Article Summary –
Michigan cherry farmers faced significant challenges this year, as severe weather and pest infestations led to a loss of over 75% of the state’s sweet cherry crops, severely impacting both the quantity and quality of their harvest. Despite the setback, the state is expected to contribute only about 6% of the nation’s sweet cherry harvest, though tart cherry production is anticipated to rebound by 2024, accounting for nearly 82% of the national supply. The USDA responded to the crisis by issuing disaster declarations and providing access to emergency low-interest loans, recognizing the critical role cherries play in Michigan’s economy and the broader agricultural community’s reliance on their success.
Michigan cherry farmers anticipated a bountiful harvest, but extreme weather and pest infestations have strained the industry.
Cherries are a crucial crop for the state, with Michigan producing 75% of the nation’s tart cherries for goods like pie filling and dried fruit. Michigan’s sweet cherries — those found fresh in grocery stores — make up about 20% of the U.S. supply.
This year’s sweet cherry harvest in Michigan suffered greatly. By the season’s end, sweet cherry farmers experienced a 75% crop loss, as reported by the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development.
Nate Chester, marketing director for the national Cherry Marketing Institute, a Dewitt-based research group, mentioned to the Michigan Independent that despite a promising crop, unforeseen difficulties emerged.
“Around mid-June, rain began in Michigan and persisted,” Chester explained. “This led to an exceptionally wet harvest.”
The persistent rain also attracted pests and disease, damaging cherry crops, while protective pesticides were washed away, Chester noted.
“Production numbers are fairly good,” Chester stated. “However, the quality suffered significantly.”
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan will contribute about 6% to the national sweet cherry harvest this year. In contrast, Michigan’s tart cherry production is expected to rise by 37% in 2024, contributing to nearly 82% of the nation’s tart cherries.
Michigan cherries are predominantly grown in the northwestern Lower Peninsula. Traverse City, known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” is celebrated for its large cherry production and annual National Cherry Festival.
Ben Smith, executive director of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, emphasized the industry’s economic significance to Michigan and its rural communities. Bad harvests could impact businesses relying on cherry growers.
“Maintaining healthy farms is crucial for our entire economy,” Smith remarked.
In August, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested a USDA disaster declaration to provide emergency resources for northern Michigan’s cherry producers. By October, the USDA declared natural disasters in Antrim, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and surrounding counties.
This federal approval required verifying over 30% crop loss in Michigan. Eligible sweet cherry farmers in these counties can access the USDA’s emergency low-interest loan program until June 2025.
State Rep. Betsy Coffia expressed relief at USDA’s decision to help with the devastating sweet cherry crop loss and pledged continued support for farmers facing these challenges.
The USDA declaration is part of a broader effort to support farmers this year. Chester warned that while loans provide temporary relief, they must eventually be repaid. Despite growers’ initial optimism, there’s no quick remedy for their losses, but they’ll adapt.
“Farming is unpredictable,” Chester concluded. “Months of hard work can be undone by June’s surprises. It’s a volatile profession.”
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