California Kiwifruit Marketing Order Continuance Referendum
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This order sets up a vote for California kiwifruit growers on whether to keep the federal marketing order that regulates how fresh-market kiwifruit grown in California is handled. The referendum will run from May 18 to June 8, 2026. Only current California growers who produced kiwifruit for the fresh market in the production area between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, can vote. USDA may consider ending the marketing order if support falls below 50% of both voting growers and the kiwifruit volume represented, but it will also review broader costs and benefits before making a final decision.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Orders a continuance referendum for the California kiwifruit marketing order
- Sets the voting period from May 18 through June 8, 2026
- Limits voting to eligible California fresh-market kiwifruit growers from the 2024-2025 production period
Obligations
What this law requires
Eligible California kiwifruit growers who choose to vote in the continuance referendum must ensure ballots delivered by U.S. mail or electronic ballot show proof of delivery no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 8, 2026, to be included in vote tabulation.
Only current California kiwifruit growers who produced kiwifruit for the fresh market in the marketing order production area during August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025 may participate in the continuance referendum.
USDA referendum agents must conduct the continuance referendum among eligible California kiwifruit growers from May 18 through June 8, 2026.
USDA referendum agents must follow the Procedure for the Conduct of Referenda in Connection with Marketing Orders for Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts under 7 CFR part 900.400 et seq. when conducting the referendum.
Ballots and voting instructions must be sent by U.S. mail or electronic mail to all California kiwifruit growers of record, and must also be obtainable from the referendum agents or their appointees.