two inches. The commenter stated the size for florets as three inches maximum diameter and stem length of one inch. AMS disagrees with the commenter’s proposed sizes since they are not consistent with those sizes marketed today. It was further suggested the diameter and stem length should have the option of meeting ‘‘unless otherwise specified.’’ However, AMS believes that the commenter’s suggestion to add an ‘‘unless otherwise specified’’ option for length of the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades for the styles of ‘‘Bunched,’’ ‘‘Crowns,’’ and ‘‘Florets’’ has merit and this change is proposed. The state agricultural representative also recommended eliminating the reference to ‘‘shoot’’ and adding language for the defect under the ‘‘Damage’’ definition for overmaturity and discoloration of bud clusters. AMS disagrees and will keep the reference to ‘‘shoot’’ because it is used in the reporting of size for bunched broccoli. AMS also believes that the current definition for ‘‘Damage’’ is sufficient for determining the extent of overmaturity and discoloration of bud clusters. AMS is proposing to revise the title of the standards to United States Standards for Grades of Italian Sprouting Broccoli. AMS is also proposing to revise the size specification section to allow percentages to be determined ‘‘by weight’’ as well as ‘‘by count’’ when fairly uniform, in order to increase the efficiency of inspections. AMS is proposing to add a definition for fairly uniform since it is referenced in the standard but not defined. Additionally, AMS is proposing to add definitions for the terms florets and crowns and revising the definition for diameter to: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ‘‘Diameter’’ means the measurement across the bud cluster. With the inclusion of crowns and florets in the standards, AMS is also proposing to add same type to the requirements for the grades and define same type as: Lots shall consist of broccoli with similar type characteristics, i.e., bunched can not be mixed with florets. AMS will eliminate the unclassified category. This section is not a grade and only serves to show than no grade has been applied to the lot. This section will be removed from all fresh fruit and vegetable standards. It is no longer considered necessary. The official grades of broccoli covered by these standards are determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (51.1 to 51.61). 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: February 23, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–2769 Filed 2–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket No: FV–06–331] United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking. 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 petition to change the United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins. AMS received a petition from the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) requesting that USDA revise the current grade standards to add to and also modify the wording for ‘‘TYPE I— Seedless Raisins. The petitioner believes that revising the standards will provide for common language presently used by the industry. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10001-10002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2769]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-303]


United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting 
Broccoli

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting 
comments on its proposal to revise the United States Standards for 
Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli. At a 2003 meeting of the 
Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to 
review all the fresh fruit and vegetable standards for usefulness in 
serving the industry. The current U.S. grade standards do not have 
provisions for grading broccoli crowns and florets. The proposed 
revisions will allow crowns and florets to be certified to a United 
States grade.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 1, 2006.

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 Bunched 
Italian Sprouting Broccoli is available either at the above address or 
by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri Emery, at the above address or 
call (202) 720-2185; E-mail Cheri.Emery@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as

[[Page 10002]]

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.'' The 
Agricultural Marketing Service (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 United States Standards for Grades 
of Bunched Italian Sprouting Broccoli using the procedures that appear 
in part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). 
These standards were last revised in 1943.

Background

    On April 21, 2005, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register 
(70 FR 20730) soliciting comments for the possible revision of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Bunched Italian Sprouting 
Broccoli. In response to this notice, AMS received three comments on 
the proposed revision. One from an agricultural trade association, one 
from a representative of an exporter of broccoli from Mexico, and one 
from a state agriculture representative. The comments are available by 
accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm.
    The agricultural trade association supported including broccoli 
crowns and had an interest in ``revisiting the diameter as well as the 
length under U.S. Fancy and No. 1'' (for bunched broccoli). AMS has 
included crowns and florets in the proposed standard. However, the 
commenter provided no specific suggestions for diameters and lengths 
for the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades of broccoli. Further, AMS 
believes that the current diameters and lengths for U.S. Fancy and U.S. 
No. 1 reflect current marketing practices. Therefore, AMS has not 
proposed a change to the existing requirements in these grades.
    The representative for the exporter of broccoli from Mexico noted 
the various styles of broccoli they market. AMS has taken into 
consideration the lengths and diameters provided for bunched and has 
included similar lengths and diameters into the standards for crowns 
and florets.
    The state agricultural representative commented that the U.S. Fancy 
grade should be eliminated. The continued use of the U.S. Fancy grade 
for broccoli and other commodities, reflects commodity marketing 
practices. Therefore, AMS does not believe such a change is warranted. 
The commenter also stated there should be a separate ``U.S. No. 1 
Bunched,'' ``U.S. No. 1 Crowns,'' and ``U.S. No. 1 Florets'' grade and 
inclusion of a similar U.S. No. 2 grade. AMS believes that separate 
grades would be redundant and are not necessary and will instead have 
the existing U.S. grades and other sections revised so the standards 
specifically cover the broccoli styles of bunched, crowns, and florets. 
The commenter also proposed for crowns a three inch minimum diameter 
with no maximum size along with a stem length of maximum two inches. 
The commenter stated the size for florets as three inches maximum 
diameter and stem length of one inch. AMS disagrees with the 
commenter's proposed sizes since they are not consistent with those 
sizes marketed today. It was further suggested the diameter and stem 
length should have the option of meeting ``unless otherwise 
specified.'' However, AMS believes that the commenter's suggestion to 
add an ``unless otherwise specified'' option for length of the U.S. 
Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades for the styles of ``Bunched,'' ``Crowns,'' 
and ``Florets'' has merit and this change is proposed.
    The state agricultural representative also recommended eliminating 
the reference to ``shoot'' and adding language for the defect under the 
``Damage'' definition for overmaturity and discoloration of bud 
clusters. AMS disagrees and will keep the reference to ``shoot'' 
because it is used in the reporting of size for bunched broccoli. AMS 
also believes that the current definition for ``Damage'' is sufficient 
for determining the extent of overmaturity and discoloration of bud 
clusters.
    AMS is proposing to revise the title of the standards to United 
States Standards for Grades of Italian Sprouting Broccoli. AMS is also 
proposing to revise the size specification section to allow percentages 
to be determined ``by weight'' as well as ``by count'' when fairly 
uniform, in order to increase the efficiency of inspections. AMS is 
proposing to add a definition for fairly uniform since it is referenced 
in the standard but not defined. Additionally, AMS is proposing to add 
definitions for the terms florets and crowns and revising the 
definition for diameter to: ``Diameter'' means the measurement across 
the bud cluster. With the inclusion of crowns and florets in the 
standards, AMS is also proposing to add same type to the requirements 
for the grades and define same type as: Lots shall consist of broccoli 
with similar type characteristics, i.e., bunched can not be mixed with 
florets.
    AMS will eliminate the unclassified category. This section is not a 
grade and only serves to show than no grade has been applied to the 
lot. This section will be removed from all fresh fruit and vegetable 
standards. It is no longer considered necessary.
    The official grades of broccoli covered by these standards are 
determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing 
Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables 
and Other Products (51.1 to 51.61).
    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: February 23, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-2769 Filed 2-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

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