Michigan: Federal support requested for cherry industry

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested federal aid for cherry growers in a letter after a disastrous season due to "increasingly unpredictable weather." In a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the governor said Michigan has been facing adverse weather since early April. She noted that nine counties, including Grand Traverse, the "cherry capital of the world," have been particularly hard hit. The state has seen "significant rainfall in cherry-growing counties," including nearly 13 inches of rain in the northwest. The wet weather has led to an increase in insect populations and an increase in fungal diseases affecting cherry trees. Whitmer said that while farmers have implemented protective measures, these were not enough, especially because wind conditions reduced their effectiveness. The letter notes that authorities estimate crop losses to be between 30% and 75%. A federal disaster declaration would make it easier for cherry growers, who are no strangers to ...