California Raisins Shrink Their 47-Person Government Committee to 21
Published Date: 10/9/2026
Rule
Summary
California raisin producers just voted to shake things up! The USDA is cutting the Raisin Committee from 47 to 21 members, changing how reps are chosen, and tweaking rules about raisin quality and marketing. These changes kick in on November 9, 2026, aiming to make raisin handling smoother and more modern without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Reconditioned Raisins Treated as Standard Raisins
All raisins that have been inspected and certified as meeting the minimum grade, quality, and condition standards—whether on incoming inspection or after reconditioning—will be determined to be standard raisins, labeled accordingly, and eligible for commercial disposition as natural condition raisins or packed raisins in normal outlets (new Sec. 989.58(g)).
Smaller Raisin Committee and New Seats
If you are a California raisin producer or handler, the Raisin Administrative Committee is cut from 47 members to 21 members (12 producers, 8 handlers, 1 public member). The rule removes producer district representation, adds an unaffiliated producer seat, eliminates the designated cooperative bargaining association seat, and lowers the quorum requirement from 25 to 14. The rule is effective November 9, 2026; initial members serving prior to the effective date may serve until April 30, 2026 and new terms begin May 1, 2026.
Simpler Nomination and Voting Rules
If you are an independent producer or part of a small cooperative, you no longer have separate nomination tracks for member and alternate member positions; nominations and voting procedures for independent and small cooperative producers are consolidated. The regulatory text in Sec. 989.129 also reverts the term 'ballot' to 'vote.' The apportionment changes commence with the term of office beginning May 1, 2026.
Fewer Factors for Marketing Policy Decisions
The Committee will no longer consider factor 4 and part of factor 5 when establishing marketing policy (Sec. 989.54 is amended to remove paragraph (a)(4) and remove the clause 'considering the estimated world raisin supply and demand situation'). This change is intended to remove outdated considerations and improve administrative efficiency.
Committee May Accept Voluntary Contributions
The Committee is authorized to accept voluntary contributions, provided such contributions are used only to pay expenses authorized under Sec. 989.79, are free of donor encumbrances, and the Committee retains complete control of their use (new Sec. 989.63).
Intellectual Property Owned by the Committee
Patents, copyrights, trademarks, inventions, product formulations, and publications developed using Committee funds will be the property of the U.S. Government as represented by the Committee; any rents, royalties, or other income from these intellectual property (IP) rights will inure to the Committee and be subject to the Committee's fiscal controls and possible licensing with Secretary approval (new Sec. 989.64). Agreements will govern ownership/rights if outside funds or licenses are involved.
No Companion Handler Agreement Established
The amended marketing agreement was mailed to all handlers but was not approved by handlers representing more than 50 percent of the volume of raisins handled during the August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025 representative period; consequently, a companion handler agreement will not be established.
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
2026-20622, Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order
California almond growers and handlers are getting a new power to borrow money from banks to help run their marketing order smoothly. This change aims to keep things running without hiccups and will be voted on between November 2 and 20, 2026. If approved, it could make managing almond marketing more flexible and financially stable.
2026-20095, United States Grain Standards Act Award of Designations
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service just gave official thumbs-up to seven grain inspection groups across the U.S. These groups will keep making sure grain quality meets standards in their areas starting now, helping farmers and buyers trust their grain’s grade. If you’re in North Dakota, Omaha, Fremont, Champaign, Maryland, Enid, or Eastern Iowa, this news means smooth grain inspections ahead with no extra costs announced.
2026-19887, Almonds Grown in California; Extension of Inedible Disposition Obligation Deadline
California almond growers and handlers now have two extra months to handle inedible almonds, extending the deadline from September 30 to November 30 every year. This change helps them manage almond quality and market supply better without rushing. The new rule kicks in on October 29, 2026, giving the industry more flexibility and smoother operations.
2026-19623, National Organic Program: Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Previously Approved Information Collection (2027)
The USDA’s National Organic Program is planning to extend and update its paperwork rules for organic farmers and businesses through 2030. This means folks involved in organic farming will see some changes in how they report info, helping keep organic standards strong and clear. Comments on these updates are open until November 24, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-19420, Fruit Crops; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info about fruit crops and make some updates to how they do it. This affects fruit growers and businesses involved in federal marketing orders. They’re asking for your thoughts by November 23, 2026, and this helps keep fruit marketing smooth without extra costs.
2026-19389, Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership
Starting October 22, 2026, the Softwood Lumber Board is updating how it charges fees on imported softwood lumber and changing who gets to be on the Board. If you import softwood lumber or are involved with the Board, these changes could affect your costs and membership rules. This update keeps the lumber industry running smoothly and fairly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20757, Schedules of Controlled Substances; Removal of Exemption Status for Inactive Butalbital Products
The DEA is removing the special exemption for certain inactive butalbital prescription products that are no longer made or sold. Starting November 9, 2026, these products won’t be treated as exempt under drug laws anymore, but active products stay the same. This change mainly affects drug companies and pharmacies handling these old products, with no new costs for active medicines.
Next: C1-2026-20019, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
This update fixes a date typo in the rules about groundfish fishing limits in Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Fishermen and fishery managers need to note that the correct deadline is September 30, 2026, not October 30. This change helps everyone stay on track with fishing rules and avoid confusion about when new limits take effect.