[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 237 (Wednesday, December 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68859-68860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30602]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-301]


United States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes

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 petition to revise the United 
States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes. At a recent meeting 
of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked 
to review all fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness 
in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has noted that the method for 
determining percentages of defects and size classifications for 
greenhouse tomatoes needs to be revised to stay in line with current 
marketing practices. 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)

[[Page 68860]]

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: At a recent meeting of the Fruit and 
Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all 
fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the 
industry. AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of 
Greenhouse Tomatoes for possible revision. These standards were last 
revised in 1966. Since that time, marketing and packaging practices 
have changed. The current standards state that the size of greenhouse 
tomatoes and the percentage of defects shall be determined by weight. 
Currently however, greenhouse tomatoes are packed and marketed in a 
variety of methods, typically based on size or count. Prior to 
undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed revised standards, 
AMS is soliciting comments on the possible revision of the standards 
for grades of greenhouse tomatoes and the probable impact on 
distributors, processors, and growers.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS proceed with 
revising the standards, the proposed revision of the standards 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. 03-30602 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P