[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 193 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 58371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20095]



[[Page 58371]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-05-309]


United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a notice 
soliciting comments on a proposal to revise the color requirements in 
the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and 
Blackberries. The Agency has decided not to proceed further with this 
action due to the comments and concerns received from the industry.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 6, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, Standardization 
Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, STOP 0240, 
Washington, DC 20250-0240, Fax (202) 720-8871 or call (202) 720-2185; 
E-mail [email protected]. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Dewberries and Blackberries are 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.

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 had 
identified the United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and 
Blackberries for a possible revision. The United States Standards for 
Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries were last amended on February 13, 
1928.
    On June 21, 2005, a notice seeking comments on the possible 
revision of the standards to allow for a lesser amount of color or 
varying shades of color was published in the Federal Register (70 FR 
21392) with the comment period ending August 22, 2005.
    Two comments were received from the industry during the official 
period for comment. Both comments received did not support the revision 
of the standards based on color being a factor of the ripening process, 
and the effect that it has on the marketing of dewberries and 
blackberries.
    After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Agency 
has decided not to proceed further with this action.

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

    Dated: October 3, 2005.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20095 Filed 10-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P