the major markets, a common language for 
trading over long distances became urgently 
needed. To meet this demand, the U.S. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture began work on developing 
grade standards, and issued its first standards 
in 1917--for potatoes. Since that time, standards 
have been developed for nearly all fresh fruits 
and vegetables, a number of nuts and miscella- 
neous commodities. These include many stand- 
ards which serve as a basis for purchasing 
raw commodities for processing. More than 150 
standards are now in effect covering 80 different 
commodities. 
How It’s Done 
The standards are developed with the coopera- 
tion of the industry and every effort is made to 
have them reflect good commercial practice with 
full recognition of the needs of growers, proces- 
sors, sellers, buyers and consumers. In develop- 
ing a standard, a standardization specialist 
studies current marketing practices for the 
commodity, examines representative samples 
and packs, analyzes the physical characteristics 
of the commodity, and consults industry mem- 
bers and other interested and helpful parties 
in drafting the proposed standard. The proposed 
standard is then published to give everyone 
concerned a chance to study it, and adequate 
time is allowed for comments. Often discussion 
drafts are sent to industry representatives and 
to key personnel of the Inspection Service prior 
to publishing as a formal proposal. After the 
closing date for submitting views concerning 
a proposal, all responses are carefully con- 
sidered before the standards are issued in final 
form. 
Where Can I Get A Copy? 
Anyone can get a copy of a standard, free of 
charge, on request. Write for the standard or 
standards you want, to the Fruit and Vegetable 
Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 
20250. Also available, from the same source, 
is a checklist of the products for which standards 
have been developed. 
