Sixteen States, One Pecan Council, And A Late-Fee Proposal
Published Date: 11/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Pecan growers and shellers in 16 states will see some fresh changes! The American Pecan Council wants to simplify membership rules, tweak reporting forms, and add fees for late payments. These updates aim to make things fairer and smoother, with comments open until December 9, 2026—so get ready to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New Late Fee and Interest on Assessments
If you are a handler and fail to pay assessments on time, the Council would impose a one-time late payment charge equal to 5 percent of the overdue assessments if not received within 30 calendar days of the due date, plus a 1 percent per month interest charge on the outstanding balance (including the late fee) until paid.
All Sheller Seats Made At‑Large
If you are a pecan sheller (handler), the rule combines the three existing sheller regions into one at-large sheller region covering all production states and opens all six sheller Council seats to any qualified sheller regardless of location or size. The rule also staggers initial terms so Seats 1–3 serve two-year initial terms and Seats 4–6 serve four-year initial terms, after which all sheller seats serve four-year terms with half expiring every two years.
Inter‑Handler Transfer Reports Due Monthly
If you handle pecans, you must submit inter‑handler transfer reports monthly by the 10th day of the month following a transfer (or next business day if the 10th is a weekend/holiday). Each APC Form 4 must include the month of transfer, the weight and type of inshell pecans transferred, names and signatures of both handlers, and which handler assumes reporting and assessment obligations; the Council notes this monthly requirement typically applies about four months of the year (November through February) for many handlers.
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Key Dates
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