[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 37 (Friday, February 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 9514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2652]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-306]


United States Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet 
Peppers)

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 official grade standards, is 
soliciting comments on the possible development of the United States 
Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers). At a 
meeting with the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS 
was asked to identify commodities that may be better served if grade 
standards are developed. The standards would provide industry with a 
common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the 
orderly and efficient marketing of peppers that are not of the sweet 
pepper type.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 25, 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.

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. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Fruits and Vegetables that are not requirements of 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 establish voluntary United States Standards for 
Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers) using the procedures that 
appear in part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR 
part 36).

Background

    At a meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory 
Committee, AMS was asked to identify fresh fruit and vegetables that 
may be better served if grade standards are developed. AMS identified 
certain pepper varieties/types as possibly in need of official grade 
standards, because they are not included in the current United States 
Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers. These varieties/types include 
all peppers other than sweet peppers. U.S. standards are used by the 
fresh produce industry to describe the product they are trading, thus 
facilitating the marketing of the product. The new standards could 
contain sections pertaining to grades, size classifications, color 
requirements, tolerances, application of tolerances, pack requirements, 
definitions, and other relevant and necessary provisions.
    Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop standards, AMS is 
soliciting comments on the possible development of the United States 
Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers).
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the possible development of standards. Should AMS 
conclude that there is a need for the standards, the proposed standards 
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: February 17, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-2652 Filed 2-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P