Feds Cap Tart Cherry Sales to Stabilize 2024-2025 Prices
Published Date: 8/27/2026
Rule
Summary
Tart cherry growers and handlers in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin will see new rules for the 2024-2025 crop year that set how many cherries can be sold freely and how many are restricted. These changes aim to balance supply with demand, helping keep prices steady and boosting growers' earnings. The new rules kick in on September 28, 2026, so everyone can plan ahead and keep the cherry market sweet!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
81% Free / 19% Restricted Rule
For the 2024-2025 tart cherry crop year (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025), handlers in the regulated districts must treat 81 percent of their crop as free and 19 percent as restricted. This rule is designated for the 2024-2025 crop year and the regulation is effective September 28, 2026.
Estimated Grower Price Increase
USDA's econometric model estimates that volume control for the 2024-2025 crop year should raise grower prices by about $0.03 per pound compared to no restriction. This estimate applies to the 2024-2025 season where the Board set the restricted percentage at 19 percent.
Handlers Must Hold Restricted Tonnage
Handlers in regulated districts must hold the restricted 19 percent of tart cherries in reserve, divert them, or use them for exempt purposes (such as new products, new markets, exports, or charitable donations). Handlers retain title and are responsible for storage and handling costs for fruit placed in reserve.
Oregon and Pennsylvania Not Regulated
For the 2024-2025 crop year, Districts 5 and 6 (Oregon and Pennsylvania) are not subject to the volume regulation, so handlers and growers in OR and PA are not required to apply the 19 percent restriction to their tart cherry production for that season.
Board May Release Up to 50M Pounds
The Board may meet during the crop year and recommend release of additional reserves if market demand warrants, up to 50 million pounds of tart cherries. This allows additional volume to be added to primary markets when needed.
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Key Dates
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