[Federal Register: October 1, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 190)]
[Notices]               
[Page 58879]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01oc04-27]                         

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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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[[Page 58879]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-311]

 
United States Standards for Grades of Kale

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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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 to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Kale. At a 2003 meeting with 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 identified that the 
current standard may need to be modified to allow that percentages are 
determined by count and not weight. Additionally, AMS is seeking 
comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better 
serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 30, 2004.

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 Kale are 
available either through the address cited above or by accessing the 
Fresh Products Branch Web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm
.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above 
address or call (202) 720-2185; e-mail David.Priester@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    At a 2003 meeting with 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. AMS has 
identified the United States Standards for Grades of Kale for a 
possible revision. These standards were last revised in 1934. As a 
result, AMS has identified that industry marketing practices indicate 
the need to modify the current standards to allow the percentages to be 
determined by count and not weight. However, prior to undertaking 
detailed work to develop proposed revisions to the standards, AMS is 
soliciting comments on the possible revision to the standards and the 
probable impact on distributors, processors, and growers. Additionally, 
AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be 
necessary to better serve the industry.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude 
that there is a need for the revisions of the standards, the proposed 
revisions will be published in the Federal Register with a request for 
comments in accordance with 7 CFR Part 36.

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

    Dated: September 28, 2004.
A. J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22058 Filed 9-30-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P