In addition, Federal grading service is 

 provided in 75 of the largest terminal 

 markets in the country, with assistance 

 from the cooperating State agencies in 

 certain of these markets. 



All grading is voluntary except in those 

 areas where producers have adopted 

 Federal or State marketing orders which 

 establish minimum quality standards. 



For Shippers 



Shippers of fresh fruits and vegetables, 

 nuts, and related products can have their 

 produce graded for quality and condition 

 at shipping point. This establishes the 

 quality of the commodities at time of 

 shipment, for sales purposes or for veri- 

 fying compliance with contract terms. 

 The Federal-State Grading Service main- 

 tains seasonal or year-round offices in 

 all major shipping areas. 



Far left: Terminal market grading 

 of cherries. 



Left: Pressure testing determines 

 the stage of ripeness in apples. 



5 



