Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Authorization of Japan as an Eligible Export Outlet for Diversion and Exemption Purposes

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, the provisions of an interim final rule which authorizes Japan as an eligible export market under the diversion and exemption provisions of the Federal tart cherry marketing order (order). Previously, shipments to Canada, Mexico, or Japan did not qualify for diversion credit and could not be approved as exempt uses. The Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) recommended allowing shipments to Japan to qualify as exempt use shipments and to be eligible for diversion credit. The order regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin and is administered locally by the Board.