Michigan's cherry producers are encountering a notably poor harvest this year, affecting both sweet and tart cherry varieties. The adverse weather conditions, attributed to climate change, have been identified as the root cause of the compromised cherry crops. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a natural disaster declaration for the state's cherry growers, highlighting the unprecedented need for federal assistance. Losses for Michigan cherry growers are estimated to range from 30% to 75%, varying by cherry variety.
Emily Miezio, a Leelanau County farmer and member of the Michigan Cherry Committee, along with state officials, addressed the severity of this year's challenges. The season has been plagued by pest insects and diseases, exacerbated by the climate, leading to extensive use of insecticides and fungicides. Despite these efforts, the quality and yield of the harvest have been significantly impacted, with financial returns for growers in jeopardy.
The situation is described as worse than in 2012, when the entire crop was lost early in the season due to freezing weather, as the extensive efforts to salvage this year's crop have resulted in additional costs without the expected returns. Nikki Rothwell, a fruit tree expert, emphasized the heightened impact of this year's losses due to the invested efforts and costs.
Source: mlive.com