[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 4100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-862]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-302]


United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Cherries

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 revising official grade 
standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Cherries. At a 2003 meeting 
with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked 
to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness 
in serving the industry. As a result AMS has identified row sizes for 
possible inclusion into the sweet cherries grade standards. 
Additionally, AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions 
that may be necessary to better serve the industry.

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 
[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 Sweet 
Cherries are available either at the above address 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. 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 proposing to revise the voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Sweet Cherries using procedures that appear in Part 36, 
Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These 
standards were published on May 7, 1971.

Background

    At a 2003 meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory 
Committee, AMS was asked to review the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade 
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified 
the United States Standards for Grades of Sweet Cherries for possible 
revision. AMS is considering incorporating a standard row size into the 
standards. This row size would correspond with current row sizes being 
used by the industry. However, prior to undertaking detailed work to 
develop the proposed revision to the standards, AMS is soliciting 
comments on the proposed revision and any other comments on the United 
States Standards for Grades of Sweet Cherries to better serve the 
industry.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on whether any changes are necessary to the 
standards. Should AMS conclude that there is a need for any revisions 
of the standards, the proposed revisions 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: January 19, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-862 Filed 1-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P