USDA Finalizes California Raisin Marketing Order Changes: Committee Shrinks From 47 to 21, Effective November 9
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a final rule on October 9 amending Marketing Order No. 989, which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California. The amendments were proposed by the Raisin Administrative Committee and adopted after a public hearing and a referendum in which California raisin producers voted in favor; the rule takes effect November 9, 2026.
The main changes concern the committee's makeup: membership falls from 47 to 21 and the quorum requirement drops from 25 to 14. Representation by producer district is removed, a seat for an unaffiliated producer is added, and the seat reserved for the designated cooperative bargaining association is eliminated. Independent and small cooperative producers will no longer need separate nominations for member and alternate positions.
The rule also removes some factors previously used to set marketing policy, adds language clarifying the quality of reconditioned raisins, and gives the committee authority to accept voluntary contributions, along with language on ownership of intellectual property.
Source: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service final rule, October 9, 2026, via International Nut & Dried Fruit Council, October 16
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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