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 Tobacco farmers and inspectors will no longer follow outdated inspection rules tied to those quotas.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This rule removes outdated inspection regulations tied to the national tobacco marketing quota system created under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and eliminated by the Fair and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.
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
2026-16723, Walnuts Grown in California; Changes to Administrative Requirements
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.
2026-15718, Tobacco Report: Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
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).
2026-15525, Clingstone Peach Diversion Program; Amendment of Program Regulations
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.
2026-14927, Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2026-2027 Marketing Year
Farmers growing spearmint oil in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah will see new limits on how much Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil they can sell during the 2026-2027 season. These changes help balance supply and demand, keeping the market steady and fair. If you’re involved, get ready to follow the new rules starting this marketing year, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by August 24, 2026!
2026-14918, Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Grape growers in southeastern California are set to pay less for their crop assessments, dropping from 3 cents to 2.5 cents per 18-pound lug starting in 2026. This change helps farmers save money while supporting their local grape programs. Comments on this proposal are open until August 24, 2026, so folks have a chance to weigh in!
2026-14455, Export Fruit Acts; Notice of Request for Renewal of a Recordkeeping Burden
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info from apple and grape exporters to keep things running smoothly under the Export Fruit Acts. This renewal won’t change the rules or costs but helps track exports better. If you’re involved in exporting these fruits, you can share your thoughts by September 15, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09553, Tobacco Grading and Inspections Services-Rescission of Obsolete Import Grading and Pesticide Testing Provisions
This update stops old rules that required checking imported tobacco for quality and pesticides because those rules aren’t needed anymore. Tobacco importers and sellers will no longer have to follow these outdated inspections, saving time and hassle. The changes take effect right away, making the process smoother and simpler without extra costs.
Next: 2025-09581, Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2023 and 2024
The Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2023 and 2024 helps livestock producers who lost animals or feed because of droughts or wildfires in 2023 and 2024. If you already signed up for a related program, you don’t need to apply again—payments will be calculated automatically. This means faster help and money in producers’ pockets without extra paperwork!