California Olives Get Cheaper Federal Handout—Cheers!
Published Date: 3/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
California olive growers and handlers will see their assessment fee drop from $28 to $24 per ton starting in 2025. This change helps reduce costs for those involved in the olive business and will stay in place until further notice. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by April 8, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Assessment cut to $24 per ton
Starting January 1, 2025, the assessment charged on assessable California olives is reduced from $28 to $24 per ton (a $4 per ton reduction). For the estimated 48,560 tons from the 2024 crop, the proposed $24 rate would generate $1,165,440 in assessment revenue during the 2025 fiscal year and remains in effect until modified.
Lower assessments may reduce producer costs
The rule decreases the assessment obligation on handlers, and some assessment costs may be passed through to olive producers. At the proposed $24 per ton rate and an approximate two-year average producer price of $1,180 per ton, the assessment represents about 2 percent of producer revenue.
Nearly all olive farms are small businesses
According to the analysis, between 99.6 percent and 99.8 percent of California olive farms would be considered small businesses under the SBA definitions (based on acreage and receipts). This means the rule’s economic effects are mostly felt by small grower operations.
No new reporting or paperwork required
This proposed rule does not add any new reporting or recordkeeping requirements; existing information collections remain under OMB No. 0581-0178. Handlers and growers would not face additional federal paperwork because of this rule.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-09058 — 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.
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!
2026-08597 — Almonds Grown in California; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA wants to keep collecting info from California almond growers and update how they do it. This affects farmers and businesses involved in California almonds, helping keep the almond market running smoothly. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 6, 2026—no extra costs, just a little paperwork refresh!
2026-08399 — 2026/2027 Rates Charged for AMS Services
Starting May 1, 2026, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the fees it charges for grading, inspecting, and testing agricultural products like meat, fruits, and cotton. Some fees are going up to cover rising costs, while others stay the same. Warehouse service fees for fiscal year 2027 won’t change, so businesses should plan for these updates as the new crop and fiscal years begin.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04573 — Almonds Grown in California; Extension of Inedible Disposition Obligation Deadline
California almond growers and handlers get more time to handle inedible almonds! The deadline to dispose of almonds that can’t be eaten is extended from September 30 to November 30, and this change will last indefinitely. This gives everyone extra breathing room to manage their crops without rushing, helping keep the almond market smooth and steady.
Next: 2026-04599 — Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Program
The USDA wants to make it easier and clearer for companies importing dairy products under special tariff limits by updating the rules. They’re tightening up how licenses can be suspended or canceled and moving up the deadline to give back unused import rights so others can use them sooner. If you import dairy, these changes could affect your plans starting soon, so get ready and share your thoughts by April 8, 2026!