AMS No. 237-08

Jimmie Turner (202) 720-8998

jimmie.turner@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots, Bunched Carrots, and Carrots with Short Trimmed Tops.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise the color requirement to allow more flexibility to the grade standard. 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. AMS is also considering removing the “Unclassified” category from the standards. AMS seeks comments regarding these changes, as well as any other possible revisions that may be necessary to better serve the industry.

AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. Industry uses the standards 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.

The notices for the three proposals will be published in the Dec. 22, 2008, Federal Register.

More information is available from Dr. Carl Newell, Standardization and Training Section Head, USDA, AMS, FVP, FPB, National Training & Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406. Copies of the notice and revised standards are also available from the same address.

Once effective, copies of the standards can be accessed from the Internet: http://www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection.