[Federal Register: March 11, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 47)]
[Notices]
[Page 12175]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11mr05-36]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket Number FV-05-302]
United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans
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 possible revisions to the
United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans. 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 standard may need to be modified to allow percentages to be
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 May 10, 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 Snap Beans is
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: 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 Snap Beans using procedures that appear in Part 36 Title
7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). These standards
were last revised in 1990.
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 Snap Beans for a
possible revision. As a result, AMS has identified that the standard
may need to be modified to allow 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: March 7, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-4816 Filed 3-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P