Federal Register #Doc. No. AMS-SC-24-0075

USDA Final Rule: Decreased Assessment Rate for Southeastern California Grapes

This final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) addresses the assessment rate for grapes grown in southeastern California: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - Specialty Crops Program, Market Development Division, West Region Branch - Products/Services Requested: - Assessment on California grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California - New assessment rate: $0.030 per 18-pound lug (reduced from $0.040) - Applies to approximately 2 million 18-pound lugs for the 2025 fiscal period and subsequent periods - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement of goods or services - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The rate change is based on a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee - Intended to draw down reserve funds to an appropriate level while ensuring sufficient funding for committee operations - Affects about six producers and six handlers, mostly small entities - The rule remains in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated

Description

This final rule, issued by the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA, decreases the assessment rate for grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California from $0.040 to $0.030 per 18-pound lug for the 2025 fiscal period and subsequent periods. The assessment funds are used to administer Marketing Order No. 925, which regulates the handling of these grapes. The rate reduction aims to draw down reserve funds to an appropriate level while ensuring sufficient funding for committee operations. The rule is effective May 11, 2026, and applies indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.

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