[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 8833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2386]


 ========================================================================
 Notices
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
 and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
 statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
 appearing in this section.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 21, 2006 / 
Notices  

[[Page 8833]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-303]


United States Standards for Grades of Field Grown Leaf Lettuce

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is establishing voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Field Grown Leaf Lettuce. The standards will provide 
industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus 
promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of field grown leaf 
lettuce.

DATES: Effective Date: March 23, 2006.

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 Ave., SW., Room 1661, South Building, Stop 0240, 
Washington, DC 20250-0240, (202) 720-2185, fax (202) 720-8871, or e-
mail [email protected].
    The United States Standards for Grades of Field Grown Leaf Lettuce 
is available either from the above address 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 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 established voluntary United States Standards for Grades of 
Field Grown Leaf Lettuce using the procedures that appear in part 36, 
Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

Background

    AMS previously published a notice in the Federal Register (68 FR 
68858), on December 10, 2003, soliciting comments on the possible 
development of United States Standards for Grades of Field Grown Leaf 
Lettuce. Based on the comments received and information gathered, AMS 
developed proposed grade standards for field grown leaf lettuce. The 
proposed standards contained the following grades, as well as 
tolerances for each grade: U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2. In 
addition, there were ``Tolerances,'' ``Application of Tolerances,'' and 
``Size'' sections. AMS is defining ``Injury,'' ``Damage,'' and 
``Serious Damage,'' along with specific basic requirements and 
definitions for defects. A notice was then published in the Federal 
Register (70 FR 15065), on March 24, 2005, requesting comments on the 
proposed United States Standards for Grades of Field Grown Leaf 
Lettuce. In response to the notice, a comment was received from a 
national trade association representing produce receivers, asking for 
an extension of the comment period. Following a review of the request, 
AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (70 FR 14386), on July 
21, 2005, extending the period for comment. The comments are available 
by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm.
    After the extension of the comment period, two comments were 
received. One comment from a grower's association was in favor of the 
standards as proposed. One comment from a produce receiver's 
association also was in favor of the establishment of standards. 
However, they commented that tolerances should be less for the grades, 
not the proposed 12 percent for total defects, 6 percent serious 
damage, 3 percent decay, but should be the same as the existing United 
States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Leaf Lettuce, which is 10 
percent for total defects, 5 percent serious damage, and 1 percent 
decay. AMS does not agree with this assessment, since greenhouse leaf 
lettuce is grown in a more protected environment and typically has 
fewer defects. The association's second suggestion was that the defect 
Russet Spotting be included in the standards. AMS agrees with this 
comment, since Russet Spotting does occur on field grown leaf lettuce. 
Consequently, AMS has added Russet Spotting as a defect, as well as 
scoring definitions to the standards.
    The adoption of the U.S. grade standards will provide the field 
grown leaf lettuce industry with U.S. grade standards similar to those 
extensively in use by the fresh produce industry to assist in orderly 
marketing of other commodities.
    The official grade of a lot of field grown leaf lettuce 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).
    The United States Standards for Grades of Field Grown Leaf Lettuce 
will be effective 30 days after publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register.

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

    Dated: February 13, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-2386 Filed 2-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P