[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 245 (Thursday, December 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76631-76632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-21840]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. FV-05-308]


United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is establishing voluntary United States Standards 
for Grades of Pea Pods. The standards will provide industry with a 
common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the 
orderly and efficient marketing of pea pods.

DATES: Effective Date: January 22, 2007.

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 Pea Pods are 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 provides copies of official standards upon 
request. The United States

[[Page 76632]]

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 the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of 
Pea Pods using the procedures that appear in part 36, title 7 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36).

Background

    AMS developed a proposed U.S. Standards for Grades of Pea Pods. The 
proposal would establish U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 ``Grades,'' 
``Tolerances,'' and ``Application of Tolerances'' sections. 
Additionally, this proposal defines: ``Injury,'' ``Damage,'' ``Serious 
Damage,'' and basic requirements.
    On January 24, 2006, a notice was published in the Federal Register 
(71 FR 3817), requesting comments on proposed voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Pea Pods, with the comment period ending on 
March 27, 2006.
    A request was received from a packer/shipper of pea pods, 
expressing the need for additional time to review the proposed U.S. 
Standards. The packer/shipper requested an extension to the comment 
period to allow them the opportunity to submit comments. After 
reviewing the request, AMS reopened and extended the comment period by 
publishing a notice in the Federal Register, May 22, 2006 (71 FR 
29606), extending the period for comment to June 22, 2006.
    AMS received one other response to the proposed standards. The 
comment was from an industry group representing about 90 percent of the 
fresh vegetables produced in California and Arizona. The association 
expressed support for the development of the standards for pea pods.
    The comments are available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products 
Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm.
    Based on the comment received, specifically concerning the 
development of the standards and information gathered, AMS believes the 
standards will provide a common language for trading and promote the 
orderly and efficient marketing of pea pods. The official grades of pea 
pod lots 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 Pea Pods will be 
effective 30 days after publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register.

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

    Dated: December 15, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. E6-21840 Filed 12-20-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P