USDA Updates Rules to Track Sneaky Pale Cyst Nematode Spread
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA wants to keep collecting info to stop the pesky pale cyst nematode from spreading across states. They’re updating the rules and asking for your thoughts by June 29, 2026. This affects farmers and businesses moving certain plants, but no big costs are expected—just smarter tracking to protect crops.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Interstate potato rules stay in place
If you are a U.S. potato producer, packer, processor, or handler, APHIS is seeking OMB approval to continue collecting information under the Pale Cyst Nematode rules (OMB Control Number 0579-0322) for an additional three years. The rule governs interstate movement of potatoes, soil, and other host material under Subpart S (7 CFR 301.86–301.86-9).
Specific paperwork you may need
If you move regulated potatoes, soil, or other host material interstate, you may need to complete activities such as Self-Certification, Packing Facility Process Approval, appeals of withdrawn certificates or compliance agreements, labeling, and Cyst Nematode Surveys. These specific information-collection activities are part of the Pale Cyst Nematode regulations listed in Subpart S.
Form consolidation lowered reported burden
APHIS removed PPQ Forms 519, 540, and 590 and moved those activities into a new Common Form Information Collection, and reports a resulting decrease in the number of responses and total burden hours. APHIS estimates an average burden of 1.782 hours per response, with 74 annual respondents, 78 annual responses total, and 139 total annual burden hours.
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