California Raisin Committee Seeks Vote to Shrink and Reform Itself
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
California raisin growers might see some big changes soon! The USDA is proposing to shrink the Raisin Administrative Committee, simplify how members are chosen, and update rules about raisin quality and marketing. Growers will vote on these changes in a referendum from January 12 to 30, 2026, so their voices really count—and these updates could shake up how raisins are handled and sold.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Raisin Committee Shrinks to 21 Members
If you are a California raisin producer or handler, the Raisin Administrative Committee would be reduced from 47 members and 47 alternates to 21 members (12 producers, 8 handlers, 1 public member) and alternates. Producer seats would drop (from 35 to 12), handler seats would drop (from 10 to 8), the designated cooperative bargaining association seat would be eliminated, an unaffiliated independent producer seat would be added, producer district representation would be removed, and quorum would be lowered from 25 to 14.
Separate Nominations for Independents Removed
If you are an independent raisin producer or part of a small cooperative in California, separate nomination procedures for independent producers and small cooperative-affiliated producers would be eliminated, streamlining nomination and ballot procedures and allowing greater competition for Committee positions. Apportionment language for unaffiliated independent producers takes effect beginning with the term starting May 1, 2026.
Reconditioned Raisins Treated as 'Standard Raisins'
If you handle or sell California raisins, the rule would clarify that any raisins inspected and certified as meeting minimum grade, quality, and condition standards—whether reconditioned or not—are 'standard raisins' and eligible for normal commercial sale and labeling. The change is intended to remove negative market impressions of reconditioned fruit and streamline sales.
Committee May Accept Contributions and IP Revenue
The Committee would be allowed to accept voluntary contributions and to own/use intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks, product formulations, publications), collect rents/royalties, and license such property. Income from these sources would inure to the Committee and be usable for authorized expenses under the Order.
Growers Vote in January 2026 Referendum
California raisin growers who produced raisins during the representative period (August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025) will be eligible to vote in a referendum to approve these proposed amendments; the referendum will run January 12, 2026 through January 30, 2026. Your vote will determine whether the proposed amendments become the Order's terms.
Most Raisin Producers Are Small; AMS Sees No Burden
AMS found that a majority of California raisin producers would qualify as small entities under the SBA threshold ($4.0 million annual receipts) and concluded that the evidence presented shows none of the proposed amendments would have burdensome effects on small agricultural producers or firms.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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