Michigan cherry growers remove trees after hard weather and difficult market conditions

18 Aug 2023
2428

Due to the increasing challenges in the recent years a great number of cherry producers in Michigan are clearing out all their cherry orchards. This came after difficult weather conditions and concerns about foreign competition, that made profits almost unfeasible in recent years

According to USDA's Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts summary, released in May, since 2015 Michigan cherry orchards' acreage has been receding at a fast pace, with a decline from 28,400 acres to 23,000 recorded last year.

Based on Northwest Michigan's avarage 7,733-pound yield, the cost related to cherries production avarages around 40 cents per pound, According to the Michigan Tart Cherry Cost of Production Study for 2022.

Some producers believe to have earne little over around 22 cents for a pound of cherries during last season, further emphasizing how the cherry business model could be turning into a not sustainable one in the future.

Juliette King-McAvoy, vice president of sales and marketing for King Orchards, a retail operation based in Antrim County, said that "when we see so many farmers either selling their land or taking their trees out to plant something else, it's alarming to us. Is this industry going to be able to survive? There's been a lot of consolidation in the processing end of the industry, so there aren't very many options for farmers to go to sell their cherries.” 

Read the full article: The Detroit News


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Mumbai toasts Chilean cherries: success beyond expectations thanks to quality

Markets

31 Jan 2025

The container, supplied by grower-exporter Subsole, reached Mumbai on January 22. According to a statement from IG International, sales have since increased, and Indian consumers have responded positively to the quality and taste of the premium cherries.

NatuWrap is the natural patent that could improve post-harvest storage

Post-harvest​

02 Dec 2024

Beall explained that the patented formulation of NatuWrap consists of several natural components, including earth clay and tree extracts. The formulation is water-soluble, biodegradable, and the company claims it is safe for human consumption and the environment.

In evidenza

To strengthen the competitiveness of Chilean cherries, a review of strategies is needed

Events

30 Jun 2026

At CherryTech 2026, Jordi Casas reviews the Chilean cherry season: lower production, uneven quality, weaker prices and new challenges for Chile, China and global markets. Profitability, varieties and coordinated strategy are now crucial for the industry's future path.

Chilean cherries face a new challenge: winning over a more demanding Chinese consumer

Consumption

30 Jun 2026

China’s market for Chilean cherries is changing as shoppers prioritize flavor, firmness and food safety over gift purchases. Record exports, tighter standards and wider diversification define the next stage for Chile’s cherry industry after CherryTech 2026 in China.

Tag Popolari