Kiwifruit Grown in California and Imported Kiwifruit; Modification of Handling Regulations
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
California kiwifruit growers and importers are getting a fresh update! The rules are changing to allow slightly smaller kiwifruits (except one special type) to be sold, making it easier to handle and sell more fruit. Comments on this tasty proposal are open until April 7, 2026, so get ready to share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New larger size categories defined
The rule adds two new large size designations for kiwifruit: Size 12 (maximum 19 pieces per 8‑pound sample) and Size 15 (maximum 22 pieces per 8‑pound sample). It also removes the wording "or larger" from the current "18 or larger" label (leaving Size 18 defined as 25 pieces per 8‑pound sample) and sets a 1‑inch size variation tolerance for Sizes 12 and 15 to help standardize packing and inspections.
Minimum size relaxed for most kiwifruit
For all kiwifruit varieties except Actinidia chinensis, the minimum size definition (Size 45) is relaxed by increasing the maximum from 55 pieces to 56 pieces per 8‑pound sample. The same change is proposed for the import rule (7 CFR 944.550), which the USDA says will allow a greater quantity of non‑Actinidia chinensis kiwifruit to be imported.
Small businesses are the main affected group
About 108 California kiwifruit growers and 19 handlers are subject to the Order; AMS estimates more than 90% of growers and at least 84% of handlers meet SBA small‑business size limits. AMS states the proposed changes would not impose additional costs on industry and are expected to benefit growers, handlers, and consumers.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02370 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Fixed Gear Marking and Entanglement Risk Reduction
Fishermen using fixed gear off the West Coast will soon need to mark their gear clearly and follow new steps to reduce the chance of marine animals getting tangled. These changes aim to protect ocean life while helping identify which gear causes problems. Comments on the plan are open until March 9, 2026, so fishers and the public can weigh in before it’s final.
Next: 2026-02381 — Air Plan Approval; Pennsylvania; Proposed Revision to Philadelphia Gas Works, Richmond Plant Reasonably Available Control Technology Plan Under the 1997 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA wants to approve a change to Pennsylvania’s plan for controlling pollution at the Philadelphia Gas Works Richmond Plant. This update removes an old rule but doesn’t change how much pollution the plant can release. People can share their thoughts by March 9, 2026, but no new costs or pollution limits are involved.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in