If the new Senate Bill 1003, introduced by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) from Lansing, Michigan, is approved, cherries will be formally named the official fruit of the State of Michigan.
Michigan is one of the world's leading producers of cherries. This year alone, nearly 70% of all cherries grown in the United States come from the state. Last year, the state's growers produced 75% of the national crop, yielding a whopping 133 million pounds.
Damoose stated that he introduced the bill to draw attention to Michigan's cherry industry, which has been going through tough times for years, adding that “this year has been particularly hard.” This year, Michigan’s 2024 cherry season saw a decrease in production due to adverse weather conditions, which led to crop loss and early harvesting.
Rain, wind, and diseases caused many growers to lose a high percentage of their cherry crops. According to estimates, Michigan growers lost between 30% and 75% of their crops, depending on the varieties produced. In response to the emergency state of cherry production, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the federal government requesting emergency aid for local farmers.
In the letter sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Governor Whitmer explained that Michigan has faced adverse weather conditions since early April. She emphasized that nine counties, including Grand Traverse, the “cherry capital of the world,” were particularly affected.
Read the full article: Fresh Fruit Portal
Image: SL Fruit Service
05 Nov 2024
Traditional management methods fail to fully control Drosophila suzukii. New innovative strategies are being developed and adopted, including the 'sterile insect technique', 'X-shredding' and the 'transgenic sexing strains' technique.
09 Sep 2025
A study in Skierniewice, Poland, tested innovative methods to enhance sour cherry seed germination. Seed coat removal combined with cold stratification produced stronger seedlings faster, cutting time and costs while boosting breeding efficiency and genetic progress.
23 Oct 2025
)A USDA-funded project by Washington State University uses Vacuum Microwave Drying (VMD) and edible coatings to turn sweet cherries into shelf-stable, safe, and high-quality products, helping reduce waste, support growers, and increase global market opportunities.
23 Oct 2025
A study conducted in Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh (India), shows that chip budding between May 15–30 is the most effective method for sweet cherry propagation, ensuring high grafting success rates, optimal plant growth and better commercial yield.
