Aug 22, 2013

USDA seeks comments on onion grades

USDA is requesting comments on proposed revisions to three onion standards: U.S. Standards for Grades of Creole Onions, U.S. Standards for Grades of Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions, and U.S. Standards for Grades of Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type).

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on modifying the three standards to allow for an assortment of onion colors in mixed or specialty pack varieties.

AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. The 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, according to AMS.

The rule for Bermuda-Granex-Grano Type Onions and Onions (Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano and Creole Type) and the notice for U.S. Standards for Grades of Creole Onions were published in the Aug. 22 edition of the Federal Register.

Comments can be submitted here by Oct. 21. For a copy of the current standards or more information, click here; or call Dave Horner at 540-361-1128, email [email protected], or mail: AMS Fruit & Vegetable Program, USDA, National Training and Development Center, Riverside Business Park, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406.