03-30998. United States Standards for Grades of Mangos

AGENCY:

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with creating an official grade standard, is soliciting comments on the petition to create the United States Standards for Grades of Mangos. At a recent meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry and identify commodities that may be better served if a grade standard was developed. As a result, AMS has noted that the industry is interested in the creation of U.S. Standards for Grades of Mangos.

DATES:

Comments must be received by February 17, 2004.

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 [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. 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:

David L. Priester, at the above address or call [phone], e-mail [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 

At a recent meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to review all the fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry and identify commodities that may be better served if a grade standard was developed. During the standards review, AMS noted that several industry members requested AMS develop a grade standard for mangos. In conjunction with industry interest in the development of a grade standard for mangos, AMS has also identified mangos as a possible commodity for the development of a grade standard. This standard could contain sections pertaining to grades, size classifications, color requirements, tolerances, application of tolerances, pack requirements, definitions, and other relevant and necessary provisions. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed standard, AMS is soliciting comments on the possible development of U.S. standards for grades of mangos and the probable impact on growers, processors, and distributors.

This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the development of the standards. Should AMS conclude that there is a need for the development of the standards, a proposed standard will be published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in accordance with 7 CFR part 36.

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

Dated: December 9, 2003.

A.J. Yates,

Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.