Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Removal of Container Regulations

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that removed the container regulations prescribed under the Washington sweet cherry marketing order. Specifically, this rule finalizes the removal of the requirement that dark-colored sweet cherries be handled in containers having a certain net weight. The marketing order regulates the handling of fresh sweet cherries grown in designated counties in the State of Washington, and is administered locally by the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee (Committee). By eliminating the container requirements, this regulatory relaxation provides handlers with the ability to meet the rapidly changing wholesale, retail, and consumer demand for innovative product packaging. This is expected to enhance industry marketing flexibility and efficiency.