July 22, 2025

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—July 22, 2025

This Friday July 25 at Noon: Understanding the Basics of ADA Compliance for Agritourism Operations—Free Attorney PACLE!

International Trade: Commerce Department Withdraws from 2019 Mexican Fresh Tomato Agreement, Issues Antidumping Duties 🌾
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register a notice (90 FR 33363) that the agency is “withdrawing from and terminating” its 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico and issuing an antidumping order on fresh tomatoes from Mexico. Also announced by ITA, the agency states that “[a]ntidumping duties are calculated to measure the percentage by which Mexican tomatoes have been sold in the United States at unfair prices.” According to the notice, antidumping duties are as follows for the listed exporters, effective July 14, 2025:

  • San Vincente Camalu—81%
  • Ernesto Fernando Echavarria Salazar Grupo Solidario—39%
  • Administradora Horticola Del Tamazula—58%
  • Arturo Lomeli Villalobas S.A. de C.V—43%
  • Ranchos Los Pinos S. de R.L. de C.V—43%
  • Agricola Yory, S. de P.R. de R.I—43%
  • Eco-Cultivos S.A. de C.V—43%
  • All Others—09%

See also ALWR—Apr. 29, 2025, “U.S. Court of International Trade Affirms Commerce Department Finding of Mexican Tomato Dumping” and ALWR—Apr. 22, 2025, “Commerce Department Announces 21% Duty on Tomatoes from Mexico.”

Animal Welfare: Supreme Court Denies Certiorari to Iowa Pork Producers’ Proposition 12 Discrimination-Based Challenge
On June 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari challenging California’s Proposition 12, filed in January 2025. Iowa Pork Producers Assoc. v. Bonta, No. 24-728. While the Supreme Court upheld Prop 12 in National Pork Producers v. Ross in 2023 and found that the law did not violate the dormant Commerce Clause, the “petitioner there had disavowed any discrimination-based claim,” and instead pursued a claim based on the “extraterritoriality” of the law, claiming that it impermissibly regulated outside the state’s borders. Here, Iowa Pork Producers had alleged “that Proposition 12 discriminates against interstate commerce, both directly and [indirectly] under Pike v. Bruce Church.” According to the docket, “Justice Kavanaugh would grant the petition for a writ of certiorari.” See also ALWR—July 15, 2024, “Appeals Court Upholds California’s Proposition 12” and ALWR—Jan. 8, 2024, “California’s Proposition 12 Fully Effective January 1, 2024, Producer Certification Required.”

Animal Welfare: DOJ Files Complaint Alleging California’s Proposition 12 Preempted by Federal Law
On July 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California a complaint alleging that California’s Proposition 12, Proposition 2, and AB 1437, which establish hen housing standards for all in-state egg sales, are preempted by the federal Egg Products Inspection Act (PPIA).  United States v. The State of California, No. 2:25-cv-06230. Also announced by the DOJ, the complaint argues that the law’s hen housing requirements are a “standard of quality” which, the United States argues, conflicts with 21 U.S.C. §1052(b), which states that “no State or local jurisdiction may require the use of standards of quality, condition, weight, quantity, or grade which are in addition to or different from the official Federal standards” (emphasis added). Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement (PDF) supporting DOJ’s complaint, stating, “By not allowing consumer choice, Californian’s [sic] are forced to buy more expensive eggs.” For more, see Elizabeth Rumley, Challenge to California’s Hen Housing Laws, Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr. (July 17, 2025).

