USDA Proposes Rule To Establish Free and Restricted Percentages of Tart Cherries

USDA is proposing a rule to establish the free and restricted percentages of tart cherries grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, tart cherry growers during the 2024-2025 crop year.

This action sets 81% as the free percentage, which is the proportion of the crop that may ship to any market. It also sets 19% as the restricted percentage, the proportion that must be held in reserves, diverted in the orchard or at the processing plant or used in secondary markets. The Cherry Industry Administrative Board recommended this action to balance expected supply and demand for the 2024-2025 crop year.

The proposed rule for this action was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 18, 2025. Written comments are due by Dec. 18, 2025.

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Comments concerning the proposed change regarding tart cherries can be submitted at regulations.gov. All comments on the proposed rule submitted by the deadline will be made available for public review and will be considered before publication of a final rule.

For more information, visit ams.usda.gov.