FR: Agriculture Department

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture has submitted information collection requirements to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice requests public comments on whether the collections are necessary, accurate, and minimally burdensome. Comments on this information collection are due by May 20, 2026.

Removing Outdated and Unnecessary Provisions Under Title 7 CFR

The Office of the Secretary at USDA has removed 7 CFR Part 15f from Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, effective April 17, 2026. This action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 14219's deregulatory review to eliminate obsolete, unnecessary, and outdated provisions. The removed provision was identified during OSEC's review of regulations under its purview to reduce regulatory burdens and costs.

Partnerships With Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations; Correction

The USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights issued a correcting amendment to its final rule on faith-based organization partnerships originally published March 4, 2024. The correction adds specific language stating the rule covers recipients and subrecipients of USDA domestic social service programs, addressing a gap where the regulatory text did not reference social service programs despite that intent in the rule's summary. The rule is effective May 18, 2026.

Rural Energy for America Program Funding Opportunity Rescinded

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) rescinds the October 16, 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which announced acceptance of grant, guaranteed loan, and combined grant and loan applications for Fiscal Years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The rescission is effective immediately. The Agency is currently promulgating regulatory changes to REAP and will announce available funding after those changes are published. Any applicant that does not have a fully executed Financial Assistance Agreement must submit a new application under the new regulations.

OMB Review Comment Request - Specified Risk Materials Information Collection

FSIS has submitted an information collection request to OMB for review regarding specified risk materials (SRMs) in cattle under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers written procedures for SRM removal, segregation, and disposition, along with daily records maintenance and documentation requirements for establishments slaughtering or processing cattle over 30 months of age. Public comments are requested by May 15, 2026.

Information Collection Request; Inventory Property Management

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) published a notice in the Federal Register requesting public comments on an information collection related to inventory property management. The notice advises that comments on this collection must be submitted within 60 days of publication. FSA is seeking feedback on the burden estimates and information requirements associated with managing inventory property under their jurisdiction.

USDA Modifies 12 Privacy Act Systems for Treasury Data Sharing

USDA proposes to modify 12 systems of records to add a new routine use permitting disclosure to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the purpose of identifying, preventing, or recouping improper payments through the Do Not Pay Working System. The modifications support OMB Memorandum M-25-32 and E.O. 14249 compliance. The comment period closes May 13, 2026, with revisions effective upon publication.

USDA Revises Secretary Delegations of Authority Under 7 CFR Part 2

The USDA published a final rule amending 7 CFR Part 2 to revise delegations of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture to subordinate officials. The rule takes effect April 13, 2026. This is an administrative reorganization of internal USDA authority structures with no direct external compliance obligations.

Rural Housing Revises Income Calculation for Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing

USDA Rural Housing Service published a final rule amending 7 CFR 3560 to revise income calculation methodologies for Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing programs. The rule updates how annual household income and net family assets are calculated for program eligibility determinations. The changes implement provisions from the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA) and took effect on April 13, 2026.

U.S. Standards for Grades of Lemons Revised to Add Seedless Definition

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Lemons to add a definition for "seedless lemons" (containing five or fewer fully developed seeds when marked as seedless) and establish associated marking requirements. This revision was requested by California Citrus Mutual, representing 95 percent of the nation's lemon producers, to accommodate newly developed seedless lemon varieties. The standards are effective May 13, 2026.

30-Day Federal Register Notice: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the submission of an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice opens a 30-day public comment period on the proposed information collection. No specific compliance obligations or industry requirements are detailed in this procedural announcement.

OMB Submission Paperwork Reduction Act Review

The Department of Agriculture submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice solicits public comments on the agency's paperwork burden estimates and information collection requirements. This is a routine administrative action required for USDA to maintain authority to collect information from the public.

OMB Submission Requesting Comments on Information Collection

OMB Submission Requesting Comments on Information Collection

Submission for OMB Review Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture published a notice announcing the submission of an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and public comment. The notice solicits comments on the proposed information collection requirements prior to OMB approval. Affected parties have the opportunity to submit comments regarding the burden estimate and necessity of the collection.

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

OMB requests public comment on information collection requirements

Revising U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service proposes to add a Portabella grade classification and revise defect tolerances in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Mushrooms. The proposal, open for a 60-day public comment period, would update quality standards for cultivated mushrooms sold in U.S. commerce. Affected parties may submit comments through June 9, 2026.

United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Asparagus Proposed Revisions

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Asparagus by updating style requirements for percent head material in the "cut spears or cuts and tips" style and changing the definition of a head for this style. These changes aim to align grade standards with modern harvesting practices and provide guidance for effective commodity utilization.

