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.
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Image: SL Fruit Service
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