Government Rations Tart Cherries: Free vs. Restricted Crop Quotas
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The USDA is proposing new rules for tart cherry growers in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin for the 2024-25 season. These rules set how many cherries can be sold freely and how many must be restricted to balance supply and demand, helping growers earn better money. Comments on this plan are open until December 18, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
2024‑25: 81% Free, 19% Restricted
For the 2024-25 tart cherry crop year (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), handlers in the regulated districts are limited to 81 percent of their tonnage as ‘free’ and 19 percent as ‘restricted.’ The rule applies to handlers in Michigan (Districts 1, 2, 3), New York (District 4), Utah (District 7), Washington (District 8), and Wisconsin (District 9).
Oregon and Pennsylvania Not Regulated
For the 2024-25 crop year, Districts 5 and 6 (Oregon and Pennsylvania) would not be subject to the Order's volume regulation. Handlers and growers in OR and PA are therefore not required to hold restricted tonnage under this proposed action for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Restricted Fruit: Reserves, Diversions, Storage Costs
Restricted percentage tonnage (the 19 percent for 2024-25) must be held in primary or secondary reserve, diverted, or used for exempt purposes (for example, new products, new markets, exports, or charitable donations). When fruit is held in reserve, handlers retain title and are responsible for storage and handling costs during the reserve period for the July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 crop year.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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