United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples, 45724-45725 [E7-15951]

Download as PDF ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES 45724 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Notices Service’s (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension and revision of a currently approved information collection used to compile and generate the livestock and meat market reports for the Livestock and Grain Market News Branch of the Livestock and Seed Program. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by October 15, 2007 to be assured of consideration. Additional Information or Comments: Comments may be mailed to Jimmy A. Beard; Assistant to the Chief; Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA; STOP 0252; Room 2619–S; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–0252; Phone (202) 720–8054; Fax (202) 690–3732; emailed to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov, or e-mailed to marketnewscomments@usda.gov. State that your comments refer to Docket No. AMS–LS–07–0102; LS–07–13. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Warren Preston, Chief, Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, by telephone on 202/720–4846, or via e-mail at: warren.preston@usda.gov or Jimmy A. Beard, Assistant to the Chief, Livestock and Grain Market News Branch, AMS, USDA, by telephone on 202/720–8054, or e-mail at: jimmy.beard@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Livestock and Meat Market Reports. OMB Number: 0581–0154. Expiration Date of Approval: 02–29– 2008. Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621, et. seq.) directs and authorizes the collection and dissemination of marketing information including adequate outlook information, on a market area basis, for the purpose of anticipating and meeting consumer requirements aiding in the maintenance of farm income and to bring about a balance between production and utilization. Under this market news program, AMS issues market news reports covering the livestock and meat trade, which encompasses a wide range of industry contacts, including packers, processors, producers, brokers, and retailers. These reports are compiled on a voluntary basis, in cooperation with the livestock and meat industry. The information provided by respondents initiates market news reporting, which VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:00 Aug 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 must be timely, accurate, unbiased, and continuous if it is to be meaningful to the industry. The livestock and meat industry requested that AMS issue livestock and meat market reports in order to assist them in making informed production and marketing decisions. In addition, several Government agencies that purchase meat for various Federal programs use this data in making their purchasing decisions. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at .08 hours per response. Respondents: Business or other forprofit, individuals or households, farms, and the Federal Government. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,710. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 4,386,150. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 126. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 215,020 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 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 Jimmy A. Beard, 1400 Independence Ave., Room 2619–S, Washington, DC 20250–0252. Comments can be submitted to: https:// www.regulations.gov and viewed there as well. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address and on the Internet at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/lsmnpubs. 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 9, 2007. Lloyd Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7–15949 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket # AMS–FV–07–0036; FV–06–318] United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples 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 Pineapples. The proposal would replace Tables I and II in the tolerances section with numerical tolerances and numerical application of tolerances. Decay tolerances would also be revised. The proposed revisions would make the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples more uniform with other existing grade standards and would better serve the industry. DATES: Comments must be received by October 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or 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; or fax (202) 720–8871. 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 Pineapples are available through the Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ standards/stanfrfv.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vincent J. Fusaro, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, (202) 720–2185. 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.’’ The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Notices ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES 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 Pineapples 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 July 5, 1990. Background On September 21, 2006, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (71 FR 55160) soliciting comments for the possible revision of the United States Standards for Pineapples. In response to this notice, AMS received two comments supporting the proposed revision. The comments are available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/ fpbdocketlist.htm as well as https:// www.regulations.gov. One comment was from a pineapple producer and the second comment was from a trade association representing wholesale receivers. The first commenter supported changing the tables in the tolerance section to numerical tolerances. They also suggested revising the ‘‘Definitions’’ and ‘‘Classification of Defects’’ sections of the standard, which they felt would make pineapple inspections more representative of the new hybrid clones. In order to account for new varieties and/or hybrids, AMS continuously updates all of its inspection handbooks, and believes that revising the pineapple inspection handbook to include definitions and classification of certain defects, would allow for new hybrids/varieties to be represented as they are produced and introduced into the marketing chain. Therefore, AMS will review the commentor’s suggestions and address any needed revisions in future handbook updates and not in this action. The second commenter also felt the proposed revision would be beneficial to the industry. The commenter also submitted the following tolerances which they felt would be appropriate for pineapples: Shipping Point: Total Defects 8 percent, Serious Damage 4 percent, Decay 1⁄2 of 1 percent. En Route or At Destination: Total Defects 12 percent, Permanent Defects 8 percent, Serious Damage 6 percent, Decay 2 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:00 Aug 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 percent. After reviewing the commentor’s proposed tolerances, it was determined that the proposed shipping point decay tolerance was too restrictive and taking into account current marketing practices not practicable to achieve required level of quality compared to the current tables in the standards. Therefore, AMS has modified the commentor’s proposed language and tolerances in reference to the shipping point decay tolerance. The following language and tolerances are being proposed: Tolerances: In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances, by count are provided as specified: U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 Shipping Point: 8 percent for fruit which fails to meet the requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: 4 percent for defects causing serious damage, including in the later amount not more than 1 percent for decay. En Route or At Destination: 12 percent for fruit which fails to meet the requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: 8 percent for permanent defects; 6 percent for defects causing serious damage; including therein not more than 4 percent for serious damage by permanent defects and not more than 2 percent decay. U.S. No. 2 Shipping Point: 8 percent for fruit which fails to meet the requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1 percent for decay. En Route or At Destination: 12 percent for fruit which fails to meet the requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: 8 percent for permanent defects; and not more than 2 percent for decay. Application of Tolerances: Individual samples shall have not more than double a specified tolerance except that at least two defective specimens may be permitted in any container: Provided, That no more than one specimen affected by decay be permitted in any container, and provided further, that the averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the grades. AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pineapples. The official grades of pineapples covered by these standards are determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45725 Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (7 CFR 51.1 to 51.61). This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on changes to the standards. AMS is seeking comments regarding how marketing of pineapples will be effected with this revision. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621—1627. Dated: August 9, 2007. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7–15951 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Meeting of the Land Between The Lakes Advisory Board Forest Service, USDA. Notice of Meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Land Between The Lakes Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 6, 2007. Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.2. The meeting agenda includes the following: (1) Welcome/Introductions. (2) Presentation on Environmental Education. (3) Group Discussion on Last Child in the Woods, a book by Richard Louv. (4) Review of the draft Recommendation on Strategic Plan for Environmental Education at Land Between The Lakes. The meeting is open to the public. Written comments are invited and may be mailed to: William P. Lisowsky, Area Supervisor, Land Between The Lakes, 100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, Kentucky 42211. Written comments must be received at Land Between The Lakes by August 30, 2007, in order for copies to be provided to the members at the meeting. Board members will review written comments received, and at their request, oral clarification may be requested at a future meeting. DATES: The meeting will be held on September 6, 2007, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., CDT. The meeting will be held at the Land Between The Lakes Administrative Building, Golden Pond, Kentucky, and will be open to the public. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Byers, Advisory Board Liaison, E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 15, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45724-45725]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15951]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket  AMS-FV-07-0036; FV-06-318]


