The USDA has tallied the results of the March referendum vote for the renewal of the tart cherry Federal Marketing Order and the nation’s tart cherry producers and processors have voted to continue the marketing order known as the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB) for another six years.
In order to renew the marketing order, at least fifty percent of all producers and processors must vote in support or those voting to support must represent at least fifty percent of the industry’s production. This year’s referendum passed with 53% support of producers by number, 68% by volume, and 57% support from processors by number who represent 69% by volume.
The CIAB was created in 1996 and votes on its renewal every six years, the next vote will now be in 2026. It has worked to educate consumers about the benefits of tart cherries and represent the industry with marketing, promotion, and research, as well as authorizing regulation to maintain stability in production supply.
Located in Michigan, where a majority of the country’s tart cherries are grown, the CIAB is also composed of producers and processors from New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The CIAB administrates the Federal Marketing Order for Tart Cherries in the United States. Authorized by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the CIAB is composed of growers and processors from across the U.S. Learn more at www.choosecherries.com.
Source: CIAB press release
