Norm Gutzwiler wants growers who put more time and effort into raising quality cherries to be rewarded. The Washington State fresh cherry industry has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to introduce a premium grade for the state’s Rainier cherries. The new grade, requested by the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee, defines the minimum size and color of Rainier cherries sold as “premium.” A regulation already in effect requires that Rainier cherries must have at least 17 percent soluble solids. Wenatchee, Washington, cherry grower Norm Gutzwiler, committee chair, told the Good Fruit Grower that large cherries represent better value to consumers […]