The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to lower the assessment rate paid by handlers of grapes grown in a designated area of southeastern California. The proposal, published by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in the Federal Register on July 23, 2026, would reduce the assessment from $0.030 to $0.025 per 18-pound lug beginning with the 2026 fiscal period and continuing until changed again. According to USDA, the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee recommended the decrease after determining its reserve funds were sufficient to support program operations while allowing for a lower assessment rate. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted through August 24, 2026.
