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The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule that amends the pricing provisions in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These changes include updating milk composition factors and surveyed commodity products, revising Class III and IV formula factors, and modifying the Class I skim milk price calculation. Most amendments will take effect on June 1, 2025, while certain adjustments related to skim milk composition will be effective December 1, 2025. This rule aims to more accurately reflect current market conditions and ensure orderly milk marketing.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the 2021 fee schedule for the official inspection and weighing of grain, required by the United States Grain Standards Act. The schedule adjusts fees based on the annual evaluation of operational costs and reserve funds. As the operating reserve was short of the target, all Schedule A service fees increased by 5% for 2021. Information on these fees is available on the agency's public website.

The Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order has been amended to increase the assessment rate from $0.35 to $0.41 per thousand board feet. This rule is administered by the Softwood Lumber Board under the oversight of the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA. The additional funds will support ongoing and new initiatives to promote softwood lumber. This change follows the review of past expenditures and revenues and aims to support the lumber industry's growth, addressing both current challenges and new opportunities.

The Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule superseding the interim rule to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule outlines regulations for State and Tribal plans and a Federal plan for hemp production where State or Tribal plans are not USDA-approved. The program details requirements for record-keeping, THC level testing, disposal of non-compliant plants, producer licensing, and overall compliance. The rule also specifies procedures for land use data collection and cooperation with law enforcement and other agricultural agencies.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule aiming to make payments to poultry growers fairer. This rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits certain unfair practices used by live poultry dealers, especially in the competitive systems that determine how much growers are paid. It also requires dealers to provide more information to growers before asking them to invest in expensive farm updates, helping to reduce confusion and unfair advantage. Overall, the rule strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in the industry.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule revising the fee structure for Section 8e import inspections of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Inspections will now be charged on a per-pound basis instead of a per-carlot basis, with a significant reduction in additional sublot fees by 50%. This change aims to better reflect the actual inspection costs and reduce financial impact on smaller shipments. The rule is expected to result in equal or lower fees for about 77% of the inspections conducted over recent years and is designed to avoid disproportionately burdening small businesses.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to amend the USDA organic regulations with new standards for organic mushroom production and pet food handling. This rule clarifies standards such as the composition and sourcing of materials used in organic mushroom production and the use of synthetic nutrients like taurine in organic pet food. These amendments aim to resolve inconsistencies in existing regulations to promote fair competition and market growth for both organic mushrooms and pet food. The rule is effective February 21, 2025, with compliance required by February 22, 2027.

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has approved a recommendation to increase the assessment rate for watermelons under the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan. The new rate boosts the assessment from six to nine cents per hundredweight. Domestic producers with 10 acres or more and domestic handlers will each pay four and a half cents per hundredweight, while importers of 150,000 pounds or more will pay nine cents per hundredweight. This increase aims to address inflation's impact on the plan’s buying power and continues to support marketing and research efforts, benefiting the watermelon industry overall. The rule also includes administrative corrections without changing the assessment rate.

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA proposes a rule to increase the assessment rate for oranges and grapefruit grown in Texas's Lower Rio Grande Valley from $0.03 to $0.04 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and beyond. This increase aims to cover expenses and restore financial reserves. The Texas Valley Citrus Committee, comprising local producers and handlers, recommended this change to ensure sufficient funds for the operation of the marketing order. A 30-day period is open for public comments, allowing interested individuals to express their views on the proposal.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to seek approval to extend a currently approved information collection known as the Agritourism Directory. This directory helps small and medium-sized farmers enhance market access by listing working farms, ranches, and related operations that provide recreational and educational opportunities. The information gathered will be used to update the USDA's National Local Food Directories, which connect consumers and wholesale buyers with local food sources. Comments on the notice are invited and must be received by March 24, 2025.