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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 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.

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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.

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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 Start Printed Page 78287proposed 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.

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