Federal Register #Doc. No. AMS-SC-25-0040

USDA Assessment Rate Increase for Texas Citrus and FAA Directive for Textron Aviation Model 408

This opportunity involves two proposed federal actions impacting agriculture and aviation sectors: - USDA Agricultural Marketing Service - Proposes to increase the assessment rate for oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas - New rate: $0.07 per 7/10-bushel carton (up from $0.04) - Applies to approximately 3,600,000 cartons for the 2025-2026 fiscal period and beyond - Funds will support compliance activities and financial reserves for the Texas Valley Citrus Committee - All handlers of Texas oranges and grapefruit are subject to the assessment - No specific OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory assessment, not a procurement of goods or services - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Proposes an airworthiness directive for Textron Aviation Inc. Model 408 airplanes - Requires revision of maintenance manuals and inspection programs - Focuses on horizontal and vertical stabilizer spar inspections to address safety concerns - Textron Aviation Inc. is the OEM for the affected aircraft - Notable Requirements - Uniform application of the assessment to all handlers - Compliance with updated airworthiness limitations for specified aircraft - Key Locations - Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas (place of performance for agricultural assessment) - FAA Wichita Office, Kansas (aviation compliance) - U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC (contracting office)

Description

This proposed rule would implement a recommendation from the Texas Valley Citrus Committee to increase the assessment rate for oranges and grapefruit grown in Texas from $0.04 to $0.07 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent. The increased assessment rate is intended to provide additional funding for compliance and to increase the financial reserve. The rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated. Comments on the proposed rule must be received by May 29, 2026.

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