[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 246 (Monday, December 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78284-78285]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30312]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket  AMS-FV-08-0080]


United States Standards for Grades of Carrots With Short Trimmed 
Tops

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

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

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 Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops. 
AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable

[[Page 78285]]

grade standards for usefulness in fostering commerce. As a result, AMS 
has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with 
Short Trimmed Tops for possible revisions. AMS is proposing to revise 
the color requirement to allow carrots with short trimmed tops 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 this change 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 Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops 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 Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops 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 
September 18, 1954.

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 Carrots with Short Trimmed 
Tops for possible revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work 
developing the proposed revisions in the standards, AMS is soliciting 
comments on the proposed revision and any other comments regarding 
revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Carrots with 
Short Trimmed Tops to better serve the industry.
    The current standard only applies to carrots with short trimmed 
tops of orange, orange red or orange scarlet color. AMS would revise 
the color requirement to allow carrots with short trimmed tops 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 Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops. 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. E8-30312 Filed 12-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P