Oct 21, 2024
Tart cherry board seeking grower and handler members
The Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB) is seeking nominations for five open board member positions and their respective alternates.
The following seats on the CIAB are up for election this Winter for a 3-year term beginning July 1, 2025.
- Northern Michigan: Grower member and alternate
- Northern Michigan:* Grower member and alternate
- Central Michigan: Grower member and alternate
- New York At-large member and alternate
- Washington: Handler member and alternate
“Your nominations and votes are important to the industry,” according to a news release. Growers should watch for election materials which to be emailed to growers and handlers beginning the week of Nov. 3. If a grower’s email is not on file with the CIAB, materials will be sent to them via regular mail. The board election process is scheduled to be completed in February.
The CIAB seeks diversity on the board. It encourages the nomination of candidates who will expand the diversity of the board. Such candidates may be women, minorities and persons with a disability. Candidates should reflect the diversity of the industry in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. People making nominations should consider those factors when making nominations for CIAB representation, according to the release.
*In crop year 2024, Northern Michigan’s three-year average production was greater than 80 million pounds. Per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §930.20(b), board membership for Northern Michigan will increase by one seat. This will change Northern Michigan to two grower and two handler seats, according to the release.
For more detailed information, visit CIAB’s website.
Established in 1997, the CIAB is the administrative arm of the Federal Marketing Order for U.S. tart cherries. Comprised of growers and processors in seven U.S. states including Michigan, Utah, Oregon, Washington, New York, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, the CIAB educates consumers about the taste and benefits of consuming tart cherries.
