Department of Agriculture October 6, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are amending the bovine tuberculosis regulations to designate the Upper Peninsula of the State of Michigan as an accredited-free zone. We have determined that Michigan meets the requirements for zone recognition and that the Upper Peninsula meets the criteria for designation as an accredited-free zone. This action relieves restrictions on the interstate movement of cattle and bison from the Upper Peninsula.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting comments on its proposal to revise 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 the current U.S. Grade standards do not have provisions for grading purple or white asparagus. The proposed revision will allow purple or white asparagus to be certified to a U.S. grade.