[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 47 (Friday, March 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 12175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4816]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-302]


United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking 
research and other work associated with revising official grade 
standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans. At a 2003 meeting 
with 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 identified 
that the standard may need to be modified to allow percentages to be 
determined by count and not weight. Additionally, AMS is seeking 
comments regarding any other revisions that may be necessary to better 
serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 10, 2005.

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. The United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans is 
available either through the address cited above or by accessing the 
Fresh Products Branch Web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.

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

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. 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 proposing to revise the voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Snap Beans using procedures that appear in Part 36 Title 
7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR Part 36). These standards 
were last revised in 1990.

Background

    At a 2003 meeting with 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. AMS has 
identified the United States Standards for Grades of Snap Beans for a 
possible revision. As a result, AMS has identified that the standard 
may need to be modified to allow percentages to be determined by count 
and not weight. However, prior to undertaking detailed work to develop 
proposed revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the 
possible revision to the standards 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 standards. Should AMS conclude 
that there is a need for the revisions of the standards, the proposed 
revisions 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: March 7, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-4816 Filed 3-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P