National Organic Program: 2026 Sunset Review and Substance Renewals

2026-10880 — Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date

The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and how capital improvements are handled. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these rules won’t take effect until December 31, 2027. This delay gives everyone more time to think through the changes and what they mean for growers and poultry dealers.

2026-10378 — Onions Grown in South Texas; Temporary Suspension of Continuance Referendum

Onion growers in South Texas won’t have to vote in the usual 2026 continuance referendum because it’s temporarily paused. This pause lets the USDA focus on updating the marketing rules first, giving farmers time to adjust before the next vote, which won’t happen until 2032. The change kicks in May 26, 2026, and could affect how onions are marketed and sold, but no extra costs are expected right now.

2026-09571 — Designation Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act

The USDA is opening up chances for companies and state agencies to become official grain inspectors in six areas because some current inspectors’ designations are ending or were canceled. If you want to apply or share your thoughts on the current inspectors, you’ve got from June 1 to June 30, 2026, to do it. This is a great opportunity for new players to step in and keep grain inspections running smoothly, with no fees mentioned.

2026-09326 — Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum

California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 18 to June 8, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage how kiwifruit is grown and sold. Only growers who produced fresh-market kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This vote decides if the marketing order continues, which affects how the industry works and could impact growers’ costs and sales.

2026-09063 — United States Standards for Grades of Nectarines

The USDA wants to update nectarine grading rules by removing 'speckling' as a defect since it’s just a cosmetic thing and actually means sweeter fruit. This change helps farmers, sellers, and buyers better match today’s quality and could boost how nectarines are sold. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to speak up!

2026-09058 — Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2025-2026 Marketing Year

The USDA is setting new limits on how much spearmint oil can be sold from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah for the 2025-2026 season. This affects spearmint oil farmers and buyers by controlling supply to keep the market steady. The new rules kick in on June 8, 2026, helping producers plan and protect their earnings.

Previous: 2026-02501 — Protection of Federal Property; Technical Amendment

The Department of Homeland Security fixed some outdated references in its rules that protect Federal property by removing links to old regulations that no longer exist. They also made the photography rules clearer so everyone knows what’s allowed and what’s not. These changes take effect on February 9, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or cause delays.

Next: 2026-02567 — Safety Zone; Ice Accumulations; Ohio River, Pittsburgh, PA

Starting February 9 through March 1, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on parts of the Ohio River near Pittsburgh to keep people and boats safe from dangerous ice buildup. Only those with special permission can enter these areas, helping prevent accidents and damage. This quick action means boaters need to plan ahead but won’t face any new fees.