USDA Ditches Dusty Rules on Imported Tobacco Inspections and Tests

2026-06375 — Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Decreased Assessment Rate

If you grow or handle sweet onions in the Walla Walla Valley, good news! Starting May 4, 2026, the fee you pay per 50-pound bag drops from 20 cents to 17 cents. This lower rate will stick around until further notice, helping growers save money while keeping those tasty onions coming.

2026-06103 — Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership

If you import softwood lumber into the U.S. or are part of the Softwood Lumber Board, listen up! The USDA wants to clear up how much you pay in fees and change who gets to be on the Board. These updates could affect your costs and membership starting soon, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 29, 2026.

2026-05653 — Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info for the Shell Egg Surveillance Program, which helps make sure eggs are safe and inspected properly. They’re asking for permission to extend this info collection past June 30, 2026, with no big changes or extra costs. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until May 22, 2026, to share them!

2026-05598 — National Organic Program: National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances per October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024 Recommendations (Crops and Livestock)

The USDA wants to update organic farming rules to help farmers grow crops and raise animals better. They’re proposing to allow carbon dioxide for crops, a new pain medicine for animals, and easier rules for poultry feed. These changes could save time and money for organic producers if approved, with public comments open until May 22, 2026.

2026-05542 — Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order

California almond growers might soon get the green light to borrow money from banks to help manage their almond marketing. This change could make it easier for the almond industry to handle costs and keep things running smoothly. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by May 19, 2026!

2026-05330 — Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date

The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and handle big expenses. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these changes won’t kick in until December 31, 2027. This gives everyone more time to think things over and share their thoughts before the rules take effect.

Previous: 2025-09551 — Security Zone; Potomac River and Anacostia River, and Adjacent Waters; Washington, DC

The Coast Guard is setting up a security zone on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers in Washington, DC, to keep everyone safe during the Army's 250th Anniversary celebration. Boats can’t enter or stay in this area unless they get special permission. This temporary rule helps protect officials and the public from any risks before, during, and after the event.

Next: 2025-09550 — Tobacco Grading and Inspections Services-Rescission of Tobacco Quota Provisions

This rule officially ends old tobacco quota rules that haven't been used since 2004. Tobacco farmers and inspectors will no longer follow outdated inspection rules tied to those quotas. This cleanup helps the government focus on current programs without extra paperwork or confusion.