Honey Packers Stung with Extra Penny-Per-Pound Fee Hike
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 1, 2026, honey packers and importers will pay a bit more for each pound of honey they handle—going from 1.5 cents to 1.75 cents, then jumping to 2 cents on January 1, 2027. This change helps fund programs that support the honey industry and will stay in place until further notice. If you’re in the honey business, get ready to chip in a little extra to keep the buzz going!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Assessment Rate Rises Twice in 2026–2027
If you are a first handler or importer of honey that handles or imports more than 250,000 pounds per calendar year, your assessment (a per‑pound fee) rises from $0.015 to $0.0175 on September 1, 2026, and then to $0.02 on January 1, 2027. The higher rate stays in effect indefinitely until modified or terminated.
Importers Pay Most Of The Increase
The rule estimates the assessment increase will add $2.99 million to the program budget based on 2024 volumes, of which importers would pay about $2.42 million and first handlers about $567,782. Importers therefore bear roughly 81% of the additional assessment burden under the program's 2024 share.
Organic Imports Remain Exempt But Need Reimbursement
Certified 100% organic honey remains exempt from assessments, but Customs collects the assessment at import and importers must request a reimbursement from the National Honey Board. The Board must set aside funds to cover reimbursement requests, which affects the Board's budgeting and can cause temporary cash flow effects for importers.
Small‑scale and Hobbyist Beekeepers Not Assessed
Most small‑scale and hobbyist beekeepers are not subject to the Order and do not pay the assessments because assessments apply only to first handlers and importers who handle or import more than 250,000 pounds per calendar year. AMS does not expect those small‑scale beekeepers to be harmed by this rule.
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