Federal aid for Washington cherry growers: state of disaster declared

28 Mar 2024
1043

Throughout 2023, cherry growers in the state of Washington faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions. However, a positive breakthrough came on March 19 when the US Department of Agriculture approved Governor Jay Inslee's request for a federal disaster declaration.

This decision allows growers from 22 counties in Washington and six counties in Oregon to access emergency loans of up to $500,000 each. The request was supported by a bipartisan letter sent by all 12 members of Washington's congressional delegation to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on February 1.

Senator Maria Cantwell emphasized the importance of this declaration in supporting cherry growers, highlighting significant losses suffered in the previous year due to extreme weather conditions. According to the USDA, emergency loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including production costs and debt refinancing, provided that counties experience at least a 30% reduction in yields or prices.

Representative Kim Schrier expressed solidarity with growers, stating that their challenges were immense and many suffered losses exceeding 50%. Representative Dan Newhouse, on the other hand, described the declaration as a step in the right direction to address the situation.

In the letter sent to Vilsack, legislators explained how the rapid transition from a cold spring to a hot April negatively impacted the sweet cherry crop on the West Coast, leading to the loss of approximately 35% of the crop in the northwest region.

Finally, Senator Patty Murray expressed gratitude to the Biden administration for their ongoing support of Washington growers. The primary counties affected by the disaster declaration include Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Walla Walla, and Yakima, along with numerous other adjacent counties in Washington and Oregon.

Read the full article: The Spokesman
Image: The Spokesman


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

CHEERY® the new variety line from IFG

Varieties

23 May 2023

International Fruit Genetics (IFG) has a genetic improvement programme led by David Cain and Chris Owens in which over 50,000 cherry seedlings have been obtained and evaluated. Seven new cherry cultivars were licensed and patented in 2019.

The influence of cultivar and rootstock on the bioactive compound content in sweet cherry

Quality

16 Jul 2024

The study investigates the effect of these combinations on the total phenol and anthocyanin content, the content of individual phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the fruit. The methods used are spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

In evidenza

Drosophila suzukii in France: winter fruits reveal new control strategies

Crop protection

12 Sep 2025

A study in France explores the effects of ornamental winter fruits on Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest damaging soft fruit crops. Researchers tested thermal regimes to evaluate survival, reproduction, and potential strategies for biological control and prevention.

How cherries in Patagonia survived frosts down to minus 9 degrees

Tech management

12 Sep 2025

Frosts as low as -9°C did not affect cherry production in Patagonia thanks to sprinkler irrigation systems that protect flowers and buds. The Cherry Growers’ Chamber reassures: no damage to crops, but targeted investments are needed to face extreme weather events.

Tag Popolari