[Federal Register: January 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 15)]
[Notices]
[Page 3818-3819]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24ja06-34]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
[Docket Number FV-06-304]
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or
Vinifera Type)
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of
Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting comments on a proposal to revise the
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or
Vinifera Type). AMS has received petitions from the California Grape
and Tree Fruit League and Western Growers Association, requesting that
the current standards be modified by adding a 10 percent allowance for
shattered berries in consumer containers for en route or at
destination.
DATES: Comments must be received by March 27, 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
[[Page 3819]]
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 Table Grapes
(European or Vinifera Type) are 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.
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 and makes copies of official standards
available upon request.
Background
AMS received petitions from the California Grape and Tree Fruit
League and Western Growers Association, requesting a revision to the
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or
Vinifera Type). These standards were last revised in 1999. The
petitioners represent more than 85 percent of the European or Vinifera
type table grape production in the United States.
The petitioners are requesting that AMS revise the standards to
provide a 10 percent allowance for shattered berries in consumer
containers for en route or at destination. Shattered means that the
berry is detached from the bunch. The standards currently provide a 12
percent total tolerance for bunches and berries failing to meet the
requirements of grade for en route or at destination. Revising the
standards to include a separate 10 percent allowance would mean that
shattered berries would not be scored as a defect against the 12
percent total tolerance until the amount of shattered berries exceeds
the 10 percent allowance. For example: (1) A lot of berries which has
22 percent shattered berries 12 percent would be reported as a defect,
this lot would meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 1 Table grade
provided no other defects were present; (2) a lot of berries which has
23 percent shattered berries 13 percent would be reported as a defect
which would cause the lot to fail meet the requirements of the U.S. No.
Table 1 grade by 1 percent. The petitioners stated that they feel
change, specific to consumer containers, is warranted as the majority
of table grapes are now being sold in consumer containers which allows
shattered berries to be fully utilized/sold. This does not hold true
for shattered berries in bulk containers, as these berries remain loose
in the container, therefore, limiting the ability to fully utilize/sell
the shattered berries.
Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision
to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted
to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes
(European or Vinifera Type).
This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested
parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude
that revisions are needed, the Agency will develop a proposed revised
standard that will be published in the Federal Register with a request
for comments.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Dated: January 18, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-783 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P