Poultry Grades Get USDA Refresh: Comment by May 16

2026-20792, Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 989

California raisin producers just voted to shake things up! The USDA is cutting the Raisin Committee from 47 to 21 members, changing how reps are chosen, and tweaking rules about raisin quality and marketing. These changes kick in on November 9, 2026, aiming to make raisin handling smoother and more modern without extra costs.

2026-20622, Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order

California almond growers and handlers are getting a new power to borrow money from banks to help run their marketing order smoothly. This change aims to keep things running without hiccups and will be voted on between November 2 and 20, 2026. If approved, it could make managing almond marketing more flexible and financially stable.

2026-20095, United States Grain Standards Act Award of Designations

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service just gave official thumbs-up to seven grain inspection groups across the U.S. These groups will keep making sure grain quality meets standards in their areas starting now, helping farmers and buyers trust their grain’s grade. If you’re in North Dakota, Omaha, Fremont, Champaign, Maryland, Enid, or Eastern Iowa, this news means smooth grain inspections ahead with no extra costs announced.

2026-19887, Almonds Grown in California; Extension of Inedible Disposition Obligation Deadline

California almond growers and handlers now have two extra months to handle inedible almonds, extending the deadline from September 30 to November 30 every year. This change helps them manage almond quality and market supply better without rushing. The new rule kicks in on October 29, 2026, giving the industry more flexibility and smoother operations.

2026-19623, National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection (2027)

The USDA’s National Organic Program is planning to extend and update its paperwork rules for organic farmers and businesses through 2030. This means folks involved in organic farming will see some changes in how they report info, helping keep organic standards strong and clear. Comments on these updates are open until November 24, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!

2026-19420, Fruit Crops; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info about fruit crops and make some updates to how they do it. This affects fruit growers and businesses involved in federal marketing orders. They’re asking for your thoughts by November 23, 2026, and this helps keep fruit marketing smooth without extra costs.

Previous: 2025-04500, Sunshine Act Meetings

The Federal Election Commission is holding a public meeting on March 27, 2025, both in person and online, to discuss important advisory opinions and elect a new chair. This affects political parties like the American Samoa Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico. The meeting could be canceled if funding runs out, but no new costs are expected.

Next: 2025-04574, Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 144; Authorization of Production Activity; Corteva Agriscience, LLC; (Crop Protection Products); Valdosta, Georgia

Corteva Agriscience in Valdosta, Georgia, got the green light to make crop protection products at their Foreign-Trade Zone facility. This means they can produce goods with special trade benefits, helping them save money and speed up operations. The approval was finalized on March 14, 2025, so Corteva can start or continue production without delays.