Texas citrus assessment rate increases to $0.07 per carton
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This proposed rule would raise the assessment paid by Texas orange and grapefruit handlers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley from $0.04 to $0.07 per 7/10-bushel carton, starting August 1, 2025. The money funds the local marketing order program that covers compliance and administration. Handlers are the main businesses affected, and some costs may be passed through to growers. USDA says the higher rate should cover the program’s expected 2025-2026 budget and build a larger reserve, while no new reporting or recordkeeping duties would be added.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Raises the assessment rate for Texas oranges and grapefruit from $0.04 to $0.07 per 7/10-bushel carton.
- Sets the new rate to start on August 1, 2025, and keep running until changed, paused, or ended.
- Uses the higher revenue to fund compliance costs and rebuild the committee’s financial reserve.
Obligations
What this law requires
Texas orange and grapefruit handlers must pay an assessment of $0.07 per 7/10-bushel carton or equivalent for oranges and grapefruit grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas for fruit handled on and after August 1, 2025.
The increased assessment rate applies to all assessable Texas oranges and grapefruit handled under Marketing Order No. 906 unless the rate is later modified, suspended, or terminated.
Interested persons who want to comment on the proposed rule must submit written comments by May 29, 2026.