AMS Boosts Fees for Farmers' Crop Inspection Services
Published Date: 4/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is updating its 2025/2026 fees for grading, inspecting, and certifying agricultural products like meat, fruits, dairy, and cotton. Some fees will go up to cover rising costs, while others stay the same. These new rates kick in at the start of the crop or fiscal year, with warehouse service fees also adjusting starting October 1, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Certain AMS User Fees Will Rise
AMS is increasing some voluntary user fees for grading, inspection, certification, auditing, and laboratory services for commodities such as meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy, rice, cotton, and tobacco for the 2025/2026 period to cover rising operational costs.
Some AMS Fees Remain Unchanged
For 2025/2026, AMS will keep certain user fee rates unchanged where current rates are sufficient to cover the costs of providing the service, so some businesses will not see fee increases.
Warehouse Fees Adjusted Oct 1, 2025
AMS will change the fees charged to warehouse operators under the U.S. Warehouse Act for fiscal year 2026 (beginning October 1, 2025), including license action fees, service license fees, inspection fees, and annual user fees; increases will be limited to covering inflationary costs only.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-19389, Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership
Starting October 22, 2026, the Softwood Lumber Board is updating how it charges fees on imported softwood lumber and changing who gets to be on the Board. If you import softwood lumber or are involved with the Board, these changes could affect your costs and membership rules. This update keeps the lumber industry running smoothly and fairly.
2026-19174, Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Pummelos Grown in Florida; Continuance Referendum
Florida citrus growers who produced oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, or pummelos between August 2025 and July 2026 will vote from October 19 to November 9, 2026, on whether to keep the current marketing rules that help manage their fruit sales. This vote decides if the marketing order stays in place, which affects how their fruit is handled and marketed. The results could impact how these growers do business and possibly their earnings.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07348, Notice of Suspension and Commencement of Proposed Debarment Proceedings; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism
Sholem Steinberg is suspended from the E-Rate Program, which helps schools and libraries get affordable internet and services. The government is starting a process to possibly ban him from these programs for good. Anyone working with him can speak up by sending in their response soon.
Next: 2025-07350, Integrated System-Rate Order No. SWPA-87
The Southwestern Power Administration just approved new power rates that will start right away and last until September 30, 2025. These new rates raise the cost of wholesale hydro and excess energy by about 23%, affecting businesses that buy power from them. If you’re using their power, get ready for a price bump starting now!