Sour Cherries Face Fate: Growers Vote on Marketing Rules Survival
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Tart cherry growers and processors in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin will vote from March 30 to April 20, 2026, on whether to keep the current marketing rules that help manage their cherry sales. This vote affects those who grew or processed tart cherries between July 2024 and June 2025. The results will decide if the marketing order—and its related fees and regulations—stay in place.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
How USDA Will Decide Continuance
USDA will consider terminating the marketing order if less than 50 percent of the growers and processors voting, and less than 50 percent of the tart cherry volume represented in the referendum, vote in favor of continuance. USDA will also consider other relevant information about the Order before making a final decision.
Who Can Vote in the Referendum
If you grew or processed tart cherries in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wisconsin during July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, you are eligible to vote in a referendum held March 30–April 20, 2026 on whether to continue the marketing order that regulates tart cherry handling in those states.
Scale and Time Burden to Vote
Approximately 330 tart cherry growers and 30 processors are estimated to be eligible to vote, and the ballot materials are approved by OMB No. 0581-0177. It is estimated to take about 20 minutes on average for each eligible grower or processor to complete and cast a ballot; participation is voluntary.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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