Federal Register #2026-17715

Final Rule: Increased Assessment Rate for Honey Packers and Importers

This final rule from the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) updates the assessment rate for honey packers and importers: - Government Buyer: - Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - OEMs and Vendors: - National Honey Board (administers the program) - Key Details: - Increases the assessment rate for first handlers and importers of honey and honey products from 1.5 cents ($0.015) per pound to 2 cents ($0.02) per pound - Implements an interim rate of $0.0175 per pound before the final rate takes effect - Applies to handlers and importers exceeding 250,000 pounds annually - Organic honey, as defined by the National Organic Program, may be exempt from assessments - Purpose: - Assessment funds support research, promotion, consumer education, and industry information programs to strengthen the honey market - Notable Requirements: - No procurement of products or services is requested; this is a regulatory change establishing a fee structure for industry participants

Description

This final rule implements a recommendation from the National Honey Board to increase the assessment rate for first handlers and importers from 1.5 cents ($0.015) per pound of assessable honey and honey products to 2 cents ($0.02) per pound over two fiscal periods. The assessment rate will be $0.0175 per pound effective September 1, 2026, and will increase to $0.02 per pound on January 1, 2027. The assessment funds research, promotion, consumer education, and industry information programs to strengthen the honey industry's market position. The rate increase addresses inflation and rising costs impacting the Board's budget and operations.

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