Agricultural Labor: D.C. Circuit Court Upholds 2022 H-2A Rule
On July 11, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion upholding the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2022 H-2A Rule, which was published in the Federal Register in October 2022 after a previous rule was published on DOL’s website and submitted for Federal Register publication by the outgoing administration in January 2021—but was never published in the Federal Register—and then immediately withdrawn by the Biden administration on January 20, 2021. National Council of Agricultural Employers v. DOL, No. 24-5072. The court stated, “Although an agency can ‘for good cause’ make a rule final without processing by the [Office of Federal Register (OFR)]—by putting it into effect expeditiously and giving actual notice of the official rule to members of the public—the DoL did not do so here. Instead, the DoL made the 2021 Rule contingent upon processing by the OFR and then withdrew the rule before it became final.” The court held that “[a] substantive rule is not ordinarily final until the OFR makes it available for public inspection” and determined that here, “the rulemaking process culminated in the 2022 [H-2A] Rule.” See also ALWR—Feb. 20, 2024, “D.C. Federal Court Upholds 2022 H-2A Rule.”

Agricultural Labor: DOJ Obtains Settlement Agreement with H-2A Labor Contractor
On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it had obtained a settlement agreement with agricultural labor contracting company H-2A Complete II Inc. after a DOJ investigation determined that the company “unlawfully favored the hiring of temporary visa workers under the H-2A visa program” by including “unnecessary minimum experience requirements in job orders . . . to discourage or disqualify U.S. citizens and other protected U.S. worker job applicants” and “not enforc[ing] those requirements for all H-2A workers.” Under the agreement, H-2A Complete must pay a $25,000 penalty, stop engaging in the prohibited discriminatory practices, and take steps to align its activities with U.S. laws.  Additionally, the company must “provide [DOJ] with a report indicating how many U.S. workers have applied and how many have been offered employment” every six months, “starting four months after the effective date.” The agreement is effective for two years from the date of the parties’ signatures.

Agricultural Labor: California Law Removes Limited Partnership Requirement for Worker Wage Liens on Crops
On July 14, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newson approved SB 846 (PDF), which removes that requirement that “crops or farm products be owned and grown or produced by a limited partnership” for the purpose of a lien asserted by a farmworker “for the value of the[ir] labor done up to a maximum of earnings for two weeks.” Under the law, the liens “are preferred liens, prior in dignity to all other liens, claims, or encumbrances” and are capped at a “maximum liability” of “the lesser of actual proved claims or 25 percent of the [crops’] fair market value.” According to the bill’s vote history and Senate committee analysis, the bill passed with no documented opposition from state lawmakers or industry stakeholders.

Food Policy: FDA Approves Gardenia Blue Color Additive for Use in Drinks, Candy
On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a rule (90 FR 31586) “amending the color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice.” Also announced by FDA, the agency states that it has taken the action “in response to a color additive petition submitted by Exponent, Inc., on behalf of the Gardenia Blue Interest Group.” According to the rule, “FDA has approved the color additive for use in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy.”

Food Policy: Louisiana Passes ‘Nutrition’ Bill, Requires Disclaimers for 44 Ingredients, Seed Oils
On June 20, 2025, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry approved SB 14 (Act 463), which, starting with the 2028–29 school year, prohibits schools that receive state funding from serving students any food or beverage containing one of fifteen listed “prohibited ingredients,” including various blue, green, red, and yellow dyes, potassium bromate, aspartame, and sucralose. The provision applies to meals served “during regular school hours” and “during aftercare” and exempts food and beverages “sold in concession stands or vending machines.” The law also requires schools receiving state funding to “purchase food produced in th[e] state to the extent practicable.” Additionally, beginning January 1, 2028, the law requires food containing any one or more of forty-four identified ingredients to be labeled with a QR code linking to a web page listing a “disclaimer in a prominent location” and requires food service establishments that cook or prepare food using any of eight listed seed oils to list a “disclaimer on the menu or other clearly visible location.” See also Emily Stone, State Level ‘MAHA’ Movement: New Texas and Louisiana Laws, Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr. (July 15, 2025).

