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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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