U.S.-Canada Harmonizing Potato Grades

WASHINGTON - Sep 21/06 - SNS -- The USDA is seeking comments on its proposal to harmonize potato grades with Canadian standards.

The changes result from work by the Joint U.S./Canadian Potato Council that was charged with harmonizing the U.S. and Canadian Potato Grade Standards.

Some of the changes include additional size categories, adding en route/at destination tolerances, and definitions for defects. The purpose for this revision is to update and revise the standards to more accurately represent today’s marketing practices.

Current standards can be viewed at http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/vegfm.htm. The request for comments will be published in the Sept. 22, 2006, Federal Register. Comments must be received by Nov. 21, 2006, and should be sent to Cheri L. Emery, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, Room 1661-S, USDA Stop 0240, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0240. In addition, copies of the notice are available from the same address.