🥭Mango Promotion Referendum Notice for Business Stakeholders
This notice directs that a referendum be conducted among eligible first handlers and importers of mangos to determine whether they favor continuance of the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) regulations regarding a national mango research and promotion program.
Learn More🌰Imported Walnuts Regulation Changes by USDA
This direct final rule stays the regulation governing imports of walnuts in order to align it with regulations prescribed under the Federal marketing order regulating the handling of walnuts grown in California. This action is required under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended.
Learn More🍉USDA Proposes Realignment of Watermelon Research and Promotion Board
This proposed rule invites comments on realigning the representation on the National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board) prescribed in the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) by adjusting several production districts and reducing the number of importers on the Board. This action would contribute to effective administration of the program.
Learn More🍔FDA and USDA Extend Comment Period on Ultra-Processed Foods
FDA and USDA (we) are extending the comment period for the notice that appeared in the Federal Register of July 25, 2025. In the notice, we requested data and information to help develop a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF or UPFs). In response to requests for an extension, we are extending the comment period until October 23, 2025, to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.
Learn More🌰Decreased Assessment Rate for Pistachios in Key Producing States
This final rule implements a recommendation from the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (Committee) to decrease the assessment rate established for the 2024-2025 and subsequent production years from $0.0007 to $0.0003 per pound of assessable pistachios handled under the marketing order. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Learn More🌾USDA Eliminates Race and Sex Benefits in Agricultural Aid Programs
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is issuing this notice to announce that it will no longer employ the race- and sex-based "socially disadvantaged" designation to provide increased benefits based on race and sex set forth in the Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) for the following programs: the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 1, the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) Phase 1 and Phase 2, ERP 2022 Track 1 and Track 2, and ELRP 2022.
Learn More🥩FSIS Guidelines for Food Safety Inspection Application
FSIS is announcing the availability of and requesting comments on a new guideline titled FSIS Guideline for Applying for USDA FSIS Inspection. FSIS developed this guideline to provide businesses interested in applying for FSIS inspection with information about determining the need for FSIS inspection, products exempt from routine inspection, the application process, FSIS verification activities, and resources to support new applicants.
Learn More🍅Revision of U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Tomato Products
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to revise seven U.S. grade standards for canned tomato products. AMS is proposing to update the color sections in the grade standards, replace the two- term grading system (dual-nomenclature) with a single term, and make editorial changes. AMS is also proposing to change the spelling of "catsup" to the more commonly used term "ketchup."
Learn More💵Notice of Funding for Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications for loans and grants under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs (REDLG or Programs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued prior to the passage of a FY 2026 Appropriations Act, which may or may not provide funding for this program, to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2026. Based on FY 2025 appropriated funding and current budget situation, the Agency estimates that approximately $50,000,000 for Loans and $10,000,000 for Grants will be available for FY 2026. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Learn More🌲Update on Pilgrim Creek Timber Sale Project in Kootenai National Forest
The USDA Forest Service is giving notice of its intent to prepare a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the Pilgrim Creek Timber Sale Project on the Cabinet Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest, in Montana. Forest Supervisor Chadwick Benson plans to prepare a SEIS to update assumptions related to closed roads barrier effectiveness, in alignment with the monitoring data that has been reported and incorporates results of Endangered Species Act consultation consistent with Case No. 9:18-cv-00067-DWM Memorandum and Decision Order (October 3, 2019). The environmental analysis will follow 36 CFR 220 (rescinded in 2025 by 90 FR 29632). The original project was developed using 36 CFR 220 regulations. The Forest has chosen to complete the SEIS using the same regulations as the original EIS.
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