Docket Number: AMS-FGIS-22-0082
Comments Due: April 10, 2023

Summary

AMS is asking for comments on the quality of official services at export port locations provided by the following delegated states: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (Alabama) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (Washington). We consider comments and other available information when determining certification.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is asking for comments on the quality of services provided by the following Delegated State Agencies: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, delegated states may provide mandatory official grain inspection, weighing, and scale testing services at export port locations within their respective State. AMS reevaluates and recertifies delegated states every 5 years in accordance with the Act.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a change to the Florida citrus marketing order. As recommended by the Citrus Administrative Committee, pummelos are now exempt from handling and reporting requirements under the marketing order.

This action reverses a 2016 move by the Florida citrus industry to expand the marketing order and its handling regulations to include pummelos. Pummelo industry representatives will now market their product free from reporting and minimum quality requirements, which had not been established by the committee.

Docket Number: AMS-SC-21-0091
Comments Due: May 8, 2023

Summary

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins. AMS is proposing to modify two references to the allowances for capstems within the standards to modernize the standards to reflect current industry practices. The proposal also includes minor editorial changes to table headings to align with updated Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) formatting requirements.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Processed Raisins. The proposal would modify two references to the allowances for capstems to modernize the standards to reflect current industry practices.

The proposed changes would reduce the number of allowable capstems for all varietals, except Zante Currants, in all three Grades (A, B, and C) as follows:

Docket Number: AMS-SC-22-0010
Dates: The referendum will be conducted from April 3 through April 21, 2023. The representative period for the purpose of the referendum is September 1, 2021, through August 31, 2022.

Summary