Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998jimmie.turner@ams.usda.govBilly Cox (202) 720-8998Billy.cox@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on a proposed revision to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Potatoes. The proposal was submitted by the potato industry.
The proposed new standards – which include multiple varieties and colors – are intended to provide the potato industry with greater flexibility to meet consumer demand for packages of U.S. No 1 and No. 2 grades.
“We believe the proposed changes are a positive step toward expanding the produce industry’s ability to meet growing market demand,” said Rayne Pegg, AMS Administrator. “At the same time, it provides them with the opportunity to create a more innovative approach to marketing their products.”
AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. These standards are used in the marketplace to specify the quality of commodities. Standards facilitate commerce by providing a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of agricultural products.
USDA invites comments from the public regarding these proposed changes to the potato grade standard. The notice will be published in the April 30, 2010, Federal Register.
Comments, which must be received by June 29, 2010, should be sent to Dr. Carl Newell, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, USDA, National Training and Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406. Comments may also be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov.
Current standards can be viewed at http://www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection.
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