Federal marketing orders enable growers and packers to increase assessments to fund promotions or research collectively and establish quality standards. However, the Trump administration's deregulation efforts are affecting the self-regulation of commodity committees. An executive order signed in January by President Trump mandates the repeal of ten regulations for every new one issued.
The Washington Cherry Marketing Committee faced two pressing matters at its May meeting, highlighting issues with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The focus centered on modifying size standards, as current market trends show diminishing returns for 12-row cherries. Committee member and Wenatchee grower, Joe Wiggs, stated that adjusting these standards could better safeguard growers through crop insurance for unsellable cherries. Though the committee voted for adjustments, the rule adoption has stalled due to a backlog and uncertainty, as noted by a USDA representative.
Yakima Valley grower Julie Bosma emphasized the importance of crop insurance in the changing industry landscape, referencing her initial belief in market-driven decisions.
The Good Fruit Grower sought insight from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service but received a generic response indicating ongoing rulemaking efforts based on Marketing Order board recommendations.
Another proposal considered was a mixed cherry package combining dark sweet cherries and Rainiers. The idea, presented by a packer to marketing order manager B.J. Thurlby, sparked interest in potentially attracting premium-paying consumers. However, logistical challenges emerged regarding the inspection of a pack holding two varieties of cherries subject to different standards. Robert Newell from the Washington State Department of Agriculture highlighted the committee's ownership of the process.
A temporary solution was reached post-meeting for separate inspections before packaging. If successful, a formal rule change would be necessary.
Parallel to these discussions, there is a political debate on marketing orders and commodity checkoff programs. The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" suggests dismantling these USDA programs, favoring private sector methods for industry collaboration. This stance finds support among some conservatives, but the Trump administration has not officially commented on adopting these recommendations.
Source: Good Fruit Grower
