A disastrous growing season for the cherry crop in northwestern Lower Michigan is leading to calls for federal aid and a growing sense that climate change is compromising the health of this iconic fruit.
The sweet cherry crop has been declared a failure, and similar conditions have affected tart cherries. It is estimated that this year cherry growers have lost between 30 to 75% of their crop. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has requested federal assistance for cherry growers, including low-interest loans and funds to rehabilitate or replant affected trees.
Michigan is the leading producer of tart cherries in the United States. In 2022, Michigan produced 180 million pounds of cherries worth 36.5 million dollars.
Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), states that weather patterns related to climate change are damaging the agricultural industry. "Building climate resilience is one of our top priorities at MDARD. We know that the long-term prosperity and vitality of Michigan agriculture, especially our specialty crops, depends on our ability to adapt to changing climate conditions,” Boring said.
According to experts, the weather is becoming more erratic and less predictable. One of the causes is the constant warming of Lake Michigan, which in spring poses a higher risk of early blooming in cherry trees.
This year's issues were caused by weather variability. The mild winter of 2023-2024 led to an increase in insect populations. A warm, wet spring and early summer resulted in a surge in populations of spotted-wing drosophila and rapid development of fungi, including cherry leaf spot and American brown rot.
Emily Miezio of Suttons Bay, a farmer in Leelanau County and a member of the Michigan Cherry Committee, said that cherry growers who have been in the business for many years have told her they've never seen a growing season like this one.
Read the full article: FLOW
Image: SL Fruit Service
11 Jul 2024
In a recent study, researchers explored how ABA modulates these ripening processes at both genetic and epigenetic levels through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS).
30 Oct 2025
Current weather conditions with high humidity and rising temperatures are favoring the spread of Botrytis and Alternaria in cherry trees. INIA is developing early detection sensors and smart predictive platforms to protect fruit bound for export markets.
14 Sep 2026
In Spain’s Jerte Valley, genomic selection is speeding up cherry breeding: Cicytex and Agrupación de Cooperativas Valle del Jerte will work through 2030 on 1,000 trees and around 110 varieties to identify fruit quality, ripening and market suitability earlier using DNA.
14 Sep 2026
Effective cherry blossom management improves pollination, fruit set and size. From beehives, Bombus colonies and pollen to auxin, cytokinin and fungicide applications, these key strategies help support yield, fruit quality and crop health throughout flowering season.
