[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 83 (Monday, May 2, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22627-22628]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8677]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-308]


United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods

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 official grade standards, is 
soliciting comments on the possible development of the United States 
Standards for Grades of Pea Pods. At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and 
Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to identify 
commodities that may be better served if grade standards are developed. 
The standards would provide industry with a common language and uniform 
basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing 
of pea pods.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 1, 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.

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

[[Page 22628]]

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 that are not requirements of 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 establish voluntary United States Standards for 
Grades of Pea Pods using the procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 
of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

Background

    At a 2003 meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory 
Committee, AMS was asked to identify fresh fruit and vegetables that 
may be better served if grade standards are developed. As a result, AMS 
identified pea pods, or as they are sometimes called snow peas, as a 
commodity possibly in need of official grade standards. Such standards 
are used by the fresh produce industry to describe the product they are 
trading, thus facilitating the marketing of the product. AMS is 
soliciting comments on the possible development of voluntary standards 
for pea pods and the probable impact of such possible standards on 
distributors, processors and growers.
    Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop standards, AMS is 
soliciting comments on the possible development of the United States 
Standards for Grades of Pea Pods.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the possible development of standards. Should AMS 
conclude that there is a need for the standards, the proposed 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: April 26, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-8677 Filed 4-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P