Food Policy: Texas Passes Bill to ‘Promote Healthy Living,’ Require Warning Labels for 44 Ingredients
On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved SB 25 (PDF), “An Act relating to health and nutrition standards to promote healthy living.” In addition to various physical education and nutrition curriculum requirements for state school districts and post-secondary schools, the law establishes a seven-member Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee, to be composed of at least (1) “one expert in metabolic health, culinary medicine, lifestyle medicine, or integrative medicine,” (2) “one licensed physician certified in functional medicine,” (3) “one pediatrician specializing in metabolic health,” (4) “one member representing an urban community,” (5) “one member representing a rural community,” and (6) “one member representing the Texas Department of Agriculture.” However, “[a]n individual is ineligible for appointment to the advisory committee if the individual . . . owns or controls an ownership interest in . . . or . . . is related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity . . .  to an individual who owns or controls an ownership interest in a food, beverage, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical manufacturing company.” Notably, the bill identifies forty-four ingredients and requires foods containing those ingredients to include a warning label stating, “WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.” The warning requirement does not apply to “food labeled, prepared, served, or sold in a restaurant” or “retail establishment,” or “regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.” The law becomes effective September 1, 2025. See also Emily Stone, State Level ‘MAHA’ Movement: New Texas and Louisiana Laws, Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr. (July 15, 2025).

Nutrition Programs: Texas Law Prohibits ‘Sweetened Drinks,’ Candy Purchase with SNAP
On June 20, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved SB 379 (PDF), which prohibits Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using program funds to purchase “sweetened drinks” or “candy ordinarily packaged and sold for consumption without further preparation.” The law defines “sweetened drink” as a “nonalcoholic beverage made with water” with “five grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweeteners,” excluding “milk or milk products . . . soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes . . . or more than 50 percent of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.” The law becomes effective September 1, 2025.

Biotechnology: Texas Law Prohibits Sale of ‘Cell-Cultured Protein’ Until September 2027
On June 20, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved SB 261 (PDF), which, until September 1, 2027, prohibits the sale or offering for sale of “cell-cultured protein,” defined as “a food product derived from harvesting animal cells and artificially replicating those cells in a growth medium to produce tissue.” Additionally, the law specifically excludes “an analogue product or cell-cultured protein” from the definition of the following terms: “egg product,” “fish,” “meat,” “meat food product,” “poultry,” and “poultry product.” Cell-cultured protein offered for sale after September 1, 2027 must be labeled “in close proximity to the name of the protein” with a qualifying term such as “cell-cultured,” “lab-grown,” or other similar term. The law becomes effective September 1, 2025.

Food Policy: FDA Proposes to Revoke Twenty-Three Standards of Identity for Food
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule (90 FR 33339) “to revoke 23 standards of identity for food” because the agency has “tentatively conclude[d] that th[e] standards are no longer necessary to promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers.” The proposed rule revokes the standard of identity for “frozen concentrate for colored lemonade” (21 CFR 146.126) because it “includes the name of another standardized food in its name”; revokes the standard of identity for “Olympia oysters” (21 CFR 161.136) and “frozen raw lightly breaded shrimp” (21 CFR 161.176) because they are standardized foods “that could be covered by a broader standard”; and revokes the following foods because they have “little to no market in the U.S.”:

The proposed rule states that the revocations are consistent with Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation” (February 6, 2025) and Executive Order 13563, “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review” (January 21, 2011), “which requires agencies to periodically conduct retrospective analyses of existing regulations to identify those ‘that might be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal them’ accordingly.” The proposed rule is available for public comment until September 15, 2025.

Food Policy: USDA Revokes Eleven Standards of Identity for ‘Foods No Longer Sold in United States’
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register both a proposed rule (90 FR 33346) and a direct final rule (90 FR 33268) “to revoke 11 food standards for foods that are no longer sold in the United States”:

The final rule is effective September 22, 2025, unless FDA receives “significant adverse comment,” in which case FDA states it “will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register informing the public that this rule or a portion thereof will not take effect.” Both the proposed rule and final rule are available for public comment until August 18, 2025.

