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
4 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.
When Ballots Must Be Cast or Postmarked
The referendum takes place from March 30 through April 20, 2026, and ballots postmarked after April 20, 2026 will not be counted. Ballots and voting instructions will be sent by U.S. mail or electronic mail to tart cherry growers and processors of record.
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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06375 — Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Decreased Assessment Rate
If you grow or handle sweet onions in the Walla Walla Valley, good news! Starting May 4, 2026, the fee you pay per 50-pound bag drops from 20 cents to 17 cents. This lower rate will stick around until further notice, helping growers save money while keeping those tasty onions coming.
2026-06103 — Softwood Lumber Board Assessment Rate Clarification and Changes to Membership
If you import softwood lumber into the U.S. or are part of the Softwood Lumber Board, listen up! The USDA wants to clear up how much you pay in fees and change who gets to be on the Board. These updates could affect your costs and membership starting soon, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 29, 2026.
2026-05653 — Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info for the Shell Egg Surveillance Program, which helps make sure eggs are safe and inspected properly. They’re asking for permission to extend this info collection past June 30, 2026, with no big changes or extra costs. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until May 22, 2026, to share them!
2026-05598 — National Organic Program: National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances per October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024 Recommendations (Crops and Livestock)
The USDA wants to update organic farming rules to help farmers grow crops and raise animals better. They’re proposing to allow carbon dioxide for crops, a new pain medicine for animals, and easier rules for poultry feed. These changes could save time and money for organic producers if approved, with public comments open until May 22, 2026.
2026-05542 — Almonds Grown in California; Amendment to the Marketing Order
California almond growers might soon get the green light to borrow money from banks to help manage their almond marketing. This change could make it easier for the almond industry to handle costs and keep things running smoothly. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by May 19, 2026!
2026-05330 — Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date
The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and handle big expenses. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these changes won’t kick in until December 31, 2027. This gives everyone more time to think things over and share their thoughts before the rules take effect.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05095 — Amendment to Certification of Oklahoma's Central Filing System
Oklahoma is switching up who runs its Central Filing System, moving control from the Secretary of State to the County Clerk. This change means people can now see Effective Financing Statements online within 48 hours and file them electronically through the Clerk’s website. Starting March 16, 2026, this update makes filing faster and easier for anyone dealing with farm product liens in Oklahoma—no extra costs mentioned!
Next: 2026-05099 — Certain Pasta From Italy: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that some Italian pasta sold in the U.S. from July 2023 to June 2024 was priced unfairly low. Because of this, certain importers might have to pay extra duties starting March 16, 2026. This review helps keep trade fair and protects American pasta makers from unfair competition.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in