California Kiwifruit Marketing Order Will Be Suspended
State producers will see mandatory quality compliance and reporting requirements lifted starting in late 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. This decision follows a recent producer referendum in which growers expressed opposition to continuing the regulatory framework.
Why it matters
The change removes mandatory quality standards for imported kiwifruit and relieves local handlers of previous reporting and assessment obligations. These updates reflect the shifting preferences of California producers regarding industry oversight.
A producer referendum conducted from May 18 to June 8, 2026, served as the basis for the USDA decision to halt the marketing order. The move signals a shift in industry standards for the 2026-2027 crop year, though the formal termination process remains ongoing.
The players
USDA
The federal agency responsible for implementing and overseeing agricultural marketing orders and food safety standards.
The details
Marketing orders are federally overseen programs that set industry-wide quality and handling standards. By suspending these provisions, the USDA removes the mandate for imported kiwifruit to meet specific quality compliance measures, effectively deregulating aspects of the supply chain. Handlers will no longer be required to submit operational reports or remit financial assessments beginning with the 2026-2027 crop cycle.
Timeline
• May 18 to June 8, 2026: Referendum on the marketing order was held.
• December 31, 2026: Marketing order suspension formally begins.
• 2026-2027 crop year: Reporting requirements for handlers are waived.
Health Landscape
The suspension marks a departure from the regulatory framework established by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. This shift signals a broader trend toward reduced federal oversight in regional produce markets.
Consumers should be aware that mandatory quality standards for imported kiwifruit will no longer be enforced by this federal order. Any specific concerns regarding product labeling or origin should be directed to the producer or retailer.
The takeaway
The end of this marketing order reflects a significant change in how California kiwifruit quality is regulated. For questions regarding the transition, stakeholders may contact the Market Development Division at (202) 720-8085.
What happens next
The USDA will initiate a 60-day public comment period as part of a proposed rule to formally terminate the marketing order entirely.
Further reading
For broader context on produce standards, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
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Should the government continue to oversee and enforce industry-specific agricultural marketing orders?
