[Federal Register: August 8, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 151)]
[Notices]
[Page 45642-45643]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08au05-44]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket Number FV-05-311]
United States Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis
rotundifolia) Grapes
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.
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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting
comments on its proposal to create a voluntary United States Standards
for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes. AMS has received a
request from an industry group representing muscadine grape growers to
develop a standard for Muscadine Grapes. This proposal will provide a
common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the
marketing of muscadine grapes, thus promoting orderly and efficient
marketing of muscadine grapes.
DATES: Comments must be received by October 7, 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 45643]]
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 proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis
rotundifolia) Grapes are available either from the above address or the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Fresh Products Branch Web site
at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.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 establish voluntary United States Standards for
Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes using procedures that
appear in part 36, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR
part 36).
Background
The petitioner, an industry group representing growers, requested
that AMS develop a grade standard for muscadine grapes. AMS attended
various industry meetings, visited several grower facilities, and
worked with University Extension Specialists to collect information
regarding muscadine grapes for the development of grade standards. In
January 2004, a discussion draft for the proposed standard was sent out
to the muscadine grape industry for input. Based on information
gathered and comments rendered by the industry, AMS has developed a
proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia)
Grapes. The proposal would establish the following grades as well as a
tolerance for each grade: U.S. Extra No. 1 and U.S. No. 1. In addition,
proposed ``Application of Tolerances'' and ``Size Classifications''
sections would be established. This proposal also defines ``Damage,''
``Serious Damage,'' specific basic requirements and other defects. AMS
is soliciting comments on the proposed standard to better serve the
industry and the probable impact on growers, processors, and
distributors.
This proposal will provide a common language for trade and a means
of measuring value in the marketing of muscadine grapes. The official
grade of a lot of muscadine grapes covered by these standards will be
determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing
Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables,
and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61).
This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested
parties to comment on the proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of
Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Dated: August 2, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-15555 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P