Multi-Family Housing Simple Transfer Pilot Program Extended to Dec 2027

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) extended its Multi-Family Housing Simple Transfer Pilot Program until December 31, 2027. The pilot streamlines property transfers for USDA Section 514 Farm Labor Housing and Section 515 Rural Rental Housing properties, reducing extensive application requirements for less complex transactions. RHS may further extend, modify, or terminate the program based on workload, budget, public feedback, and program effectiveness.

Grapes Grown in Southeastern California; Decreased Assessment Rate

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service issued a final rule decreasing the assessment rate for grapes grown in southeastern California from $0.040 to $0.030 per 18-pound lug, effective May 11, 2026. The change implements a recommendation from the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee for the 2025 fiscal period and subsequent periods under Marketing Order No. 925. Grape producers and handlers in the designated area must pay the reduced assessment rate on all 18-pound lugs handled.

Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Program Extension

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service extended the public comment period for the proposed Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Import Licensing Program rule by 15 days. Comments are now due on or before April 23, 2026. The extension responds to requests from interested parties seeking additional time to analyze the proposal and prepare comments.

Food Price Data Collection Study in Non-Contiguous States and Territories

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service published a notice seeking public comments on a new information collection study to collect food and beverage prices in seven non-contiguous states and territories including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The data will inform the Thrifty Food Plan, which estimates the cost of a healthy diet for federal nutrition programs. Comments are due June 8, 2026.

Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines

USDA Food and Nutrition Service published annual adjustments to Income Eligibility Guidelines for child nutrition programs effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The guidelines determine eligibility thresholds for free and reduced-price meals, free milk, and Summer EBT benefits under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. Revisions are based on Consumer Price Index changes as required by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

OMB Review Request Customer Experience Circular A-11

The Department of Agriculture has submitted an information collection requirement to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection relates to Rural Utilities Service programs for the Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA) initiative covering electric, water/waste, telecommunications, and broadband infrastructure for underserved rural communities. Comments on the burden estimate and utility of the collection are requested by May 11, 2026.

Reinstatement of Expired Information Collection for SNAP Recipient Claims Collection

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) invites public comment on a reinstatement with revision of an expired information collection for federal claims collection methods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient debts. The collection covers requirements for State agencies to refer delinquent SNAP debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury via the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) for collection. Comments are due June 8, 2026.

Collection of Generic Clearance for Improving Customer Experience - OMB PRA Notice

The USDA Office of the Chief Information Officer published a notice announcing its intent to submit a generic clearance collection for improving customer experience to OMB for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection facilitates agency collection of public feedback to improve services and comply with the Government Service Delivery Improvement Act and 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act. Comments are invited from the public.

USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Information Collection Extension

The USDA is requesting a three-year extension of a currently approved information collection for the 1994 Tribal Scholars program. The program provides scholarship opportunities for tribal students at land-grant universities. Public comments on this extension request are being accepted through June 8, 2026.

Delta Health Care Services Grant FY2026 Funding Opportunity

The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program (DHCS) for Fiscal Year 2026. Applications will be accepted through grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number RDBCP-DHCS-2026 (Assistance Listing Number 10.874). The full NOFO is available on grants.gov and the USDA Rural Development website. Future funding opportunities will be announced only on the Agency website and grants.gov without Federal Register publication.

OMB Review Submission for Urban Agriculture Grant Program Information Collection

The Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service has submitted an information collection requirement (OMB Control No. 0578-0032) for OMB review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection supports the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant Program, which awards competitive grants to local governments, school districts, and tribal communities to improve access to fresh foods in underserved areas. Public comments are requested by May 6, 2026.

WIC Tribal Organizations and U.S. Territories Study Information Collection Request

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has submitted a new information collection request (OMB Control No. 0584-NEW) to OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act for the WIC Tribal Organizations and U.S. Territories Study. The study will collect data from 32 Tribal Organizations, 5 U.S. territories, and 5 Tribally operated local agencies regarding their WIC program operations. Public comments are requested by May 6, 2026.

National Environmental Policy Act Implementation

The Department of Agriculture published a final rule amending its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures at 7 CFR 1. The rule makes minor changes to existing NEPA regulations affecting USDA agencies and applicants seeking federal approval for projects requiring environmental review. The effective date is April 3, 2026.

National Organic Standards Board meeting announced

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced a meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to be held May 12-14, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. The Board will discuss and vote on recommendations regarding substances for organic production and handling. Public comment webinars will be held May 5 and 7, 2026, with written comments due by May 4, 2026.

