[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 237 (Wednesday, December 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 68860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30601]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-302]


United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Potatoes

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 an official grade 
standard, is soliciting comments on a possible revision to the United 
States Standards for Grades of Sweet Potatoes. At a recent meeting of 
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 noted that the size 
requirements for sweet potatoes are complex and may be difficult to 
apply. Therefore, AMS is soliciting comments on the possible revision 
of the size requirements. Additionally, AMS is seeking comments 
regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better serve the 
industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 9, 2004.

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 
[email protected].
    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Priester, at the above 
address or call (202) 720-2185; E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    At a recent meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry 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 Sweet Potatoes for a possible 
revision. These standards were last revised in 1963. As a result, AMS 
identified the size requirements of the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade and the 
U.S. No. 1 grade for possible revision. Currently the U.S. Extra No. 1 
grade requires that the length of a sweet potato be not less than 3 
inches or more than 9 inches, the maximum diameter not to exceed 3\1/4\ 
inches, the maximum weight not to exceed 18 ounces and unless otherwise 
specified, the minimum diameter not be less than 1\3/4\ inches. The 
U.S. No. 1 grade requires the maximum diameter of a sweet potato not to 
exceed 3\1/2\ inches, the maximum weight not to exceed 20 ounces, the 
length be not less than 3 inches or more than 9 inches unless otherwise 
specified, and the minimum diameter not be less than 1\3/4\ inches 
unless otherwise specified. These requirements are complex and may be 
difficult to apply. While these requirements may have reflected sweet 
potatoes sizes marketed in the past, but they need to be updated to 
reflect the marketing of sweet potatoes today. Therefore, AMS believes 
that a change to these requirements is warranted to better serve the 
industry. However, prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a 
proposed revision to the standard, AMS is soliciting comments on the 
possible revision to the standard 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 standard. Should AMS proceed with 
revising the standard, the proposed revision of the standard 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: December 4, 2003.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30601 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P