The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the regulations governing the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products to more equitably and accurately assess fees based on actual volume inspected. These changes include using either a per-pound fee structure for certain Section 8e import inspections or a minimum fee equivalent to a two-hour charge computed at the current established hourly rate, whichever is greater; and a 50% reduction to the sublot fee. 

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of four members to serve on the Mushroom Council beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Three of the appointees will serve three-year terms through Dec. 31, 2027. The appointee for Region 1 will serve a one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2025. 

Newly appointed members: 

Docket Number: AMS-FGIS-24-0010
Effective Date: January 27, 2025

Summary

Docket Number: AMS-NOP-22-0063
Effective Date: As of February 10, 2025, the effective date of the final rule amending 7 CFR part 205, published on December 23, 2024 (89 FR 104367), is delayed until March 21, 2025.

Compliance Date:

Organic operations must comply with the requirements of this rule by March 22, 2027.

Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Dried Cranberries for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Frozen Blueberries for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Dried Plums for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 156 delegates, including 150 producers and six importers, to the 2025 National Pork Producers Delegate Body.

Members appointed to serve one-year terms are:

• Alabama: Daniel Tubbs, Oakman; and Brian L. Anderson, Auburn

• Alaska: Patricia Worrell, Wasilla; and Richard Worrell, Wasilla

Docket Number: AMS-SC-24-0020
Effective Date: January 22, 2025

Summary

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 11 members to serve on the National Potato Promotion Board beginning March 1, 2025. Nine producer members and one public member will serve three-year terms ending Feb. 28, 2028, and one producer appointee will serve a two-year term ending Feb. 28, 2027.

Newly appointed Producer Members: