Coconuts Inspection Instructions | Agricultural Marketing Service (2024)

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Agricultural Marketing Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

There are no U.S. Standards for Coconuts. However, there are Puerto Rican Standards for "Dry Husked Coconuts" which are similar in form to most U.S. Standards.

Fresh coconuts are imported into the United States the year around. Heaviest imports are received from October through December. They are grown in most of the tropical countries, however, our main sources of supply are Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America, and the Pacific Islands. Fresh domestic shipments are generally made in heavy jute sacks although many coconuts are imported in bulk.

The nut consists of a hard woody shell enclosing the kernel or meat, within which is a cavity containing coconut liquid or milk. Covering the nut is a thick fibrous husk, however, this is generally removed unless the nuts are to be used for decorative purposes. In the shell of each nut are three eyes, one of which is softer and more easily perforated than the others and is the one that may sprout.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:

• Market Inspection Instructions for Coconuts (pdf)

As an agricultural expert with a comprehensive understanding of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the provided article.

The article focuses on the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service and its involvement in regulating various agricultural products, including Cotton and Tobacco, Dairy, Livestock, Poultry, Grain, Specialty Crops, Organic products, and more. The USDA plays a crucial role in overseeing and implementing rules and regulations to ensure fair and competitive markets.

The specific concepts mentioned in the article include:

1. Official Government Website Verification:

   • The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing official government websites through the use of the .gov domain. This is a key indicator that a website belongs to an official U.S. government organization.

2. Secure Website Connection:

   • The article highlights the significance of a secure connection through HTTPS, ensuring that users have safely connected to the .gov website. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information shared on the site.

3. Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS):

   • The AMS is a branch of the USDA responsible for various aspects of agricultural marketing, including market news, rules and regulations, and services related to auditing, accreditation, grading, inspections, and more.

4. Rules &Regulations:

   • The article mentions specific rules and regulations administered by the AMS, such as BE Disclosure, Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), Dairy Forward Contracting, Fair and Competitive Markets, Federal Seed Act, Food Quality Protection Act, Food Security Act, Hemp regulations, Mandatory Market Reporting, Marketing Orders & Agreements, Organic Regulations, Packers and Stockyards Act, Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), Pesticide Record Keeping, Plant Variety Protection Act, and more.

5. Grades & Standards:

   • The AMS sets standards for various agricultural products, including Beef, Cotton, Dairy Products, Eggs, Fish & Seafood, Flowers & Plants, Fruits, Goat, Grain, Lamb, Nuts, Pork, Organic products, Poultry, Rabbits, Rice and Pulses, Vegetables, Specialty Products, Tobacco, Wool & Mohair. These standards ensure consistency and quality in the marketplace.

6. Inspection Instructions:

   • The article specifically mentions "Coconuts Inspection Instructions," highlighting that there are no U.S. Standards for Coconuts. However, it notes the existence of Puerto Rican Standards for "Dry Husked Coconuts," which are similar in form to most U.S. Standards. The inspection instructions likely include guidelines for evaluating the quality and characteristics of coconuts.

7. Imported and Domestic Supply:

   • Information is provided about the importation of fresh coconuts into the United States throughout the year, with the heaviest imports occurring from October through December. The main sources of supply are mentioned as Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America, and the Pacific Islands.

8. Coconut Characteristics:

   • The article describes the coconut as having a hard woody shell enclosing the kernel or meat, a cavity containing coconut liquid or milk, and a thick fibrous husk. It notes that fresh domestic shipments are generally made in heavy jute sacks, and the article provides details on the eyes of the coconut and the potential for sprouting.

9. Additional Resources:

   • The article includes references to additional resources, such as "Market Inspection Instructions for Coconuts (pdf)," demonstrating a commitment to providing detailed standards and instructions for stakeholders in the industry.

In conclusion, the article showcases the USDA's commitment to regulating and standardizing various agricultural products, with a focus on transparency, security, and adherence to official standards. The provided information on coconut inspection reflects the meticulous approach taken by the USDA in ensuring quality and safety in the agricultural market.