Dairy Policy: FDA Proposes to Revoke Eighteen Standards of Identity for Dairy Products
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule (90 FR 33334) “to revoke 18 standards of identity for dairy products” because the agency has “tentatively conclude[d] that these standards are no longer necessary to promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers”:

The proposed rule is available for public comment until September 15, 2025.

Food Policy: FDA Updates Foods Program Guidance Under Development
As of June 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its Foods Program Guidance Under Development webpage (PDF) to list seven “possible new topics for guidance documents or revisions to existing guidance documents that the FDA’s Human Foods Program is considering”:

  • “New Dietary Ingredient Notifications and Related Issues: Identity and Safety Information About the NDI: Guidance for Industry,”
  • “Food Colors Derived from Natural Sources: Fruit Juice and Vegetable Juice as Color Additives in Food; Draft Guidance for Industry,”
  • “Action Levels for Cadmium in Food Intended for Babies and Young Children; Draft Guidance for Industry,”
  • “Action Levels for Inorganic Arsenic in Food Intended for Babies and Young Children; Draft Guidance for Industry,”
  • “Action Level for Opiate Alkaloids on Poppy Seeds: Draft Guidance for Industry,”
  • “Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food; Chapter 12: Preventive Controls for Chemical Hazards,” and
  • “The Food Traceability Rule: Questions and Answers; Draft Guidance for Industry.”

FDA states that “[s]everal factors may impact [its] ability to issue the listed guidances, including . . . new Administration priorities, emerging public health issues, or other extenuating circumstances.”  

Animal Welfare: New York Court Allows Emotional Distress Claim for Companion Animal to Proceed
On June 18, 2025, the New York Kings County Supreme Court issued a decision and order allowing a dog owner’s negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) claim to proceed against a defendant driver who struck and killed her dog. Trevor DeBlase v. Mitchell Hill, No. 522689/2023. According to the order, the plaintiff, Nan, and her dog, Duke, “were connected via a leash when they approached [a] stop sign-controlled intersection.” “After looking both ways and being assured that no cars were entering or near the intersection, Nan and her companion Duke exited the sidewalk intending to cross” the street, but “[b]efore reaching the other side, Nan observed a car proceed through the stop sign without stopping and without use of a directional signal, and turn.” “In doing so, Defendant driver struck and killed Duke in front of Nan and while still connected to her via his leash.” The court determined that this “specific fact pattern” called for an “exception to the routine dismissal of NIED causes of action which involve the death of a companion dog” and analyzed three factors from a case finding that a grandparent could be considered an “immediate family member” for a NIED claim: “legal recognition of the special status of [dogs], shifting societal norms, and common sense.” Finding for the plaintiff on all three factors, the court denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss “in accordance with the carve-out,” stating, “[S]ince Nan . . . was tethered to Duke at the time of the accident, it is proper for her to recover damages for emotional distress resulting from witnessing Duke’s death and fear for her own safety, all due to Defendant’s negligent, indeed reckless, operation of his vehicle.”

Local Agricultural Policy: Connecticut Passes ‘Farm Bill,’ Creates New Grant Program
On July 1, 2025, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed into law two bills relating to agriculture: SB 1497 (Act 25-152), titled “An Act Concerning Programming at the Department of Agriculture and other Farming and Agriculture Related Provisions,” and HB 5064 (Act 25-141), titled “An Act Establishing a Grant Program for Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Access Purposes.” The first law, Act 25-152, creates new grant programs like the Farmers’ Crop Loss Reimbursement Grant Program and the Manure Management Grant Program; increases the farm machinery property tax exemption from $100,000 to $250,000; creates a tax credit for farmers investing in farm equipment and building; and provides liability protection for producers involved in agritourism. The second law, Act 25-141, creates a new grant program to assist agricultural non-profit organizations and local governments in developing farmland access and affordability programs.

