Oregon and Washington pear producers vote to continue federal marketing order

The USDA says that pear producers in Oregon and Washington have voted to continue their marketing order program.

In a referendum held May 8-30, 2023, the continuance of the marketing order was favored by 99% of voting fresh pear producers, representing 97% of the production volume voted in the referendum, according to a news release.

The marketing order was also favored by 99% of Oregon and Washington processed pear producers voting, representing 98% of the production volume voted in the referendum, the release said. For the marketing order to continue, two-thirds or more of producers voting, or producers representing two-thirds or more of the volume, needed to vote in favor of continuance, the release said.  

The marketing order enables the Oregon and Washington pear industry and the Fresh and Processed Pear Committee to conduct production and marketing research as well as promotional initiatives including paid advertising under USDA’s oversight, the release said.

More information about the marketing order regulating the handling of pears grown in Oregon and Washington is available on the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s 927 Oregon and Washington Pears webpage, the Marketing Orders and Agreements webpage or by contacting the Market Development Division at 202-720-8085.