California Kiwifruit Growers Will Vote on Keeping a Federal Marketing Order

This proposed rule directs the Agriculture Department to hold a referendum to decide whether California kiwifruit growers want to continue Marketing Order No. 920. The vote will run from May 18 through June 8, 2026. Only growers who produced kiwifruit for the fresh market between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, are eligible to participate. Roughly 142 growers will receive ballots by mail or email.

Why it matters: Marketing orders are federal programs that let commodity groups set quality standards, fund research, and manage supply for specific crops. Continuing this order means California kiwifruit producers stay under its current rules and funding structure. Terminating it would remove those requirements and likely shift how the crop is regulated and marketed. This is primarily an administrative step to keep the program in place, but the outcome will determine compliance obligations and industry funding for the next six years.

Who it affects

• California kiwifruit growers who produced for the fresh market between August 2024 and July 2025

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This notice comes from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and outlines the process for the upcoming referendum; growers and handlers should review the full Federal Register document for exact voting procedures and eligibility details.

Agency: Agriculture Department, Agricultural Marketing Service
Source: Federal Register — read the official document