Agricultural Labor: Maine Governor Vetoes Second ‘Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act’
On June 25, 2025, the Maine Legislature sustained the governor’s June 18 veto of LD 588 (PDF), titled “An Act to Enact the Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act,” which “would authorize agricultural workers to engage in certain concerted activity, and create a new regulatory structure for complaints, hearings, and enforcement by the Maine Labor Relations Board.” According to the governor’s veto message (PDF), the bill “is substantively identical to L.D. 525,” previously vetoed by the governor in May 2024. The governor stated, “Because the bill is unchanged, so too is my veto letter.” See also ALWR—May 24, 2024, “Maine Governor Vetoes Two Agricultural Labor Bills, Legislature Fails to Override.”

 

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Resources of Interest:

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., Challenge to California’s Hen Housing Laws, Elizabeth Rumley (July 17, 2025)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., State Level ‘MAHA’ Movement: New Texas and Louisiana Laws, Emily Stone (July 15, 2025)

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, State Operating Budget Makes Changes to Pesticide Application Laws, Ellen Essman (July 17, 2025)

Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, USDA Launches the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, Kristine A. Tidgren (July 17, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, Trump Admin Touts Farm Conservation, Says No Pesticide Crackdown, Ryan Hanrahan (July 17, 2025)

Univ. of Ill. FarmDoc Daily, Impacts of the Commodity Title Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for Midwestern Farms in 2025, Gary Schnitkey, Nick Paulson, and Jonathan Coppess (July 15, 2025)

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Farm Real Estate-Related Provisions in the OBBBA, Roger A. McEowen (July 13, 2025)

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Shapiro Administration 2025 Urban Agriculture Tour Highlights Investments in Expanding Ag Apprenticeship Training and Access to Fresh Food in Philadelphia Neighborhoods (July 17, 2025)

Shapiro Administration Kicks Off 2025 Urban Agriculture Tour, Highlighting Investments in Innovation, Equity, and Opportunity Feeding Progress in Urban Communities (July 14, 2025)

PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 55, No. 29—July 19, 2025):  

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

55 Pa.B. 4827 Notice: “Wild Resource Conservation Program; Public Hearing”

Department of Environmental Protection

55 Pa.B. 4827 Notice: “Applications for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits and Water Quality Management (WQM) Permits Under the Clean Streams Law and Federal Clean Water Act

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE

HR 286 “A Resolution urging the President and Congress of the United States and the Environmental Protection Agency to address the requirements of the MS4 storm water management program to relieve the burden on taxpayers.” Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection [House] (July 16, 2025)

HB 1741 “An Act amending . . . The Fiscal Code, in Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, further providing for definitions and for powers, duties and administration.” Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs [House] (July 16, 2025)

HB 1736 “An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for wild resource conservation plate.” Referred to Transportation [House] (July 16, 2025)

HB 1723 “An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration.” Referred to Transportation [House] (July 14, 2025)

HB 1667 “An Act amending . . . Tax Reform Code of 1971, in manufacturing and investment tax credit, further providing for definitions, for business firms and for tax credit certificates.” Re-committed to Appropriations [House] (July 14, 2025)

HB 587 “An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for commercial haulers and brokers of animal and food processing residuals; and imposing penalties.” Removed from table [House] (July 14, 2025)

HB 586 “An Act amending . . . the Solid Waste Management Act, in general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for food processing residuals; and imposing penalties.” Removed from table [House] (July 14, 2025)

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

Statement by Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook on the Siskiyou County Illegal Pesticides Crisis (July 17, 2025)

EPA Announces Next Phase of Organizational Improvements to Better Fulfill Statutory Obligations to Deliver Clean Air, Land, and Water to All Americans, Modernize Mission Support (July 17, 2025)

ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in Fox News: “Trump’s EPA Clearing the Regulatory Path for America to Dominate the Global AI Revolution” (July 17, 2025)

EPA Announces Next Set of Actions on Coal Ash Program (July 17, 2025)

EPA Administrator Zeldin Joins President Trump in Pittsburgh for Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit (July 16, 2025)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES

USDA Invests $80 Million to Expand Timber Markets, Protect Forests, Fuel Economic Growth (July 17, 2025)

