USDA Modifies Handling Requirements for Washington Sweet Cherries

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is modifying the handling requirements for sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington.

This action increases the minimum size requirement of all sweet cherry varieties, except the Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar varieties, commonly referred to as "light sweet cherries." In addition, this action removes one row count/row size designation and adds two new row count/row size designations to the marketing order's pack requirements. The Washington Sweet Cherry Marketing Committee recommended these minimum size and pack requirement changes to maximize market returns and facilitate access to crop insurance for growers, when necessary.

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 27, 2026, and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026.

More information about the marketing order is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Sweet Cherries webpage.

Authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, marketing orders are industry-driven programs that help producers and handlers achieve marketing success by using their own funds to design and execute programs that they would not be able to do individually. AMS provides oversight to fruit, vegetable, and specialty crops marketing orders and agreements to help ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.