[Federal Register: December 16, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 241)]
[Notices]               
[Page 69984]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16de03-23]                         

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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-04-304]

 
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 (202) 720-8871, e-mail FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov. 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 (202) 720-2185, e-mail David.Priester@usda.gov.

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.
[FR Doc. 03-30998 Filed 12-15-03; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P