USDA Will Suspend California Kiwifruit Marketing Order
The federal order regulating California kiwifruit quality and reporting will be suspended at the end of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Organic Food
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The USDA will suspend the California kiwifruit marketing order effective December 31, 2026, following a producer referendum that showed a lack of support for the program. As a result, handlers will no longer face mandatory quality requirements or reporting obligations for the 2026-2027 crop year.
Why it matters
The decision reflects a shift in support among local growers who no longer view the regulatory oversight of the marketing order as beneficial for their operations. Ending these federal mandates will remove administrative and quality compliance burdens for California producers and importers alike.
The suspension of the marketing order, which takes effect December 31, 2026, removes the requirement for handlers to remit assessments or submit reports for the 2026-2027 crop year. A 60-day public comment period will precede the formal termination of the order.
The players
United States Department of Agriculture
The federal executive department responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, and food.
The details
The USDA acted to suspend the provisions after California kiwifruit producers voted against continuing the marketing order in a recent referendum. The agency is also planning to issue a proposed rule to formally terminate the order, which will effectively remove quality compliance standards for imported kiwifruit entering the market.
Timeline
May 18 to June 8, 2026: A referendum on the marketing order was conducted.
December 31, 2026: The suspension of the marketing order officially begins.
2026-2027 crop year: Handlers are exempt from reporting requirements during this period.
Culture Shift
This move represents a departure from the regulatory framework established by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, which historically empowered producers to set quality standards. The shift reflects a growing trend of deregulation in specialized agricultural sectors where industry consensus has waned.
California kiwifruit handlers will experience a reduction in administrative tasks and costs as they are no longer required to remit assessments or file reports. Consumers may see changes in market availability as the removal of mandatory quality requirements for imports alters the regulatory landscape.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how producer-led referendums directly shape the regulatory environment for specific commodities. Growers and industry participants should prepare for the transition by reviewing their internal reporting processes ahead of the December 31 deadline.
What happens next
The USDA will initiate a 60-day public comment period regarding the proposed rule to formally terminate the marketing order.
Further reading
For additional context on food industry standards, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
Live Poll
Should the government continue to oversee and enforce industry-specific agricultural marketing orders?
