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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14918, Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Grape growers in southeastern California are set to pay less for their crop assessments, dropping from 3 cents to 2.5 cents per 18-pound lug starting in 2026. This change helps farmers save money while supporting their local grape programs. Comments on this proposal are open until August 24, 2026, so folks have a chance to weigh in!
2026-14455, Export Fruit Acts; Notice of Request for Renewal of a Recordkeeping Burden
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info from apple and grape exporters to keep things running smoothly under the Export Fruit Acts. This renewal won’t change the rules or costs but helps track exports better. If you’re involved in exporting these fruits, you can share your thoughts by September 15, 2026.
2026-13761, United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
The USDA is thinking about updating how beef carcasses get graded to better match today’s fancy Wagyu genetics and new science on beef tenderness. They want to add more detail to the Prime grade and might drop the old bone-age rule for younger cows. Farmers, meat sellers, and beef lovers should weigh in by September 8, 2026, to help shape these tasty changes!
2026-13393, Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep and update its paperwork for checking and grading processed dairy products. This affects dairy plants that use USDA graders to make sure their products meet quality and safety standards. Comments on these changes are open until August 31, 2026, with no new costs expected for businesses.
2026-12846, United States Standards for Grades of Orange Juice
The USDA just updated the rules for grading orange juice, especially how sweet Grade B pasteurized orange juice needs to be, matching FDA’s standards. This change affects juice makers and sellers by making grading clearer and more consistent, with no big cost impacts expected. The new standards are official as of June 25, 2026, so the juice world can sip with confidence!
2026-12563, Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2025 Amendments)
The USDA is proposing to lower the value used to calculate extra fees on imported cotton, so importers pay the same as U.S. cotton growers. This update keeps the fees fair and reflects changes since 2024. Importers and businesses dealing with cotton products should weigh in by July 23, 2026, before the new rules take effect.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14923, Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; New Jersey; RACT Certifications for the 2008 and 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA is proposing to approve New Jersey’s plan to control air pollution and meet ozone standards set in 2008 and 2015. This plan helps keep the air cleaner for everyone, especially in areas with serious ozone problems. Businesses and communities will follow updated rules soon, with public comments open until August 24, 2026.
Next: 2026-14937, Removal of Reporting Requirements
The EEOC wants to stop requiring employers to file several annual reports about their workforce because these reports don’t really help fight discrimination and create extra work. This change affects all employers who currently submit these reports and aims to save time and money. Comments are open until August 24, 2026, with a public hearing on August 11, so now’s the time to speak up!