Popcorn’s Federal Fee Rises by a Kernel-Sized Penny
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Popcorn processors will see a small bump in their fees from 5 to 6 cents per hundredweight to match what’s been charged since 2001. The update also adds rules for late payments and interest charges to keep things fair and on time. Comments on these changes are open until July 10, 2025, so popcorn folks have a chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New Late Fees and 1.25% Monthly Interest
The proposal would add a one-time late payment charge of $250 for any processor who fails to pay assessments within 30 calendar days of the due date, increasing to $500 after 90 days. In addition, 1.25 percent per month interest would be added to any outstanding balance (including late charges and accrued interest) beginning after 30 calendar days and would continue to accrue monthly until paid.
Assessment Rate Updated to 6¢/cwt
The Order would be amended to change the mandatory assessment rate from 5 cents per hundredweight to 6 cents per hundredweight of popcorn, matching the rate that was administratively increased in 2001 and has been charged to processors since. This change applies to processors who process and distribute 4 million pounds or more of popcorn annually (those required to pay assessments).
Exemptions for Small and Certain Organic Processors
Under the Order, processors who process and distribute less than 4 million pounds of popcorn annually are exempt from paying assessments. Processors operating under an approved National Organic Program (NOP) system plan that process only products eligible to be labeled 100 percent organic and are not split operations are also exempt from assessment payments.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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