Federal Register #Doc. No. AMS-SC-25-0617

USDA Final Rule: Updated Handling Regulations for Washington Sweet Cherries

This final rule from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service updates handling regulations for sweet cherries grown in designated Washington counties. - Government Buyer: - USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service - Market Development Division, Specialty Crops Program - Products/Regulatory Changes: - Minimum size requirement for sweet cherries (excluding Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar light varieties) increased from 54/64 inch to 57/64 inch diameter - At least 90% of cherries in any lot must meet the new minimum size - Removal of the 12-row count/row size designation (54/64 inch) - Addition of 7 1/2-row (88/64 inch) and 7-row (92/64 inch) size designations for larger premium cherries - Revised pack requirements table title - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Changes intended to improve market returns, facilitate crop insurance access, and differentiate larger cherries for export - No OEMs or vendors are specified, as this is a regulatory update affecting growers and handlers - Majority of growers are small entities; handlers are large entities under SBA definitions - No additional costs or reporting requirements imposed - Impact: - Neutral or positive effect expected for the industry - Rule applies to ongoing operations, not a one-time procurement

Description

This final rule updates the marketing order regulating the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington. It increases the minimum size requirements for all sweet cherry varieties except Rainier, Royal Anne, and similar light sweet cherries. The rule also removes one row count/row size designation, adds two new row count/row size designations, and revises the title of the pack requirements table. The changes aim to benefit growers, handlers, and consumers by improving market returns and facilitating crop insurance access.

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