[Federal Register: August 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 151)]
[Notices]
[Page 44607-44608]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07au06-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket Number FV-06-315]
United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash
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 of the
United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. At a 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 United States
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash for possible revision.
AMS is considering proposed revisions to the U.S. standards that
would incorporate grades that describe the quality and size of summer
squash currently being marketed. Additionally, definitions would be
included for defects not currently in the standards, and the
``Unclassified'' category would be eliminated from the standards. AMS
is seeking comments regarding these changes and any other revisions to
the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the
industry.
DATES: Comments must be received by October 6, 2006.
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 Summer Squash
are available either at the above address or by accessing the AMS,
Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, at the above address
or call (202) 720-2185; e-mail Cheri.Emery@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. AMS 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 revisions to the voluntary United States
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash using procedures that appear in
Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).
These standards were last revised on January 6, 1984.
Background
At a 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 Summer Squash for possible
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed
revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed
revisions, and any other comments on the United States Standards for
Grades of Summer Squash to better serve the industry.
AMS is considering revising the U.S. standards to include a U.S.
Fancy grade that would describe the level of quality and size of the
summer squash currently being marketed by the industry. AMS is also
proposing to add specific definitions for defects that are not defined
in the standards, which are currently scored and described using the
general definitions for ``damage'' and ``serious damage'' depending on
whether the defect ``materially'' or ``seriously detracts from the
appearance, or edible or marketing quality of the squash.'' Definitions
for scars, cuts, cracks, dirt, mechanical damage, bruising, scuffing,
surface discoloration, pitting, shriveling and mold would be included.
Additionally, AMS also would eliminate the ``Unclassified'' category.
This section is being removed in all standards when they are revised.
This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has
been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary.
Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other provisions to
the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the
industry.
This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested
parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. Should AMS conclude that
revisions are needed, it will develop a proposed revised standard that
will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments
in accordance with 7 CFR 36.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
[[Page 44608]]
Dated: August 1, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-12758 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P