[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 246 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78286-78287]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30279]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket AMS-FV-08-0078]


United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

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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 Topped Carrots. AMS has been 
reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness 
in fostering commerce. As a result, AMS has identified the United 
States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots for possible revisions. 
AMS is proposing to revise the color requirement to allow topped 
carrots of any color characteristic of the variety to be graded using 
the standards. In addition, the similar varietal characteristic 
requirement would be amended to allow mixed colors and/or types of 
carrots when designated as a mixed or specialty pack. Also, AMS is 
considering removing the ``Unclassified'' category from the standards. 
AMS is seeking comments regarding these changes as well as any other 
possible revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 20, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on 
the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov or to the Standardization 
and Training Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, National Training and Development Center, Riverside 
Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 
22406; Fax (540) 361-1184. 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: Dr. Carl Newell, Standardization and 
Training Section, Fresh Products Branch, (540) 361-1120. The United 
States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots are available by 
accessing the Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection.

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 Topped Carrots 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 December 20, 1965.

Background

    AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade 
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified 
the United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots for possible 
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work developing the proposed 
revisions in the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the

[[Page 78287]]

proposed revision and any other comments regarding revisions to the 
United States Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots to better serve 
the industry.
    The current standard only applies to topped carrots of orange, 
orange red or orange scarlet color. AMS would revise the color 
requirement to allow topped carrots of any color characteristic of the 
variety to be graded using the standard. In addition, AMS would amend 
the similar varietal characteristic requirement to allow mixed colors 
and/or types of carrots when designated as a mixed or specialty pack.
    AMS would also eliminate the ``Unclassified'' category. AMS is 
removing this section in all standards as 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 due to current 
marketing practices.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the revision to the United States Standards for 
Grades of Topped Carrots. Should AMS proceed with the revisions, it 
will develop the proposed revised standards that will be published in 
the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 
CFR part 36.

    Dated: December 16, 2008.
James E. Link,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-30279 Filed 12-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P