Sweet cherry crop suffering, Whitmer tells USDA

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has started the process to seek federal aid for cherry farmers, saying the state is “experiencing a natural disaster” for the growth of the crop this year.

In an Aug. 2 letter (PDF) to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Whitmer said that between 30% and 75% of the crop is estimated to have been lost. She blamed “significant rainfall” since April 1, an “explosion” of the invasive spotted wing drosophila (a fly known to damage fruit crops) and “rapid development” of fungi like cherry leaf spot and American brown rot .

“Crop protection measures with safety and legal parameters were not sufficient, particularly when windy conditions furthered hindrance of their effectiveness,” the letter reads in part.

The letter specifically points to damaged crops in Antrim, Benzie, Berrien, Grand Traverse, Leelaneau, Manistee, Mason, Oceana and Van Buren counties.

Whitmer wrote that the USDA Farm Service Agency is assessing the damage and is expected to pass its findings along to Vilsack’s office after Oct. 1, after the cherry harvest is done.

The letter is the first step in requesting a federal disaster declaration. If such a declaration is issued, cherry growers could be eligible for low-interest loans to help them recover from the bad season and money to help rehabilitate or replant damaged trees .

“In submitting this letter to the USDA, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has taken a bold and crucial step in an effort to bring much-needed relief to Michigan’s sweet cherry industry,” Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring said at an event last week in Traverse City, according to a release from the office of state Rep. Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City.

The USDA urged growers who have federal crop insurance to report their losses to their agency or the local Farm Service Agency office. The USDA also pointed growers to farmers.gov to learn more about aid options.

“USDA is working with state officials and agricultural producers to assess damage in Michigan and will continue conversations with the state, producers and stakeholder groups to help address recovery needs,” an agency spokesperson said in a Wednesday email to News 8.

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