USDA proposes new size standards for Washington sweet cherries

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a rule to change sizing standards following a recommendation from the Washington Sweet Cherry Marketing Committee. These new guidelines would affect all sweet cherry varieties except “light sweet cherries.” 

If approved, the rule would apply to most of eastern Washington, including Okanogan, Chelan, Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat counties, and would remove the smallest size categories while increasing the minimum size from 54/64 inch to 57/64 inch.

The new standards would also introduce two new row and size classifications: 7 1/2-row (minimum 88/64-inch diameter) and 7-row (minimum 92/64-inch diameter). Likewise, the minimum row count and size designation would be 11 1/2, with a minimum diameter of 57/64 inches. 

With these guidelines, the USDA is mandating that at least 90 percent of cherries in any lot measure at least 57/64 inch in diameter, and no more than five percent may measure less than 54/64 inch.

Sweet cherries industry pushes for changes in grading

The Washington Sweet Cherry Marketing Committee made these recommendations following a public meeting on August 27, 2025, where all 12 industry representatives in the Committee voted in favor of modifying the handling regulations.

According to the organization, these changes will help maximize sweet cherries market returns and improve growers' access to crop insurance. Small-size cherries between 54/64 and 57/64 inches in the 12-row count represent only one to two percent of the Washington sweet cherry market each year.

The proposed rule is open for public comment until April 8, 2026, and will be available for review before the final rule is published.

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