USDA seeks comments on updating pale cyst nematode reporting rules
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice asks the public to comment on USDA’s plan to renew and revise an information collection tied to rules that stop pale cyst nematode from spreading through interstate movement of potatoes, soil, and other host materials. It affects potato producers, packers, processors, and handlers who must file or keep records for self-certification, facility approval, appeals, labeling, and pest surveys. USDA says the paperwork burden has changed because some forms were removed and moved into a common federal form system. Companies and growers in regulated areas do not need to change anything yet, but they can submit comments by June 29, 2026, on whether the reporting is necessary, accurate, clear, and not too burdensome.
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Key Changes
- USDA seeks to renew and revise approval for the pale cyst nematode information collection for another three years.
- Some reporting forms were removed and moved into a common federal form system, which lowered the reported burden.
- The public can comment through June 29, 2026 on necessity, accuracy, clarity, and paperwork burden.
Obligations
What this law requires
U.S. potato producers, packers, processors, and handlers in regulated areas may submit comments to USDA on the proposed revision and extension of the pale cyst nematode information collection, including whether the collection is necessary, accurate, clear, and not overly burdensome.
Commenters may file submissions through the Federal eRulemaking Portal under docket APHIS-2026-0331 or by postal mail/commercial delivery to the APHIS Regulatory Analysis and Development address specified in the notice.