News about United-States

Stemilt signs an agreement to grow the extra-late KIR varieties

Varieties

21 Apr 2026

Stemilt has signed an agreement with Brandt’s Fruit Trees and LFP to grow KIR cherries, late and ultra-late varieties bred in Germany, aiming to extend the commercial season through September and enhance the quality of premium cherry supply in the United States market.

What added value do new technologies offer cherry growers?

Tech management

09 Apr 2026

At the IFTA conference in California, new technologies for cherry and stone fruit orchards highlight benefits and limits. From automation and planar systems to growth regulators, growers assess costs, yields and sustainability to improve quality and market competitiveness.

A sweet success: the story behind the chocolate-covered cherries

Processed

02 Apr 2026

The story of Tibbenham Chocolates in West Virginia shows how a passion for chocolate-covered cherries became a thriving local business, driven by steady growth, WV SBDC support, and a strong economic impact in Barboursville and across the state, boosting local jobs and production

Low-cost yield mapping for sour cherry: a practical precision agriculture approach

Tech management

01 Apr 2026

A Utah State University study presents a low-cost system to estimate sour cherry yield. Using ultrasonic sensors and GNSS, it generates accurate yield maps, improving orchard management and making precision agriculture more accessible to smaller farms.

USDA proposes new rules for Washington sweet cherries: larger sizes and updated packaging

Quality

26 Mar 2026

USDA proposes new marketing rules for Washington sweet cherries: higher minimum size requirements, exceptions for Rainier and Royal Anne, updated packaging categories, and more aligned standards to support grower profitability and access to crop insurance.

The cherry industry in Door County, Wisconsin

Specialties

26 Mar 2026

Discover how Door County, Wisconsin became famous for cherries: from early farming struggles to the rise of orchards and Montmorency varieties. A story of agricultural innovation, ideal climate, and a thriving fruit industry today worldwide with lasting impact and economic growth

A new app developed for frost forecasting and dormancy control in cherry trees

Tech management

10 Mar 2026

The LTER–Sweet Cherry model uses temperature and solar radiation data to estimate floral dormancy progression, relative water content and cold hardiness. The web tool helps evaluate seasonal frost risk in sweet cherry orchards in Yakima, Washington using predictive climate data.

Trained dogs detect cherry phytoplasmosis in nurseries

Crop protection

09 Mar 2026

In the United States, trained dogs are proving effective at detecting little cherry disease in cherry trees before symptoms appear. After orchard trials, research is moving into Washington nurseries to improve early diagnosis and help contain disease spread.

Bacterial cancer and powdery mildew in cherry trees: new defence solutions coming soon from American research

Crop protection

05 Mar 2026

In Washington and northern Oregon, bacterial canker and cherry powdery mildew are increasing. Trials with lime sulfur and clove oil show promising laboratory results, while field performance remains complex due to resistance issues and orchard management practices.

U.S. tart cherries launch True Tart™ certification to boost growth and protect Montmorency identity

Retail

27 Feb 2026

The U.S. tart cherry industry unveils True Tart™, a certification mark highlighting authentic U.S.-grown Montmorency cherries. The goal is to stand out from imports, boost grower returns and strengthen demand through marketing, research and targeted communication.