Agricultural Marketing Service
2026-10-26 · Notice
National Organic Standards Board Call for Applications and Nominations
Official abstract: Through this notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing its call for applications and nominations to fill three vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (Board): one individual who owns or operates an organic farming operation or employee of such individual; one individual who represents a public interest or consumer interest group; and one individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry. Appointees will serve a 5-year term beginning in January 2027 and ending in January 2032. Additionally, USDA seeks applications or nominations for a pool of candidates that the Secretary of Agriculture can draw upon as replacement appointees if unexpected vacancies occur.
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2026-10-23 · Notice
Exempt Plant Definition Request for Information
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking input from the public, including dairy industry stakeholders, on market conditions related to monthly route sales limits within the exempt plant definition in its regulations. AMS is requesting input on whether and how marketing conditions have changed since the definition was implemented in 1999.
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2026-10-23 · Notice
Federal Seed Act Labeling and Enforcement; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection of the Federal Seed Act Labeling and Enforcement.
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2026-10-19 · Notice
Request for Extension of an Information Collection-Local Food Directories and Survey
Official abstract: This notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for extension of a currently approved collection, Local Food Directories and Survey, from the Office of Management and Budget 0581- 0169. Under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, AMS is responsible for conducting research to enhance market access for small and medium sized farmers. The role of the Local and Regional Foods Division of AMS is to facilitate the fair and efficient marketing of U.S. agricultural products. This information is used to populate the USDA's National Local Food Directories that assists customers looking to buy fresh local foods for their families to wholesale food buyers.
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2026-10-09 · Rule
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 989
Official abstract: This final rule amends Marketing Order No. 989, which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California. The Department of Agriculture approves and adopts amendments proposed by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee) after due consideration of a public hearing record, and after California raisin producers voted in favor of such amendments in a referendum. This rule reduces the Committee membership size from 47 to 21, removes producer district representation and adds an unaffiliated producer member seat, eliminates the designated cooperative bargaining association member seat, and lowers quorum requirements from 25 to 14; removes the requirement for separate member and alternate member position nominations for independent and small cooperative producers; removes factor 4 and part of factor 5 for establishing marketing policy and adds language clarifying the quality of reconditioned raisins; and adds authority to accept voluntary contributions and language regarding ownership of intellectual property. In addition, this action makes necessary changes to the marketing order to conform to the amendments adopted.
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2026-10-08 · Proposed Rule
Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order
Official abstract: This rulemaking proposes an amendment to Marketing Order No. 981, which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California. The proposed amendment would establish the authority to borrow funds from a commercial lending institution.
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2026-10-01 · Notice
United States Grain Standards Act Award of Designations
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing designation awards of the North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (North Dakota); Omaha Grain Inspection Service (Omaha); Fremont Grain Inspection Department, Inc. (Fremont); Champaign-Danville Grain Inspection Departments, Inc. (Champaign); Maryland Department of Agriculture (Maryland); Enid Grain Inspection Company, Inc. (Enid); Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc. (Eastern Iowa), to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended.
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2026-09-29 · Rule
Almonds Grown in California; Extension of Inedible Disposition Obligation Deadline
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the Almond Board of California to extend the inedible disposition obligation deadline prescribed under the Federal marketing order for almonds grown in California from September 30 to November 30 indefinitely.
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2026-09-25 · Notice
National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection (2027)
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension and revision of a previously approved information collection titled National Organic Program (OMB Control Number: 0581-0191).
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2026-09-23 · Notice
Fruit Crops; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for, and revision to, a currently approved information collection for Federal marketing orders covering fruit crops.
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2026-09-22 · Rule
Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership
Official abstract: This final rule implements changes to the Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order). The changes include clarifying the assessment rate for softwood lumber imported into the United States and revising the membership of the Softwood Lumber Board (Board or SLB).
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2026-09-18 · Rule
Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Uniform Pricing Formula Provisions
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) Dairy Program published a final rule in the Federal Register on January 17, 2025, amending the pricing provisions in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). This document corrects the Class I differential in Morgan County, Ohio, and removes Shannon County, South Dakota, from the Class I Differential table.
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2026-09-18 · Notice
Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Pummelos Grown in Florida; Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible Florida citrus producers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos produced in Florida.
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2026-09-14 · Notice
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension of, and revision to, the currently approved information collection National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (the Standard).
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2026-09-11 · Notice
Avocados Grown in South Florida; Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible Florida avocado growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of avocados grown in South Florida.
