Federal marketing orders are locally administered by committees made up of growers and/or handlers, and often a member of the public. Marketing order regulations, initiated by industry and enforced by USDA, bind the entire industry in the geographical area regulated if approved by producers and the Secretary of Agriculture.

Marketing orders and agreements (1) maintain the high quality of produce that is on the market; (2) standardize packages and containers; (3) regulate the flow of product to market; (4) establish reserve pools for storable commodities; and (5) authorize production research, marketing research and development, and advertising.

Clarification of United States Antitrust Laws, Immunity, and Liability under Marketing Order Programs. Docket Number: AMS-FV-14-0072; FV14-900-2 PR. Comments will be considered prior to final rule. Comments must be received by June 5, 2015. [Notice PDF]

Fruit, Vegetable, and Specialty Crops-Import Regulations; Changes to Reporting Requirements to Add Electronic Form Filing Option. Docket Number: AMS-FV-14-0093; FV15-944/980/999-1 IR. Effective March 30, 2015; comments received by May 26, 2015 will be considered prior to issuance of a final rule. [Notice PDF]

Regulations Issued Under the Export Apple Act; Exempting Bulk Shipments to Canada from Minimum Requirements and Inspection. EFFECTIVE: April 7, 2014. [Webpage] [News Release] [Notice PDF]