[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 78 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 21812]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9159]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-306]


United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons

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 petition to revise the United 
States Standards for Grades of Watermelons. AMS has received a petition 
from the National Watermelon Association (NWA) requesting a definition 
for seedless watermelons be added to the standard. Additionally, the 
petition included a request to add a variance to the size requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 21, 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] or you may also send your comments by the 
electronic process available at Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    AMS received a petition from the NWA requesting a revision to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons. These standards were 
last revised in 1978. The petitioner is requesting that USDA add the 
following definition: ``Seedless Watermelons'' are watermelons which 
have 16 or less mature seeds, not to include pips/caplets, on the face 
of the melon which has been cut into four equal sections (one 
lengthwise cut and one crosswise cut). Additionally, the petitioner is 
requesting the size requirements be revised. Currently the size 
requirements states, ``When the size of the watermelon is stated in 
terms of average weight, unless otherwise specified, the melons in any 
lot averaging less than 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) shall not vary more than 
3 pounds (1.4 kgs.) below the stated average, and the melons in any lot 
averaging 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) or more shall not vary more than 5 
pounds (2.3 kgs.) below the stated average.'' The petitioner is 
requesting the size requirement be revised to allow for watermelons to 
vary 3 pounds above or below the average. Therefore, the size 
requirement would state, ``When the size of the watermelons is stated 
in terms of average weight, unless otherwise specified, the melons in 
any lot averaging less than 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) shall not vary more 
than 3 pounds (1.4 kgs.) above or below the stated average, and the 
melons in any lot averaging 30 pounds (13.6 kgs.) or more shall not 
vary more than 5 pounds (2.3 kgs.) below the stated average.''

Agricultural Marketing Service

    Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision 
to the standard, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted 
to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Watermelons.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standard. Should AMS conclude that 
there is an interest in the proposal, the Agency will develop a 
proposed revised standard that 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: April 19, 2004.
A. J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 04-9159 Filed 4-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P