Direct Loan Servicing Information Collection Revision

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) published a notice requesting public comments on a revision to its information collection for Direct Loan Servicing—Regular. The revision introduces three new standardized forms to replace a previously approved non-form collection related to farm loan servicing activities including graduation, subordination, partial release, and consent. Comments will be accepted for 60 days.

State Meat and Poultry Inspection Information Collection Revision

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is requesting a revision to its approved information collection for State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Programs, adding 204 burden hours due to a new State inspection program joining the program. The public comment period closes on June 1, 2026, and the current approval expires August 31, 2026.

Food for Peace Title II Information Collection Request

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has published a notice requesting OMB approval for a new information collection under Title II of the Food for Peace Program. The collection covers grant and cooperative agreement applications and reporting requirements for organizations receiving food aid funding. Public comments on this notice must be submitted by June 1, 2026.

Sweet Onion Assessment Rate Decrease

USDA AMS final rule decreases the assessment rate for Walla Walla sweet onions under Marketing Order No. 956 from $0.20 to $0.17 per 50-pound bag or equivalent. The rate applies retroactively to the 2025 fiscal period and subsequent periods indefinitely. Producers and handlers operating in Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon are affected.

NAL seeks OMB approval for user satisfaction survey

The National Agricultural Library (NAL) within USDA is seeking renewed OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act to collect feedback on user satisfaction with NAL websites through short online surveys. The agency estimates 3,140 respondents annually with a total annual burden of 419 hours. Public comments on this information collection request must be submitted by June 30, 2026.

Removal of Regulatory Overreach and Federal Crop Insurance Policy Provisions

FCIC issued a final rule removing provisions that improperly made final agency determinations binding on independent adjudicators such as Federal judges and the National Appeals Division. The rule aligns FCIC procedures with Supreme Court precedent from Perez v. Mortgage Bankers Ass'n and the Administrative Procedure Act. Additionally, FCIC will no longer codify detailed crop insurance policy provisions in the CFR, instead publishing policy terms through RMA official program materials.

USDA Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool - Information Collection Extension

USDA Food and Nutrition Service published a notice inviting public comments on extending the Professional Standards Trainings and Tracker Tool (PSTTT) information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The PSTTT assists State agencies and school nutrition professionals in searching for trainings, recording, and tracking required training hours in nutrition, operations, administration, and communications to meet Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 Professional Standards requirements. Comments must be received by June 1, 2026.

Codex Committee on Food Labelling - Public Meeting Notice

The U.S. Codex Office announced a public meeting on April 23, 2026 to receive comments on agenda items and draft U.S. positions for the 49th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL49). CCFL49 will be held May 11-15, 2026 in Ottawa, Canada. The meeting will be held via video teleconference from 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET.

Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Membership Changes

The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule to clarify assessment rates and modify membership criteria for the Softwood Lumber Board. This proposal aims to ensure accurate collection of assessments and adjust board composition.

Overtime and Holiday Inspection Fee Reductions for Small Establishments

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a notice announcing fee reductions for overtime and holiday inspections for small and very small establishments. This notice is part of a comment period that closes on March 30, 2026.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs

The Food and Nutrition Service is seeking public comment on its information collection activities related to the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs. This notice pertains to reporting and recordkeeping requirements associated with the program.

Notice of Request to Renew Information Collection for Laboratory Assessment Requests

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has published a notice requesting public comment on the renewal of an approved information collection for non-FSIS laboratories. This collection pertains to laboratory assessment requests during illness outbreaks and recall investigations. There are no changes to the existing information collection.

USDA Submission for OMB Review; Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The USDA has submitted the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) information collection requirement to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This notice requests comments on the necessity, utility, and burden of the information collected for program administration and integrity.

Changes to US Hydric Soils Database Selection Criteria

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has issued a notice regarding changes to the selection criteria for the United States hydric soils database. This notice includes a public comment period.

USDA Rescinds Notice of Intent for Wood River Watershed Environmental Impact Statement

The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service has rescinded its notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Wood River Watershed project in Nebraska. This action effectively cancels the planned environmental review process for the project.

FSIS Revises Establishment Size Definitions for Meat, Poultry, Egg Plants

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a proposed rule to revise the definitions of establishment sizes for meat, poultry, and egg processing plants. This revision aims to update the criteria used for regulatory purposes and may affect how facilities are classified and regulated.

USDA Dog Breeding Standards: Comment Period Reopened

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reopened the comment period for its proposed rule on standards for the care of breeding female dogs and exercise and socialization of dogs. This action allows for additional public input on the proposed regulations.

USDA Seeks Extension for Information Collection

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking an extension for a currently approved information collection. This notice announces the request and provides a comment period for public input.

Agriculture Department OMB Review Comment Request

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has submitted a request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review concerning an information collection. This notice serves as a request for public comments on the proposed collection.