U.S. Tart Cherry Growers and Processors Vote to Continue Federal Marketing Order

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The U.S. tart cherry industry announced that growers and processors have voted to continue the Federal Marketing Order for tart cherries, reaffirming a six-year framework that supports research, promotion, quality standards, and coordinated industry action.

The vote gives the industry a continued platform to strengthen demand for U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries and support long-term industry growth. The Cherry Industry Administrative Board, which administers the order, oversees programs authorized to support marketing, research and promotion, as well as volume control across the tart cherry producing states.

“This outcome reflects the industry’s confidence in what lies ahead,” said Amy Cohn, Communications Lead for the Cherry Industry Administrative Board. “Demand is strong, momentum is building, and the Federal Marketing Order gives us the tools to keep investing in growth, innovation, and long-term success for generations to come.”

As tart cherries continue to gain attention across foodservice, ingredient, and wellness channels, it is increasingly important that consumers and commercial buyers understand the difference between sweet and tart cherries. Montmorency tart cherries remain the most studied cherry variety, in large part because of their distinctive composition and the depth of research that has been built to study their health and functional properties.

“We voted for ourselves and we intend to deliver. We are not standing still,” Cohn said. “The need for further market differentiation is why the industry continues to invest in clearer identity and infrastructure. With the launch of True Tart™, the industry-owned certification mark, U.S. tart cherries took an important step toward helping buyers and consumers identify products made with verified U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries — while strengthening understanding of origin, authenticity, and consistency in the marketplace. With this order in place, we have the tools to keep moving this industry forward.”

The marketing order is an industry-driven program authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and overseen by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to support orderly marketing and program integrity. For more information on the marketing order visit www.ams.usda.gov.

About the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB)

The U.S. Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB) administers the Federal Marketing Order for the U.S. tart cherry industry. Established in 1997, CIAB works in partnership with growers, processors, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen demand, ensure data transparency, and promote the distinctive flavor and health benefits of tart cherries. Through research, education, and marketing efforts, CIAB champions U.S. tart cherry producers and drives programs to help elevate tart cherries as a versatile, functional ingredient that can be enjoyed worldwide. Learn more at https://