U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) this week joined members of the bipartisan Michigan congressional delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting increased support for Michigan’s tart cherry industry.
U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) this week joined members of the bipartisan Michigan congressional delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting increased support for Michigan’s tart cherry industry.
Excerpt from the letter:
“Few industries have worked harder to protect their stake in the face of adversity, having spent several millions of dollars to combat trade issues, research new pest control methods, and expand their foothold in increasingly competitive markets, all while the value of production has decreased by two-thirds since 2014. Therefore, a little help and appropriate attention from the USDA will go a long way. For example, tart cherries’ inclusion in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and recent Section 32 purchases have been critical resources to preserve the industry’s wellbeing.”
“Michigan’s tart cherry sector has been devastated by unfair foreign competition the last several years, in addition to weather and insect pest challenges. Michigan Farm Bureau appreciates Congressman Bergman and his colleagues for raising the industry’s concerns with USDA and we look forward to working together to help out Michigan tart cherry farmers," said John Kran, National Legislative Counsel, Michigan Farm Bureau.
"Cherry growers are facing another very short crop this year. It is the first time in history that the Michigan cherry industry has had back-to-back short crops. The challenges our growers are facing are forcing more and more generational farming operations out of business. As our growers continue to try to combat the numerous struggles that are forced upon them, having the support of Congressman Bergman and Members from the Michigan Congressional Delegation to rally for help from USDA is essential for the survival of the Michigan cherry industry," said Julie Gordon, President, Cherry Marketing Institute.
Original source can be found here.
