USDA to Hold Referendum on Tart Cherry Marketing Order

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a referendum between March 30 and April 20, 2026, to determine whether tart cherry growers and processors favor the continuation of the current marketing order regulating the handling of tart cherries. The order applies to tart cherries grown in Michigan, Recent York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Who is Eligible to Vote?

To participate in the referendum, growers and processors must have been actively engaged in the production or processing of tart cherries during the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Ballots will be sent via U.S. Mail or electronic mail to all growers and processors of record and are too available from the referendum agents.

What is a Marketing Order?

A marketing order, as defined by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, is a program that helps stabilize markets and ensure a reliable supply of agricultural products. 7 CFR Part 930 details the specific regulations for tart cherries.

How Will the USDA Determine the Outcome?

The USDA will consider termination of the marketing order if less than 50 percent of the growers and processors voting in the referendum, and less than 50 percent of the tart cherry volume represented in the referendum, vote in favor of continuance. However, the USDA will not base its decision solely on the referendum results. It will also consider all other relevant information, including the benefits and costs to growers, processors, and consumers, to determine if the order continues to align with the goals of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act.

Background on U.S. Tart Cherry Production

Michigan is the leading tart cherry-producing state in the United States, accounting for approximately 75% of the nation’s acreage. The state’s production regions are located on the west side of the state, benefiting from proximity to Lake Michigan.

Recent Production Forecasts

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the 2024 Michigan tart cherry total production is forecast at 182.0 million pounds, a 37 percent increase from 2023. Michigan sweet cherry production is forecast at 22,000 tons.

Referendum Agents and Contact Information

Steven Kauffman, Delaney Fuhrmeister, Rebecca Geller, Jennie Varela, and Christian Nissen of the Southeast Region Branch, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, have been designated as the referendum agents.

Ballots and instructions can be obtained from:

• 1124 First Street South, Winter Haven, FL 33880. telephone: (863) 324-3375
• The Docket Clerk, Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; telephone (202) 720-8085
• Online: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-IX/part-930

The ballot materials have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB No. 0581-0177. Participation is voluntary, and ballots postmarked after April 20, 2026, will not be counted.