USDA Accepting Applications for an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Mexico (July 17, 2025)

Secretary Rollins Terminates COVID-era Program (July 15, 2025)

Secretary Rollins Announces New Plan to Bolster Meat and Poultry Safety (July 15, 2025)

USDA Announces Approval of D-SNAP for Arkansas Disaster Areas (July 15, 2025)

America First Trade Win: USDA Blocks Additional Specialty Sugar Imports (July 14, 2025)

Secretary Rollins Applauds Voluntary Removal of Artificial Dyes from Ice Cream (July 14, 2025)

Secretary Rollins Statement on Increased Federal Fire Preparedness Level (July 14, 2025)

USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (July 18, 2025)

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with LeRoy J. Miller dba Hope Stock Farm (July 18, 2025)

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with MBA Beef LLC dba Interstate Regional Stockyards (July 18, 2025)

USDA Issues a Packers and Stockyards Complaint against Arkie Kiehne (July 18, 2025)

Termination of Regional Food Business Centers Programs (July 15, 2025)

USDA to Host Educational Event at USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Center (July 15, 2025)

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

USDA Announces Loan Rates for 2025-Crop Peanuts (July 17, 2025)

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Montana Impacted by Recent Severe Storms (July 16, 2025)

Producers and Landowners Can Now Enroll in USDA’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (July 14, 2025)

Nominations Open for the 2025 County Committee Elections (July 14, 2025)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

USDA Announces Approval of D-SNAP for Arkansas Disaster Areas (July 15, 2025)

Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

Residue Repeat Violators List (July 17, 2025)

Secretary Rollins Announces New Plan to Bolster Meat and Poultry Safety (July 15, 2025)

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (July 16, 2025)

USDA Launches Agribusiness Trade Mission to the Dominican Republic (July 14, 2025)

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Adopts Categorical Exclusions Under the National Environmental Policy Act (July 15, 2025)

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Montana Impacted by Recent Severe Storms (July 15, 2025)

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register: July 14–18, 2025):

Department of Agriculture

90 FR 33871 Interim final rule; correction and correcting amendment: “National Environmental Policy Act” (July 18, 2025)

90 FR 33913 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [National Agricultural Statistics Service: Agricultural Resource Management Phases 3 Economic Surveys—Substantive Change]” (July 18, 2025)

90 FR 33358 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [National Agricultural Statistics Service: 2025 Area Screening Survey, a pilot study for the June Area Survey]” (July 17, 2025)

Environmental Protection Agency

90 FR 33942 Notice: “Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability” (July 18, 2025)

90 FR 33283 Final rule: “Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (24-3.5e)” (July 17, 2025)

90 FR 33277 Final rule: “Cypermethrin; Pesticide Tolerances” (July 17, 2025)

90 FR 31890 Final rule: “Triclopyr; Pesticide Tolerances” (July 16, 2025)

90 FR 31894 Final rule: “Acetamiprid; Pesticide Tolerances” (July 16, 2025)

90 FR 31997 Notice: “Certain New Chemicals or Significant New Uses; Statements of Findings-May 2025” (July 16, 2025)

Commodity Credit Corporation

90 FR 33360 Notice: “Domestic Sugar Program-FY 2025 Reassignment of the Overall Sugar Marketing Allotment, Cane Sugar and Beet Sugar Marketing Allotments and Company Allocations and No Actions Under the Feedstock Flexibility Program” (July 17, 2025)

Food and Drug Administration

90 FR 33268 Direct final rule: “Revocation of Food Standards for 11 Products Not Currently Sold” (July 17, 2025)

90 FR 33334 Proposed rule: “Proposal to Revoke 18 Standards of Identity for Dairy Products” (July 17, 2025)

90 FR 33339 Proposed rule: “Proposal to Revoke 23 Standards of Identity for Foods” (July 17, 2025)

90 FR 33346 Proposed rule: “Revocation of Food Standards for 11 Products Not Currently Sold” (July 17, 2025)

90 FR 31586 Final amendment; order: “Listing of Color Additives Exempt from Certification; Gardenia (Genipin) Blue” (July 15, 2025)

