The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service has decided to withdraw the proposal to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Snap Beans.

After reviewing the comments received on the proposed revision, AMS has decided to withdraw the proposal to allow percentages to be determined by count rather than weight. The industry noted concerns over the accuracy or representative nature of a count based inspection. In view of the industry concerns, AMS has terminated the action.

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 of withdrawal will appear in the June 22 Federal Register. Further information is available by mail from: David L. Priester, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, USDA Stop 0240, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240; or by e-mail from David.Priester@usda.gov.