GIPSA Seeks Comments on U.S. Standards for Beans and Lentils

U.S. Standards for Beans

The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is seeking comments on a notice proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Beans published in the Federal Register of May 15, 2017.

GIPSA is proposing to establish a class and grade requirement chart for “chickpea,” also known as “garbanzo bean” and establish a new grade determining factor, definition, factor limits, and visual reference image for “contrasting chickpeas.” The bean standards revisions are made at the request of the pea and lentil industry, with support of the bean industry.

“GIPSA standards serve as the fundamental starting point to define commodity quality in the domestic and global marketplaces,” said GIPSA Acting Administrator Randall Jones. “The proposed changes will help facilitate the marketing of chickpeas and improve the application of the standards.”

Comments on GIPSA’s notice must be submitted by June 14, 2017 to M. Irene Omade, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 2530-S, Washington, DC 20250- 3604; via email to comments.gipsa@usda.gov; by fax (202) 690-2173; or via Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

Standandards for Lentils

The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is seeking comments on a notice proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Lentils published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2017.

GIPSA is proposing to establish an additional grading factor, definition, grade requirements, and visual reference images for “wrinkled lentils,” and establish a special grade, definition, special grade requirements, designation, and visual reference images for “green lentils.” The lentil standards revisions are made at the request of the lentil industry.

“GIPSA standards serve as the fundamental starting point to define commodity quality in the domestic and global marketplaces,” said GIPSA Acting Administrator Randall Jones. “The proposed changes will help facilitate the marketing of lentils and improve the application of the standards.”

Comments on GIPSA’s notice must be submitted by June 14, 2017 to M. Irene Omade, GIPSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 2530-S, Washington, DC 20250-3604; via email to comments.gipsa@usda.gov; by fax (202) 690-2173; or via Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.