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2026-09-11 · Notice
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension of, and revision to, the currently approved information collection, "Country of Origin Labeling."
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2026-09-10 · Notice
Specialty Crop Diversion Programs; Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval for a new information collection from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control No. 0581-NEW. This action would create new application and notification forms for growers interested in participating in Specialty Crop Diversion Programs for applicable tree, vine, and/or bush commodities.
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2026-09-09 · Proposed Rule
Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Realignment; Withdrawal of Proposed Rule
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is withdrawing a proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2025, that proposed adjusting the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) by realigning several production districts and reducing the number of importers on the National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board) from nine to seven. USDA found the calculation used to justify the change in the number of importers to be legally insufficient and is therefore withdrawing the proposed rule.
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2026-09-08 · Notice
United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
Official abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is extending the public comment period by 90 days on its Request for Information (RFI) concerning revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef. Stakeholders requested additional time to allow for the completion of research on dentition given that AMS is seeking comments on eliminating the skeletal maturity requirement for carcasses determined by dentition, or documents verifying age, to be under 30 months of age.
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2026-09-04 · Notice
Cotton Research and Promotion Program: Request for Comments To Be Used in a Review of 1990 Amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Act
Official abstract: As provided for by the Cotton Research and Promotion Act Amendments of 1990, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing its intention to conduct a review to ascertain whether a referendum is needed to determine whether producers and importers favor continuation of five specific amendments to the Cotton Research and Promotion Order (Order). This notice invites all interested parties to submit written comments to the Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department). USDA will consider these comments in determining whether a referendum is warranted on the five specific amendments.
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2026-09-03 · Notice
Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This notice directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers and importers of Christmas trees to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) regulations regarding the national Christmas tree research and promotion program.
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2026-08-31 · Rule
Honey Packers and Importers; Increased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the National Honey Board to increase the assessment rate for first handlers and importers from 1.5 cents ($0.015) per pound of assessable honey and honey products to 2 cents ($0.02) per pound of assessable honey and honey products over two fiscal periods. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely until modified or terminated.
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2026-08-27 · Rule
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2024-2025 Crop Year
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) to establish free market tonnage percentages (free percentages) and restricted percentages for the 2024- 2025 crop year under the Federal marketing order for tart cherries grown in the states of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. This action establishes the proportion of tart cherries from the 2024-2025 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. This action should stabilize marketing conditions by adjusting supply to meet market demand and help improve grower returns.
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2026-08-27 · Rule
Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the California Olive Committee (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2025 and subsequent fiscal years from $28 to $24 per ton of assessable olives grown in California. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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2026-08-27 · Rule
Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Modification of Handling Regulations
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee (Committee) to update the marketing order regulating the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington. This final rule increases the minimum size requirements for all sweet cherry varieties, except the Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar varieties, commonly referred to as "light sweet cherries." In addition, this final rule removes one row count/row size designation, adds two new row count/row size designations, and revises the title of the table in the marketing order's pack requirements table.
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2026-08-26 · Notice
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection for Commodities Covered by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate cattle, swine, lamb, boxed beef, and wholesale pork Market News reports under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act) (OMB 0581-0186).
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2026-08-25 · Notice
Revising U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms to add a grade for portabella mushrooms, remove size from the criteria for each grade and create a separate section for size, and revise the tolerances for defects consistent with modern production and handling practices. In addition, AMS is updating terminology, definitions, and defect scoring guides throughout the grade standards. These changes align the grade standards with modern harvesting practices and provide guidance for the effective utilization of this commodity.
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2026-08-25 · Proposed Rule
Membership Adjustment of the Mushroom Council
Official abstract: This proposed rule invites comments on realigning and reallocating representation on the Mushroom Council as prescribed in the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order by adjusting the states in Regions 1 and 3 and reallocating a member from Region 1 to Region 3.
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2026-08-19 · Notice
National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend a Previously Approved Information Collection (Strengthening Organic Enforcement) (2026)
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension and revision of a previously approved information collection titled "National Organic Program: Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)" (OMB Control Number: 0581-0321).
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2026-08-17 · Rule
Walnuts Grown in California; Changes to Administrative Requirements
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the California Walnut Board (Board) to make changes to the administrative requirements prescribed under the Federal marketing order for walnuts grown in California (Order). This final rule provides a schedule for required handler assessment payments, establishes interest and late payment charges on overdue assessments owed, and modifies the existing reporting requirements for handler acquisitions of walnuts.
