[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 151 (Monday, August 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44607-44608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12758]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-315]


United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash

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 of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Summer Squash. 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 Summer Squash for possible revision.
    AMS is considering proposed revisions to the U.S. standards that 
would incorporate grades that describe the quality and size of summer 
squash currently being marketed. Additionally, definitions would be 
included for defects not currently in the standards, and the 
``Unclassified'' category would be eliminated from the standards. AMS 
is seeking comments regarding these changes and any other revisions to 
the summer squash standards that may be necessary to better serve the 
industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 6, 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 Summer Squash 
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 considering revisions to the voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Summer Squash 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 January 6, 1984.

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 Summer Squash for possible 
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the 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 Summer Squash to better serve the industry.
    AMS is considering revising the U.S. standards to include a U.S. 
Fancy grade that would describe the level of quality and size of the 
summer squash currently being marketed by the industry. AMS is also 
proposing to add specific definitions for defects that are not defined 
in the standards, which are currently scored and described using the 
general definitions for ``damage'' and ``serious damage'' depending on 
whether the defect ``materially'' or ``seriously detracts from the 
appearance, or edible or marketing quality of the squash.'' Definitions 
for scars, cuts, cracks, dirt, mechanical damage, bruising, scuffing, 
surface discoloration, pitting, shriveling and mold would be included. 
Additionally, AMS also would 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 provisions to 
the summer squash standards 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 Summer Squash. 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 36.

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


[[Page 44608]]


    Dated: August 1, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-12758 Filed 8-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P