The cherry would be Michigan’s official state fruit under new bill

National Cherry Festival photo

Michigan has an official state soil (Kalkaska sand) and an official state fossil (mastodon), but nothing to honor the role of the cherry.

But that’s likely about to change thanks to state Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) , who has introduced Senate Bill 1003, which would formally name the cherry as Michigan’s official state fruit.

The fact that it isn’t already may be a surprise to some considering the state is the leading grower of tart cherries in the world, with nearly 70% of those grown in the United States in 2024 coming from Michigan.

Throw in Traverse City’s reputation as the Cherry Capital of the World and it’s no wonder the legislation, which is not yet online, already has a long list of bipartisan cosponsors, including Sens. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), John Cherry (D-Flint), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Twp), Jonathan Lindsey (R-Bronson), Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Mike Webber (R-Rochester Hills) and Paul Wojno (D-Warren).

“Just like Idaho with potatoes and Georgia with peaches, when you think of Michigan, you think of cherries. They are so crucial to Michigan’s economy and such a key part of our heritage, it only makes sense to give the cherry this honor,” said Kat Paye, executive director of the National Cherry Festival, which brought half-a-million people to Traverse City earlier this summer.

According to the Michigan Ag Council , Michigan’s annual tart cherry production alone is valued at more than $280 million, while that particular variety has among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate Government Operations Committee for further consideration.

By the way, Michigan doesn’t have an official state vegetable either, leaving room for asparagus legislation down the road.

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