[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2014-2015]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-223]


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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.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes. AMS received a 
request from an industry group representing muscadine grape growers to 
develop a standard that 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: Effective Date: February 13, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri 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 
Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes will be available either through 
the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch 
Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.

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. AMS 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 establishing the 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

    AMS received a request from an industry group representing 
muscadine grape growers to develop a standard that will provide a 
common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the 
marketing of muscadine grapes. Based on information gathered and 
comments rendered by the industry, AMS 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.
    On August 8, 2005, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register 
(69 FR 58879) soliciting comments on the proposed United States 
Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes.
    In response to our request for comments, AMS received one comment 
from an industry group representing growers that was in favor of the 
proposed standard, and requested the standard be published with no 
further changes.
    Based on the comment received and information gathered, AMS 
believes that the standard, as proposed, is beneficial to the industry 
and provides a common language for trade.
    The official grade of a lot of muscadine grapes covered by these 
standards is 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).
    The United States Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis 
Rotundifolia) Grapes will become

[[Page 2015]]

effective 30 days after the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register.

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

    Dated: January 6, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-223 Filed 1-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P