[Federal Register: April 26, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 79)]
[Notices]               
[Page 21391]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26ap05-28]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-305]

 
United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes

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 Globe Artichokes. 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 revised to reflect current marketing 
practices. AMS is seeking comments regarding any revisions that may be 
necessary to better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 27, 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 Globe 
Artichokes is 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 considering whether to revise the voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes using procedures that appear 
in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

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. As a result, 
AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Globe 
Artichokes for possible revision. These standards were last revised in 
1969. As a result, AMS has identified that the standard may need to be 
revised to reflect current marketing trends. However, prior to 
undertaking detailed work to develop proposed revisions to the 
standards, AMS is seeking comments on whether any revisions are 
necessary to better serve the industry and the probable impact of any 
revisions on distribution, 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: April 21, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-8304 Filed 4-25-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P