Seedless lemons get their own official US grade for the first time
What happened
The US Department of Agriculture wants to add "seedless lemons" to its official grading standards. This means seedless lemons will have their own specific marking requirements for the first time.
Why it matters
For decades, the US government has set standards for how lemons are graded and sold. These standards define what counts as a "fancy" lemon versus a "choice" lemon, which affects prices and how they are marketed. Adding a specific grade for seedless lemons acknowledges a distinct product category that has grown in popularity.
The signal
Watch for how quickly the new "seedless" grade is adopted by growers and distributors, and whether it leads to a noticeable price difference for these lemons in stores.