Gwen Sparks, (202) 260-8210gwen.sparks@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting comments on proposed revisions to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Okra.
The changes would revise the standards by eliminating the “unclassified” section. This section is no longer considered necessary. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is removing the term from all revised standards. The agency is also soliciting comments on any other revisions to the standards.
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 notice will be published in the Feb. 9, 2012, Federal Register. Comments may be submitted to www.regulations.gov by April 9, 2012. For a copy of the standards or more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov/freshinspection, or contact Dr. Carl Newell, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, USDA, National Training and Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, Va. 22406.
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