[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45642-45643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15555]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-311]


United States Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis 
rotundifolia) Grapes

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting 
comments on its proposal to create a voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes. AMS has received a 
request from an industry group representing muscadine grape growers to 
develop a standard for Muscadine Grapes. This proposal will provide a 
common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the 
marketing of muscadine grapes, thus promoting orderly and efficient 
marketing of muscadine grapes.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 7, 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 45643]]

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 proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis 
rotundifolia) Grapes are available either from the above address or the 
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Fresh Products Branch Web site 
at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.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 establish voluntary United States Standards for 
Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes using procedures that 
appear in part 36, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR 
part 36).

Background

    The petitioner, an industry group representing growers, requested 
that AMS develop a grade standard for muscadine grapes. AMS attended 
various industry meetings, visited several grower facilities, and 
worked with University Extension Specialists to collect information 
regarding muscadine grapes for the development of grade standards. In 
January 2004, a discussion draft for the proposed standard was sent out 
to the muscadine grape industry for input. Based on information 
gathered and comments rendered by the industry, AMS has developed a 
proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) 
Grapes. The proposal would establish the following grades as well as a 
tolerance for each grade: U.S. Extra No. 1 and U.S. No. 1. In addition, 
proposed ``Application of Tolerances'' and ``Size Classifications'' 
sections would be established. This proposal also defines ``Damage,'' 
``Serious Damage,'' specific basic requirements and other defects. AMS 
is soliciting comments on the proposed standard to better serve the 
industry and the probable impact on growers, processors, and 
distributors.
    This proposal will provide a common language for trade and a means 
of measuring value in the marketing of muscadine grapes. The official 
grade of a lot of muscadine grapes covered by these standards will be 
determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing 
Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, 
and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61).
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of 
Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Dated: August 2, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-15555 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P