AMS NEWS RELEASE

Release No. 209-04

George Chartier (202) 720-8998

george.chartier@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

USDA SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED REVISION TO UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF OLIVE OIL

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2004 –– The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting written comments on a petition to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Olive Oil.

The California Olive Oil Council, an association of olive oil producers, petitioned USDA to consider revising the current U.S. grade standard to conform to current industry standards commonly accepted in the United States and abroad. Prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising an official grade standard, AMS is accepting written comments on the petition.

This new standard could affect an average of 94 thousand tons of black ripe olives produced yearly in the United States and about 400 olive oil producers and growers. U.S. olive oil production in 1998 was 325,000 gallons or around 2.4 million pounds.

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 request for comments will appear in the Nov. 8 Federal Register. Comments must be received by Dec. 8 and can be sent by postal mail to Chere L. Shorter, AMS Fruit & Vegetable Programs, USDA Stop 0247, Washington, DC 20250-0247, by e-mail at chere.shorter@usda.gov or by fax to (202) 690-1527. Copies of the notice are available from the same address.