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2026-08-14 · Notice
Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
Official abstract: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing a meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (Board). The Board assists USDA in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on any other aspects of the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA).
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2026-08-03 · Notice
Tobacco Report: Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection, "Tobacco Report" (OMB No. 0581-0004).
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2026-07-31 · Rule
Clingstone Peach Diversion Program; Amendment of Program Regulations
Official abstract: This interim final rule amends the regulatory requirements for the Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Program). The Program is voluntary, consists of payments for peach tree removal, and is implemented under clause (3) of section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act Amendment of 1935, as amended. The Program is expected to reestablish the purchasing power of clingstone peach growers by making payments to such growers to facilitate reductions in peach production capacity. This action will help to align the domestic supply of clingstone peaches with the market demand for those peaches and thus mitigate the economic effects of systemic oversupply. The parameters established herein will ensure that diversion under this Program is not part of a normal tree replacement cycle for orchard rejuvenation. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget of new information collection requirements necessary to implement the Program.
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2026-07-23 · Proposed Rule
Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2026-2027 Marketing Year
Official abstract: This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee) to establish salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) for the 2026- 2027 marketing year.
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2026-07-23 · Proposed Rule
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2026 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.030 to $0.025 per 18-pound lug for grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California. The proposed assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely until modified, suspended, or terminated.
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2026-07-17 · Notice
Export Fruit Acts; Notice of Request for Renewal of a Recordkeeping Burden
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request for renewal a recordkeeping burden for a currently approved information collection for the Export Fruit Acts covering exports of apples and grapes.
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2026-07-16 · Notice
Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Meeting
Official abstract: Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces an upcoming meeting of the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Committee). The Committee meets no less than once annually to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the programs and services delivered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Recommendations by the Committee help AMS meet the needs of its customers, who operate in a dynamic and changing marketplace.
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2026-07-08 · Notice
United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
Official abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments concerning revisions to the United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef. This request for comments stems from an American Wagyu Association petition, which requested that AMS consider adding marbling degrees to the USDA Prime grade for beef to better characterize modern genetics, which are not always differentiated within the current marbling degrees. AMS is also soliciting public comment on whether to eliminate the skeletal maturity requirement for carcasses determined by dentition to be under 30 months of age. Scientific research and data on beef tenderness suggest that the skeletal maturity requirement could be eliminated.
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2026-07-02 · Notice
Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an information collection renewal to administer the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). AMS is implementing this cooperative agreement program under the American Rescue Plan Act, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with State, local, and Tribal governments to purchase food from local and regional farmers/producers (within the state or within 400 miles).
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2026-07-02 · Notice
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection used in support of the Requirements Under Regulations Governing Inspection and Grading Services of Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products.
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2026-06-25 · Notice
United States Standards for Grades of Orange Juice
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Orange Juice (U.S. OJ Standards or Standards) by revising the limits for Grade B Brix allowances in Pasteurized Orange Juice (POJ) under the U.S. OJ Standards to reference the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Standard of Identity (SOI) for POJ.
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2026-06-23 · Proposed Rule
Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2025 Amendments)
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to amend the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations to decrease the value assigned to imported cotton for the purposes of calculating supplemental assessments collected for use by the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. This amendment is required each year to ensure that assessments collected on imported cotton, and the cotton content of imported products, will be the same as those paid on domestically produced cotton. In addition, AMS is updating the Import Assessment Table to account for changes since the last assessment adjustment in 2024.
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2026-06-18 · Proposed Rule
Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Increased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the California Date Administrative Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2025-2026 crop year and subsequent crop years from $0.05 to $0.25 per hundredweight for domestic dates produced or packed in Riverside County, California. The proposed assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely until modified, suspended, or terminated.
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2026-06-12 · Notice
Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible pecan growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of pecans grown in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas.
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2026-06-12 · Notice
Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for, and revision to, a currently approved information collection for Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, Marketing Order No. 986.
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2026-06-01 · Rule
Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS or the Agency) is delaying the effective date of the "Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems" final rule (Payment Systems rule or final rule), which was published in the Federal Register on January 16, 2025, to allow time for further consideration of actions that may be taken regarding the disposition of the rule. The current effective date of the Payment Systems rule is July 1, 2026. With this action, AMS is delaying the effective date to December 31, 2027.