United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples

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 Pineapples. The proposal would replace Tables I and II in the 
tolerances section with numerical tolerances and numerical application 
of tolerances. Decay tolerances would also be revised. The proposed 
revisions would make the United States Standards for Grades of 
Pineapples more uniform with other existing grade standards and would 
better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 15, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov or 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; or fax (202) 720-8871. 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 Pineapples are available through the Fresh Products Branch 
Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vincent J. Fusaro, Standardization 
Section, Fresh Products Branch, (202) 720-2185.

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.'' The Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS) is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner 
that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities

[[Page 45725]]

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 Pineapples 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 July 5, 1990.

Background

    On September 21, 2006, AMS published a notice in the Federal 
Register (71 FR 55160) soliciting comments for the possible revision of 
the United States Standards for Pineapples. In response to this notice, 
AMS received two comments supporting the proposed revision. The 
comments are available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web 
site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm as well as http:/
/www.regulations.gov.
    One comment was from a pineapple producer and the second comment 
was from a trade association representing wholesale receivers.
    The first commenter supported changing the tables in the tolerance 
section to numerical tolerances. They also suggested revising the 
``Definitions'' and ``Classification of Defects'' sections of the 
standard, which they felt would make pineapple inspections more 
representative of the new hybrid clones. In order to account for new 
varieties and/or hybrids, AMS continuously updates all of its 
inspection handbooks, and believes that revising the pineapple 
inspection handbook to include definitions and classification of 
certain defects, would allow for new hybrids/varieties to be 
represented as they are produced and introduced into the marketing 
chain. Therefore, AMS will review the commentor's suggestions and 
address any needed revisions in future handbook updates and not in this 
action.
    The second commenter also felt the proposed revision would be 
beneficial to the industry. The commenter also submitted the following 
tolerances which they felt would be appropriate for pineapples: 
Shipping Point: Total Defects 8 percent, Serious Damage 4 percent, 
Decay \1/2\ of 1 percent. En Route or At Destination: Total Defects 12 
percent, Permanent Defects 8 percent, Serious Damage 6 percent, Decay 2 
percent. After reviewing the commentor's proposed tolerances, it was 
determined that the proposed shipping point decay tolerance was too 
restrictive and taking into account current marketing practices not 
practicable to achieve required level of quality compared to the 
current tables in the standards. Therefore, AMS has modified the 
commentor's proposed language and tolerances in reference to the 
shipping point decay tolerance. The following language and tolerances 
are being proposed:
    Tolerances: In order to allow for variations incident to proper 
grading and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following 
tolerances, by count are provided as specified: U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 
1 Shipping Point: 8 percent for fruit which fails to meet the 
requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this 
amount not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the 
defects listed: 4 percent for defects causing serious damage, including 
in the later amount not more than 1 percent for decay. En Route or At 
Destination: 12 percent for fruit which fails to meet the requirements 
of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more 
than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: 
8 percent for permanent defects; 6 percent for defects causing serious 
damage; including therein not more than 4 percent for serious damage by 
permanent defects and not more than 2 percent decay. U.S. No. 2 
Shipping Point: 8 percent for fruit which fails to meet the 
requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this 
amount not more than 1 percent for decay. En Route or At Destination: 
12 percent for fruit which fails to meet the requirements of the 
specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 
the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: 8 
percent for permanent defects; and not more than 2 percent for decay. 
Application of Tolerances: Individual samples shall have not more than 
double a specified tolerance except that at least two defective 
specimens may be permitted in any container: Provided, That no more 
than one specimen affected by decay be permitted in any container, and 
provided further, that the averages for the entire lot are within the 
tolerances specified for the grades.
    AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed revision to the U.S. 
Standards for Grades of Pineapples. The official grades of pineapples 
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 (7 CFR 51.1 to 51.61).
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards. AMS is seeking comments 
regarding how marketing of pineapples will be effected with this 
revision.

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

    Dated: August 9, 2007.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E7-15951 Filed 8-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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