Tobacco Quotas Finally Quit: USDA Ditches 2004 Zombie Rules
Published Date: 5/29/2025
Rule
Summary
This rule officially ends old tobacco quota rules that haven't been used since 2004. Tobacco farmers and inspectors will no longer follow outdated inspection rules tied to those quotas. This cleanup helps the government focus on current programs without extra paperwork or confusion.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ends Old Tobacco Quota Inspections
This rule removes outdated inspection regulations tied to the national tobacco marketing quota system created under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and eliminated by the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004. Tobacco farmers and tobacco inspectors will no longer be required to follow those quota-related inspection rules, which the agency says will reduce paperwork and confusion. The Agricultural Marketing Service says the change aligns with Executive Order 14192 and lets the agency focus on current programs.
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