United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash, 44607-44608 [E6-12758]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 151 / Monday, August 7, 2006 / Notices Estimated Number of Respondents: 40. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.5. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 100 hours. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Richard C. Payne, Chief, Seed Regulatory and Testing Branch, LS, AMS, USDA, 801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054–2193 or E-mail to richard.payne2@usda.gov. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Dated: August 1, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–12752 Filed 8–4–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV–06–315] United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 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 of the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. At a meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:19 Aug 04, 2006 Jkt 208001 in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash for possible revision. AMS is considering proposed revisions to the U.S. standards that would incorporate grades that describe the quality and size of summer squash currently being marketed. Additionally, definitions would be included for defects not currently in the standards, and the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category would be eliminated from the standards. AMS is seeking comments regarding these changes and any other revisions to the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by October 6, 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 Summer Squash are 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 L. 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 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. AMS 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. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44607 AMS is considering revisions to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These standards were last revised on January 6, 1984. Background At a 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 Summer Squash for possible revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed revisions, and any other comments on the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash to better serve the industry. AMS is considering revising the U.S. standards to include a U.S. Fancy grade that would describe the level of quality and size of the summer squash currently being marketed by the industry. AMS is also proposing to add specific definitions for defects that are not defined in the standards, which are currently scored and described using the general definitions for ‘‘damage’’ and ‘‘serious damage’’ depending on whether the defect ‘‘materially’’ or ‘‘seriously detracts from the appearance, or edible or marketing quality of the squash.’’ Definitions for scars, cuts, cracks, dirt, mechanical damage, bruising, scuffing, surface discoloration, pitting, shriveling and mold would be included. Additionally, AMS also would eliminate the ‘‘Unclassified’’ category. This section is being removed in all standards when they are revised. This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other provisions to the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the industry. This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. Should AMS conclude that revisions are needed, it will develop a proposed revised standard that will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR 36. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM 07AUN1 44608 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 151 / Monday, August 7, 2006 / Notices Dated: August 1, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–12758 Filed 8–4–06; 8:45 am] South, Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–0268; Telephone: (202) 720–3252; Fax: (202) 205–7808; E-mail: bob.pooler@usda.gov. BILLING CODE 3410–02–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [No. TM–06–10] Notice of Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost Share Program Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice invites eligible States to submit a Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, and to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for the Allocation of Organic Certification Cost-Share Funds. The AMS has allocated $1.0 million for this organic certification cost-share program in Fiscal Year 2006. Funds will be available under this program to 15 designated States to assist organic crop and livestock producers certified by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certifying agents to the National Organic Program (NOP). Eligible States interested in obtaining cost-share funds for their organic producers will have to submit an Application for Federal Assistance, and will have to enter into a cooperative agreement with AMS for the allocation of such funds. DATES: Completed applications for Federal assistance along with signed cooperative agreements must be received by September 6, 2006, in order to participate in this program. ADDRESSES: Applications for federal assistance and cooperative agreements shall be requested from and submitted to: Robert Pooler, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA/AMS/TMP/NOP, Room 4008–South, Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–0268; Telephone: (202) 720–3252; Fax: (202) 205–7808; E-mail: bob.pooler@usda.gov. Additional information may be found through the National Organic Program’s homepage at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ nop. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Pooler, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA/AMS/TM/NOP, Room 4008– VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:19 Aug 04, 2006 Jkt 208001 This Organic Certification Cost-Share Program is part of the Agricultural Management Assistance Program authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (FCIA), as amended, (7 U.S.C. 1524). Under the applicable FCIA provisions, the Department is authorized to provide cost share assistance to producers in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. This organic certification cost share program provides financial assistance to organic producers certified to the NOP authorized under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) To participate in the program, eligible States must complete a Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, and enter into a written cooperative agreement with AMS. The program will provide cost-share assistance, through participating States, to organic crop and livestock producers receiving certification or update of certification by a USDA accredited certifying agent from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007. The Department has determined that payments will be limited to 75 percent of an individual producer’s certification costs up to a maximum of $500.00. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1524. Dated: August 1, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6–12745 Filed 8–4–06; 8:45 am] Applications are due 5 p.m. EDT, August 22, 2006. SUMMARY: The following paragraph has been added to the beginning of the Summary portion of the May 3, 2006, Federal Register Notice: The Risk Management Agency (RMA) did not receive any complete and valid application packages for the State of Massachusetts under the original Request for Application Notice published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2006, for the Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States Program (Targeted States Program). As a result, RMA is re-announcing its Funding Opportunity—Request for Applications under the Targeted States Program for the State of Massachusetts only. Applicants who previously submitted an application under the May 3, 2006, Targeted States Program for Massachusetts must submit new applications that meet all the requirements of the original Notice published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2006. All other portions and sections of the full text Notice remain unchanged. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact: Lon Burke, USDA–RMA–RME, phone: 202–720– 5265, fax: 202–690–3605, E-mail: RMA.Risk-Ed@rma.usda.gov. You may also obtain information regarding this announcement from the RMA Web site at: https://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/ agreements/. DATES: Dated: July 28, 2006. Eldon Gould, Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. [FR Doc. E6–12749 Filed 8–4–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–08–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Information Collection; Request for Comment; Application for Permit, NonFederal Commercial Use of Roads Restricted by Order Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States (Targeted States Program) AGENCY: Announcement Type: Modification— Competitive Cooperative Agreements This announcement modifies the Request for Application Notice published in the Federal Register, May 3, 2006 (71 FR 26033—26039). The Dates and Summary portions have been modified. CFDA Number: 10.458. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the extension of a currently approved information collection, Application for Permit, NonFederal Commercial Use of Roads Restricted by Order. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM Forest Service, USDA. Notice. 07AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 151 (Monday, August 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44607-44608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12758]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-315]


United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

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 of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. At a 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 United States 
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash for possible revision.
    AMS is considering proposed revisions to the U.S. standards that 
would incorporate grades that describe the quality and size of summer 
squash currently being marketed. Additionally, definitions would be 
included for defects not currently in the standards, and the 
``Unclassified'' category would be eliminated from the standards. AMS 
is seeking comments regarding these changes and any other revisions to 
the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the 
industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 6, 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 Summer Squash 
are 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 L. 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 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. AMS 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 considering revisions to the voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash using procedures that appear in 
Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). 
These standards were last revised on January 6, 1984.

Background

    At a 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 Summer Squash for possible 
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed 
revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed 
revisions, and any other comments on the United States Standards for 
Grades of Summer Squash to better serve the industry.
    AMS is considering revising the U.S. standards to include a U.S. 
Fancy grade that would describe the level of quality and size of the 
summer squash currently being marketed by the industry. AMS is also 
proposing to add specific definitions for defects that are not defined 
in the standards, which are currently scored and described using the 
general definitions for ``damage'' and ``serious damage'' depending on 
whether the defect ``materially'' or ``seriously detracts from the 
appearance, or edible or marketing quality of the squash.'' Definitions 
for scars, cuts, cracks, dirt, mechanical damage, bruising, scuffing, 
surface discoloration, pitting, shriveling and mold would be included. 
Additionally, AMS also would eliminate the ``Unclassified'' category. 
This section is being removed in all standards when they are revised. 
This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has 
been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary. 
Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other provisions to 
the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the 
industry.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States 
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. Should AMS conclude that 
revisions are needed, it will develop a proposed revised standard that 
will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments 
in accordance with 7 CFR 36.

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


[[Page 44608]]


    Dated: August 1, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-12758 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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