Cherry growers vote this month to continue or end a federal marketing order that regulates handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington State. Regulations require that a continuation referendum be held once every six years. Federal Marketing Order 923, established in 1957, authorizes minimum grade, size, maturity, pack, and container regulations for Washington sweet cherries as well as mandatory inspection requirements. The Washington Cherry Marketing Committee, a 16-member committee of growers and handlers selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, oversees activities of the marketing order and provides industry with a voice to discuss grade, pack, and […]