Michigan Fruit Growers Find Some Relief
July 10, 2012 What started out with an amazingly warm stretch of weather in March resulted in significant damage to Michigan’s tree and vine fruit crops. Freeze events that occurred in April after the warmest March ever recorded for Michigan caused losses of 80% to 95% to Michigan apple, cherry, peach, and other tree fruit crops. Blueberries, asparagus, and winegrapes suffered 20% to 50% damage. For apples, blueberries, grapes, peaches, sweet cherries, tart cherries, and asparagus, the estimated loss is 58% of the 2006-2010 average, a loss of $209.8 million.
As a measure of the impact on Michigan’s economy, the output of goods and services in Michigan will be expected to decline by about $503 million compared to 2006-2010 as a result of these crop losses.
There is some help on the way, however. House Bill 5717, introduced on May 31, 2012, will provide for a low interest loan program for growers, processors, and agribusinesses affected by the freeze events this spring. This bill creates a partnership between growers and processors, private lenders and the state to support the fruit industry following this unprecedented crop loss disaster.
For more information on this loan program, click here.
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