USDA Proposes Revisions to Frozen Asparagus Grade Standards

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments on its proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Asparagus.

AMS proposes to amend the standards to (1) update and define new style requirements related to percent head material for the "cut spears or cuts and tips" style of frozen asparagus and (2) change the definition of a head when it applies to the "cut spears or cuts and tips" style. These changes would align the grade standards with modern harvesting practices and provide guidance in the effective utilization of this commodity.

AMS works with industry representatives and others to establish or revise U.S. standards for nearly 240 agricultural products. Standards facilitate commerce by providing a common language for trade and a means of measuring value in the marketing of agricultural products.

The notice was published in the Federal Register on April 10, 2026. Comments are due by June 9, 2026. To view this publication, please visit www.regulations.gov. You can access the current frozen asparagus standards at www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards.

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