Foreign Agricultural Service

90 FR 33871 Final rule: “Obsolete Provisions” (July 18, 2025)

90 FR 33361 Notice: “Determination of Total Amounts of Fiscal Year 2026 WTO Tariff-Rate Quotas for Raw Cane Sugar and Certain Sugars, Syrups and Molasses” (July 17, 2025)

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

90 FR 31600 Notice and request for comments: “Notice of Intent To Extend and Revise a Currently Approved Information Collection [Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program]” (July 15, 2025)

Rural Housing Service

90 FR 33913 Notice Funding Opportunity (NOFO): “Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Native Community Development Financial Institution Relending Demonstration Program (NCDFI) FY 2025” (July 18, 2025)

Rural Utilities Service

90 FR 33872 Final rule; request for comment: “Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers” (July 18, 2025)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

H.R.4529 “To increase market access for Black farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, to ensure civil rights accountability, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Agriculture and Ways and Means (July 17, 2025)

H.R.4513 “To amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to improve the management of grazing permits and leases, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture (July 17, 2025)

H.R.4485 “To establish an advisory panel to study the development of a climate-friendly certification for agricultural products, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (July 17, 2025)

H.R.4428 “To require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide additional payments for producers that, in participating in the conservation stewardship program, agree to adopt or improve, manage, and maintain perennial production systems, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (July 16, 2025)

H.R.183 “Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act” Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 170 (July 16, 2025)

H.R.4422 “To require the adoption and enforcement of regulations to prohibit the intentional feeding of bears on Federal public lands in order to end the hunting practice known as ‘bear baiting’ and reduce the number of dangerous interactions between people and bears.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture (July 15, 2025)

H.R.4414 “To include commercial weather services as a priority area for funding under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative of the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (July 15, 2025)

H.R.4412 “To reauthorize the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources (July 15, 2025)

H.R.4400 “To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (July 15, 2025)

H.R.2405 “The White Oak Resilience Act” Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent (July 15, 2025)

H.R.4386 “To amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to clarify entrance privileges for vehicles with respect to the America the Beautiful interagency pass.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture (July 14, 2025)

H.R.4377 “To provide access to reliable, clean, and drinkable water on Tribal lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources; Energy and Commerce; and Agriculture (July 14, 2025)

H.R.4370 “To codify certain Executive Orders relating to critical minerals.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources; Science, Space, and Technology; Foreign Affairs; Transportation and Infrastructure; Armed Services; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture; Ways and Means; Financial Services; Oversight and Government Reform; and Small Business (July 14, 2025)

H.R.4362 “To amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to establish an additional reporting requirement, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (July 14, 2025)

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY  

S.2338 “A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to establish the Strengthening Local Food Security Program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (July 17, 2025)

S.2324 “A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to establish a private right of action for injuries caused by pesticides, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (July 17, 2025)

S.350 “Wildfire Emergency Act of 2025” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (July 17, 2025)

S.2288 “A bill to reauthorize the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (July 15, 2025)

S.2282 “A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (July 15, 2025)

S.2281 “A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide to rural communities technical assistance in recovering from disasters, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (July 15, 2025)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

U.S. House Ag. Comm., To consider . . . United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025 (July 22, 2025, 10:00 AM ET)

U.S. House Ag. Comm., Past Breakthroughs and Future Innovations in Crop Production (July 22, 2025, 10:30 AM ET)

U.S. House Ag. Comm., An Examination of the Implications of Proposition 12 (July 23, 2025, 10:00 AM ET)

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY  

U.S. Senate Ag. Comm., Nomination Hearing (July 23, 2025, 3:00 PM ET)

 

Contributors:
Audry Thompson—Staff Attorney
Christina Fraser—Research Assistant