[Federal Register: June 21, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 118)]
[Notices]
[Page 35615]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jn05-43]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
[[Page 35615]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket Number FV-05-309]
United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking
research and other work associated with revising official grade
standards, is soliciting comments on the need for possible revisions of
the United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries.
At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory
Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result AMS has
identified the color requirement for possible revision. Additionally,
AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be
necessary to better serve the industry.
DATES: Comments must be received by August 22, 2005.
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 Dewberries
and Blackberries are available either at the above address 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: 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.'' AMS is committed to carrying out
this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of
agricultural commodities 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 voluntary United States Standards
for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries using procedures that appear
in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).
These standards were published on February 13, 1928.
Background
At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory
Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified
the United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries
for possible revision. One area being reviewed is the color
requirement. This requirement currently states, ``The whole surface of
the berry shall be a blue or black color.'' AMS is considering changing
the color requirement to allow for a lesser amount of color and/or
requirement currently states, ``The whole surface of the berry shall be
a blue or black color.'' AMS is considering changing the color
requirement to allow for a lesser amount of color and/or varying shades
of color. However, prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the
proposed revision to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the
proposed revision and any other comments on the United States Standards
for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries to better serve the industry
and the probable impact of any revisions on distributors, processors,
and growers.
This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested
parties to comment on whether any changes are necessary to the
standards. Should AMS conclude that there is a need for any 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: June 15, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12155 Filed 6-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P