Gov tweaks sweet cherry row sizes in Washington state
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Rule
Summary
This final rule implements a recommendation from the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee (Committee) to update the marketing order regulating the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington. This final rule increases the minimum size requirements for all sweet cherry varieties, except the Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar varieties, commonly referred to as "light sweet cherries." In addition, this final rule removes one row count/row size designation, adds two new row count/row size designations, and revises the title of the table in the marketing order's pack requirements table.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Minimum Cherry Size Raised
This rule raises the minimum size for most Washington sweet cherries (except Rainier, Royal Anne, and other "light sweet cherries") from 54/64 inch to 57/64 inch in diameter. Starting January 1, 2027, at least 90 percent, by count, of cherries in any lot must be at least 57/64 inch and no more than 5 percent may be smaller than 54/64 inch.
Crop Insurance Access Facilitated
The Committee and USDA say the size change and elimination of the 12-row designation will help growers by reducing crop insurance barriers after weather-related crop losses. The rule is intended to make it easier for growers to avoid harvesting very small, low-value cherries and still qualify for crop insurance when needed.
New Large-Size Labels Added
The rule adds two larger row count/row size designations so very large cherries can be marketed separately: a 7-1/2 row size with minimum 88/64 inches in diameter and a 7-row size with minimum 92/64 inches in diameter. The change is intended to help growers and handlers market larger cherries, including to export markets at premium prices.
Who Is Affected: Growers and Handlers
About 1,350 Washington sweet cherry growers and about 35 handlers are subject to this marketing order. The rule notes the majority of growers have estimated annual receipts well under $3,500,000 and thus are small businesses, while the majority of handlers have estimated receipts above $34,000,000.
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