[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 141 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 41755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11735]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-314]


United States Standards for Grades of Parsley

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

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 to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Parsley. At a 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 the United States 
Standards for Grades of Parsley for possible revision.
    AMS is considering proposed revisions that would allow that 
percentages be determined by count and not weight and eliminate the 
unclassified category. AMS is seeking comments regarding these changes 
as well as any other revisions to the parsley standards that may be 
necessary to better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 22, 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 Parsley 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. 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 considering revisions to the voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Parsley using procedures that appear in Part 
36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These 
standards were last revised on July 30, 1930.

Background

    At a 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 Parsley for possible 
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop proposed 
revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed 
revisions and any other comments on the United States Standards for 
Grades of Parsley to better serve the industry.
    Currently, parsley is packed and marketed by count and weight. 
Taking into account these marketing practices, AMS is considering 
changing the current standards to determine the percentages for 
tolerances, defects, and the like to be determined by count and not 
weight. AMS would also eliminate the ``Unclassified'' category. This 
section is being removed in all standards when they are revised. This 
category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been 
applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary. Additionally, 
AMS is seeking comments regarding any other revisions that may be 
necessary to better serve the industry.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States 
Standards for Grades of Parsley. Should AMS conclude that revisions are 
needed it will develop a proposed revised standard that 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: July 18, 2006.
 Lloyd C. Day,
 Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-11735 Filed 7-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P