[Federal Register: January 12, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 8)]
[Notices]
[Page 2014-2015]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12ja06-30]
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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.
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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a voluntary United States Standards
for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes. AMS received a
request from an industry group representing muscadine grape growers to
develop a standard that 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: Effective Date: February 13, 2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri Emery, Standardization Section,
Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, STOP 0240, Washington, DC 20250-
0240, Fax (202) 720-8871 or call (202) 720-2185; E-mail
Cheri.Emery@usda.gov. The United States Standards for Grades of
Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes will be available either through
the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch
Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.
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 establishing the 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
AMS received a request from an industry group representing
muscadine grape growers to develop a standard that will provide a
common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the
marketing of muscadine grapes. Based on information gathered and
comments rendered by the industry, AMS 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.
On August 8, 2005, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register
(69 FR 58879) soliciting comments on the proposed United States
Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes.
In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment
from an industry group representing growers that was in favor of the
proposed standard, and requested the standard be published with no
further changes.
Based on the comment received and information gathered, AMS
believes that the standard, as proposed, is beneficial to the industry
and provides a common language for trade.
The official grade of a lot of muscadine grapes covered by these
standards is 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).
The United States Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis
Rotundifolia) Grapes will become
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effective 30 days after the publication of this notice in the Federal
Register.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Dated: January 6, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-223 Filed 1-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P