[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 102 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 30367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8103]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. FV-06-309]


United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine

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 the proposed voluntary 
United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine. The 
proposed standards would provide industry with a common language and 
uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient 
marketing of tomatoes on the vine (TOV).

DATES: Comments must be received by July 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.
    The proposed United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the 
Vine are available either from the above address or the AMS, Fresh 
Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.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. 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 
Pograms.
    AMS is proposing to establish voluntary United States Standards for 
Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine using the procedures that appear in Part 
36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

Background

    AMS published a notice in the Federal Register (68 FR 68859) on 
December 10, 2003, soliciting comments on the possible revision of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Greenhouse Tomatoes. Based on 
comments received, AMS has determined that there is a need for a 
separate standard specifically for TOV. The proposed standards for TOV 
would establish the following grades as well as a tolerance for each 
grade: U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2. In addition, ``Application of 
Tolerances'' and ``Size Classifications'' sections would be 
established. This proposal also defines ``Damage,'' ``Serious Damage,'' 
specific basic requirements, and other defects.
    The proposed TOV standards would provide a common language for 
trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of this 
commodity. The official grade of a lot of TOV 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).
    This notice provides a 60-day comment period for interested parties 
to comment on the proposed United States Standards for Grades of 
Tomatoes on the Vine.

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

    Dated: May 22, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-8103 Filed 5-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P