Popcorn Gets Pricier: Feds Hike Fees for Movie Snack Research
Published Date: 3/10/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 9, 2026, popcorn processors will officially pay a slightly higher fee—6 cents per hundredweight instead of 5 cents—to support popcorn research and promotion. The update also adds rules for late payments, including interest charges, making sure everyone pays on time. This keeps popcorn programs running smoothly and fairly, with no surprise costs since the higher rate has been charged since 2001.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Late Fees: $250 then $500
If a processor fails to pay assessments within 30 calendar days of the due date, a one-time late payment charge of $250 is imposed. That late payment charge increases to $500 after 90 days of delinquency; these charges are codified effective April 9, 2026.
Monthly Interest of 1.25% on Delinquencies
Accounts with assessments unpaid 30 calendar days after the due date will incur interest of 1.25 percent per month on the outstanding balance, including any late payment charges and accrued interest. Interest accrues monthly until the balance is paid; this rule is effective April 9, 2026.
Small Processors Exempt Under 4M Pounds
Processors who process and distribute 4 million pounds or less of popcorn annually are exempt from the mandatory assessment. This exemption criterion is stated in the Order.
Assessment Rate Set at 6¢/cwt
The mandatory popcorn processor assessment in the Order is set to 6 cents per hundredweight (cwt) of popcorn, up from 5 cents per cwt in the text. The change is effective April 9, 2026, and the rule notes the 6-cent rate was administratively charged to processors since 2001.
Organic-Only Processors Are Exempt
Processors operating under an approved National Organic Program (NOP) system plan, processing only products eligible to be labeled 100 percent organic under the NOP, and that are not split operations are exempt from paying assessments. This exemption is specified in the Order.
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