Agricultural Marketing Service March 29, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on a possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus. At a 2003 meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has noted that currently there are no provisions to allow purple or white asparagus to be graded using the standards. Therefore, AMS is soliciting comments on the possible revision of the color requirements in the grade standards. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry.