[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3818-3819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-783]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-304]


United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or 
Vinifera Type)

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting comments on a proposal to revise the 
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or 
Vinifera Type). AMS has received petitions from the California Grape 
and Tree Fruit League and Western Growers Association, requesting that 
the current standards be modified by adding a 10 percent allowance for 
shattered berries in consumer containers for en route or at 
destination.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 27, 2006.

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

[[Page 3819]]

[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 Table Grapes 
(European or Vinifera Type) are 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, 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.

Background

    AMS received petitions from the California Grape and Tree Fruit 
League and Western Growers Association, requesting a revision to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or 
Vinifera Type). These standards were last revised in 1999. The 
petitioners represent more than 85 percent of the European or Vinifera 
type table grape production in the United States.
    The petitioners are requesting that AMS revise the standards to 
provide a 10 percent allowance for shattered berries in consumer 
containers for en route or at destination. Shattered means that the 
berry is detached from the bunch. The standards currently provide a 12 
percent total tolerance for bunches and berries failing to meet the 
requirements of grade for en route or at destination. Revising the 
standards to include a separate 10 percent allowance would mean that 
shattered berries would not be scored as a defect against the 12 
percent total tolerance until the amount of shattered berries exceeds 
the 10 percent allowance. For example: (1) A lot of berries which has 
22 percent shattered berries 12 percent would be reported as a defect, 
this lot would meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 1 Table grade 
provided no other defects were present; (2) a lot of berries which has 
23 percent shattered berries 13 percent would be reported as a defect 
which would cause the lot to fail meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 
Table 1 grade by 1 percent. The petitioners stated that they feel 
change, specific to consumer containers, is warranted as the majority 
of table grapes are now being sold in consumer containers which allows 
shattered berries to be fully utilized/sold. This does not hold true 
for shattered berries in bulk containers, as these berries remain loose 
in the container, therefore, limiting the ability to fully utilize/sell 
the shattered berries.
    Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision 
to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted 
to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes 
(European or Vinifera Type).
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude 
that revisions are needed, the Agency will develop a proposed revised 
standard that will be published in the Federal Register with a request 
for comments.

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

    Dated: January 18, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-783 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P