[Federal Register: April 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 78)]
[Notices]
[Page 21812]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22ap04-37]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket Number FV-04-306]
United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons
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 an official grade
standard, is soliciting comments on a petition to revise the United
States Standards for Grades of Watermelons. AMS has received a petition
from the National Watermelon Association (NWA) requesting a definition
for seedless watermelons be added to the standard. Additionally, the
petition included a request to add a variance to the size requirements.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 21, 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 or you may also send your comments by the
electronic process available at Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.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.
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
AMS received a petition from the NWA requesting a revision to the
United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons. These standards were
last revised in 1978. The petitioner is requesting that USDA add the
following definition: ``Seedless Watermelons'' are watermelons which
have 16 or less mature seeds, not to include pips/caplets, on the face
of the melon which has been cut into four equal sections (one
lengthwise cut and one crosswise cut). Additionally, the petitioner is
requesting the size requirements be revised. Currently the size
requirements states, ``When the size of the watermelon is stated in
terms of average weight, unless otherwise specified, the melons in any
lot averaging less than 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) shall not vary more than
3 pounds (1.4 kgs.) below the stated average, and the melons in any lot
averaging 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) or more shall not vary more than 5
pounds (2.3 kgs.) below the stated average.'' The petitioner is
requesting the size requirement be revised to allow for watermelons to
vary 3 pounds above or below the average. Therefore, the size
requirement would state, ``When the size of the watermelons is stated
in terms of average weight, unless otherwise specified, the melons in
any lot averaging less than 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) shall not vary more
than 3 pounds (1.4 kgs.) above or below the stated average, and the
melons in any lot averaging 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) or more shall not
vary more than 5 pounds (2.3 kgs.) below the stated average.''
Agricultural Marketing Service
Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision
to the standard, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted
to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons.
This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested
parties to comment on changes to the standard. Should AMS conclude that
there is an interest in the proposal, the Agency will develop a
proposed revised standard that 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: April 19, 2004.
A. J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-9159 Filed 4-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P