Feds Cap How Much Spearmint Oil Farmers Can Sell
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Farmers growing spearmint oil in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah will see new limits on how much Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil they can sell during the 2026-2027 season. These changes help balance supply and demand, keeping the market steady and fair. If you’re involved, get ready to follow the new rules starting this marketing year, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by August 24, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
2026–27 Sales Limits for Spearmint
If you produce or handle Far West spearmint oil, new volume limits apply for the 2026-2027 marketing year beginning June 1, 2026. Class 1 (Scotch) is set at a salable quantity of 979,704 pounds with an allotment percentage of 42 percent, and Class 3 (Native) is set at a salable quantity of 1,145,220 pounds with an allotment percentage of 43 percent.
Rules for Excess Oil Transfers and Reserve
If you produce more than your annual allotment, you may transfer the excess to other producers. Any excess spearmint oil not transferred by December 1 each year must be placed into the reserve pool and is restricted from entering the market that marketing year.
In-Season Increases Allowed If Needed
The Committee can recommend intra-seasonal increases to salable quantities and allotment percentages during the 2026-2027 marketing year if market demand rises and the current levels are insufficient. This gives producers and handlers a way to increase allowable sales within the same marketing year if needed.
Most Affected Firms Are Small Businesses
The Committee reports approximately 38 Scotch producers and 84 Native producers in the regulated area and about six handlers. Using 2024 prices, the Committee estimates 37 of the 38 Scotch producers and all 84 Native producers would meet the Small Business Administration size standard for small agricultural producers, and all six handlers would be below the $34,000,000 handler threshold.
No New Reporting or Recordkeeping Required
This proposed rule does not add any new reporting or recordkeeping requirements and does not change the Order's existing information collection approved under OMB No. 0581-0178. Producers and handlers should continue current recordkeeping practices.
Consumer Prices Not Expected to Rise
The Committee and AMS expect the proposed salable quantities and allotment percentages will match supply with estimated demand and are not expected to cause shortages or reduce retail sales of products containing spearmint oil. The Committee estimates total trade demand of 1,800,000 pounds and projects total available supply of about 2,281,756 pounds for 2026-2027, with a reserve pool around 1,300,000 pounds.
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