PEARS AGMARK

Grade Designation

Grade requirements

Grade tolerances

Extra Class

Pears in this class must be of superior quality in shape, size and colouring. They must be characteristic of the variety and the stalk must be intact. They must be   free    from    defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided they do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

Pears must not be gritty.

5 % by number or weight of pears not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that grade.

Class I

Pears must be of good quality in shape, sizing and colouring. They must be characteristic of the variety / or commercial type. The following slight defects, may be allowed, provided they do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the

10 % by number or weight of Pears     not    satisfying    the requirements of the grade, but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally,     coming within the tolerances of that grade.

quality, the  keeping quality and presentation in the package.

The flesh must be perfectly sound.

–     slight defect in shape and colour;

–     slight defect in development;

–     slight skin defects which must not be extended over more than

–    2 cm. in length for defects of elongated shape;

–    1 sq. cm. of total surface area for other defects with the exception of scab (Venturia inadequacies) not extent over more

than 0.25 sq cm cumulative in area.

– slight bruising not exceeding 1 sq. cm. of total surface.

The stalk may be slightly damaged. Pears must not be gritty.

Class II

This includes Pears which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements. The following defects may be there, provided the pears retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation;

–    defects in shape and colour;

–    skin defects in development;

–     skin defects which must not extend over more than.-

–    4 cm in length for defects of elongated shape;

–    2 sq. cm. of total surface area for other defects including slightly discoloured bruising with the exception of scab (Venturia inadequacies) which must not extend over more than 1sqcm cumulative in area.

10 % by number or weight of pears not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting the minimum requirements.