Feds Jack Up Popcorn Tax—Kernel of Truth?
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Popcorn processors, listen up! The fee you pay per hundredweight of popcorn is officially going up from 5 to 6 cents to match what’s been charged since 2001. Plus, if payments are late, there’ll be new interest charges to keep things fair and on time. These changes aim to keep popcorn promotion and research running smoothly without surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Assessment Rate Raised to $0.06/cwt
The rule would raise the mandatory assessment paid by popcorn processors from $0.05 to $0.06 per hundredweight of popcorn. The change formalizes the rate that has been charged since an administrative increase in 2001.
New Late Payment and Interest Charges
The proposal would add a new Subpart C that prescribes late payment and interest charges on past due assessments for the Popcorn Order. If processors do not pay assessments on time, they could incur these additional charges.
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
2026-16910, National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend a Previously Approved Information Collection (Strengthening Organic Enforcement) (2026)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request an extension and revision of a previously approved information collection titled "National Organic Program: Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)" (OMB Control Number: 0581-0321).
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.
2026-14918, 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!
2026-14927, 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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10431, Amendment of Class D and E Airspace Over Hickory and Morganton, NC
The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Hickory and Morganton, NC, to make flying safer and smoother. They’re fixing a mistake in the old plan, making the controlled airspace bigger, and adding new areas to match updated flight paths and runway changes. These changes mainly affect pilots flying with instruments and won’t cost anyone extra or change when they take effect.
Next: 2025-10503, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 3-Methoxyphencyclidine (1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine) in Schedule I
The DEA wants to put 3-methoxyphencyclidine (a hallucinogenic drug) into Schedule I, meaning it’s considered very risky and illegal to handle without special permission. This change affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or owns this drug and helps the U.S. follow international drug rules. If approved, the new rules and penalties will kick in soon, with no extra costs for most people.