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2026-05-26 · Rule
Onions Grown in South Texas; Temporary Suspension of Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This interim final rule temporarily suspends the continuance referendum requirement under the Federal marketing order for South Texas onions. The continuance referendum scheduled for 2026 overlaps with the formal rulemaking process to amend the marketing order that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) commenced via a notice of hearing published on January 23, 2026. This suspension delays the enforcement of the continuance referendum requirement to give precedence to the formal rulemaking process, which may include a producer referendum. In addition, if the marketing order is amended, this temporary suspension provides industry time to operate under the amended marketing order before the next scheduled continuance referendum.
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2026-05-14 · Notice
Designation Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act
Official abstract: The United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) designations for five official agencies--Amarillo Grain Exchange, Inc. (Amarillo); D.R. Schaal Agency, Inc. (Schaal); North Carolina Department of Agriculture (North Carolina); State Grain Inspection, Inc. (State Grain); and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (Utah)--will end on the dates listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Grain Inspection Services of Texas, LLC, voluntarily cancelled their designation effective on February 28, 2026, and the area that they previously provided service to is being advertised in this notice. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is requesting designation applications from private entities or State governmental agencies that would like to provide official inspection and weighing services in the six geographic areas. In addition to this request for applications, AMS seeks comments on the quality of services provided by the official agencies mentioned above.
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2026-05-13 · Notice
Revision of Seven U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Tomato Products
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising seven U.S. grade standards for canned tomato products. AMS is updating the color sections in the grade standards, replacing the two-term grading system (dual-nomenclature) with a single term, and making editorial changes. AMS is also changing the spelling of "catsup" to the more commonly used term "ketchup."
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2026-05-13 · Rule
Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the California Date Administrative Committee (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2024-2025 crop year and subsequent crop years from $0.15 to $0.05 per hundredweight for domestic dates produced or packed in Riverside County, California. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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2026-05-13 · Proposed Rule
Blueberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This notice directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible producers and importers of highbush blueberries to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) regulations regarding the National highbush blueberry research and promotion program.
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2026-05-11 · Proposed Rule
Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
Official abstract: This document directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible California kiwifruit growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of kiwifruit grown in California.
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2026-05-07 · Notice
United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to revise the United States (U.S.) Standards for Grades of Nectarines. AMS is proposing to remove "speckling", as a type of defect when grading nectarines, since speckling is strictly a cosmetic issue and does not affect the internal quality, shelf life, or lead to any negative flavors of the affected nectarines. In fact, nectarines with higher sugar content, or sweetness, have been correlated with increased amounts of speckling. These changes would bring the grade standards in line with the present quality levels being marketed today and would provide guidance in the effective utilization of this commodity.
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2026-05-07 · Rule
Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2025-2026 Marketing Year
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee) to establish salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) for the 2025-2026 marketing year.
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2026-05-04 · Notice
Almonds Grown in California; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Official abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request an extension for, and revision to, a currently approved information collection for Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order No. 981.
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2026-04-30 · Notice
2026/2027 Rates Charged for AMS Services
Official abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS or the Agency) is announcing the 2026/2027 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing, and laboratory services for a variety of agricultural commodities including meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, rice, and cotton and tobacco. The 2026/2027 regular, overtime, holiday, and laboratory services rates will be applied at the beginning of the crop year, fiscal year, or as required by law depending on the commodity. Other starting dates are added to this notice based on cotton industry practices. This action establishes the rates for user-funded programs based on costs incurred by AMS. This year, cost-based analyses indicated the need to increase certain user fee rates when current rates are insufficient to cover the costs of providing the service. While cost-saving measures have and will continue to be implemented, user fee rate increases are necessary to offset rising operational costs. In cases where current rates are sufficient to cover the costs of providing the service, user fee rates remain unchanged. Furthermore, AMS is announcing the fees it will charge warehouse operators for voluntary services associated with the administration of the United States Warehouse Act, including the license action fees, service license fees, inspection fees, and annual user fees for warehouse services for fiscal year 2027, which begins October 1, 2026; these fees remain unchanged from last year.
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2026-04-29 · Rule
Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Pummelos Grown in Florida; Increased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This final rule implements a recommendation from the Citrus Administrative Committee to increase the assessment rate established for the 2024-2025 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.02 to $0.025 per 4/5-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos grown in Florida. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely until modified, suspended, or terminated.
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2026-04-29 · Proposed Rule
Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
Official abstract: This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee (Committee) to increase the assessment rate established for the 2025-2026 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.04 to $0.07 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent of oranges and grapefruit grown in Texas. The proposed assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
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