USDA Seeks Public Comment on Renewal and Revision of California Almond Marketing Order Information Collection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on May 4, 2026, a public comment period for the extension and revision of an information collection tied to the federal marketing order governing almonds grown in California. This action, published in the Federal Register, concerns Marketing Order No. 981, which mandates a comprehensive program to reduce potential Salmonella contamination in almonds. The move aims to ensure the continued integrity and effectiveness of a program that has been a cornerstone of almond safety protocols since its inception in September 2007. Interested parties have until July 6, 2026, to submit their feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of these data collection requirements.## Regulatory Framework for California AlmondsThe foundation for this information collection lies in the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, a federal statute designed to stabilize agricultural markets and ensure the quality and safety of certain commodities. Under this Act, Marketing Order No. 981 was established to regulate the handling of almonds grown in California. A significant component of this order, implemented in September 2007, is a mandatory program focused on reducing the risk of Salmonella contamination. This program arose from health concerns and industry efforts to bolster consumer confidence in almond products. The Almond Board of California, the administrative body for the marketing order, is tasked with overseeing its local implementation, including the collection of necessary data.## Key Information Collection RequirementsThe information collection requirements are vital for the proper administration and enforcement of the mandatory Salmonella prevention program. Handlers of California almonds, along with other entities involved in processing and verification, are subject to these requirements. Specifically, the information collected includes:* Annual Treatment Plans: Almond handlers must submit plans detailing how they intend to treat almonds to comply with the Salmonella reduction program. This is typically done via ABC Form No. 54, "Handler Treatment Plan."* Process Authority Applications: Organizations or individuals seeking approval as "process authorities" capable of validating almond treatment technologies must apply using ABC Form No. 51. These authorities play a crucial role in ensuring the scientific validity of treatment methods.* Direct Verifiable (DV) Program Applications: Manufacturers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico wishing to receive untreated almonds and treat them themselves under the Board's DV program must submit ABC Form No. 52. This program allows for greater flexibility while maintaining safety standards.* DV Program Auditor Applications: Entities seeking approval to audit participants in the DV program are required to apply using ABC Form No. 53, ensuring independent oversight.* Custom Processor Applications: Individuals or facilities desiring approval as custom processors, demonstrating their ability to meet the Order's treatment process requirements, apply through ABC Form No. 55.This structured data collection ensures that all parts of the supply chain adhere to the stipulated safety protocols, from the initial handling to further processing. The collected data is primarily used by authorized representatives of the Almond Board of California, with AMS serving as a secondary user for oversight and regulatory purposes.## Assessing the Burden and Soliciting FeedbackThe AMS estimates the public reporting burden for this information collection to average 1.1 hours per response. With an estimated 225 respondents, each expected to submit approximately one response, the total annual burden on respondents for recordkeeping is projected at 3,900 hours, leading to a total annual burden of 4,210 hours. The notice explicitly invites public comment on four key areas:* The necessity and practical utility of the information for agency functions.* The accuracy of the agency's burden estimate, including the methodology and assumptions.* Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the collected information.* Methods to minimize the burden on respondents, potentially through automated or electronic collection techniques.This public comment process underscores the agency's commitment to transparency and efficiency in federal information collection efforts, as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.## Implications for Industry and ConsumersThe ongoing requirement for rigorous information collection under Marketing Order No. 981 highlights the continued federal commitment to food safety, particularly for high-volume agricultural commodities like California almonds. For the almond industry, these regulations represent both a cost of doing business and a safeguard for market access and consumer trust. The mandatory Salmonella prevention program has been instrumental in positioning California almonds as a reliably safe product in both domestic and international markets. The revision and extension process allows stakeholders to critically evaluate whether the current data collection methods remain the most effective and least burdensome means to achieve the program's objectives. Any adjustments stemming from public comments could influence operational costs for handlers and processors, potentially streamlining compliance while maintaining stringent safety standards. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this regulatory framework directly impacts consumer confidence and the economic stability of a significant agricultural sector.## Looking AheadThe notice from the Agricultural Marketing Service regarding the extension and revision of information collection for California's almond marketing order sets the stage for a period of public engagement crucial to the future of the industry's food safety protocols. The feedback gathered by July 6, 2026, will be instrumental in shaping the efficiency and efficacy of the Salmonella prevention program. Stakeholders, including almond handlers, processors, and safety verification entities, have an opportunity to contribute to a regulatory framework that balances robust consumer protection with practical industry operations. The USDA's careful consideration of these comments will dictate how compliance burdens are managed while upholding the critical public health objectives of Marketing Order No. 981.