After a rough cherry growing season that lost Northern Michigan farmers upwards of 75 percent of their crops, Michigan officials' pleas for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture were heard and granted Monday, when 11 counties received the designation and became eligible for low-interest loans.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring said the eight contiguous counties that received the designation in addition to the three main counties for which relief was requested will benefit from emergency loans as a result of state and federal collaboration.
"I was proud to stand with Governor Whitmer as we urged the USDA to recognize the impact of these disasters on Michigan's sweet cherry harvest, and glad to see our farmers receive access to critical federal assistance," Boring said in a statement. "Receiving a USDA disaster declaration is key to ensuring producers can access the resources they need. I appreciate USDA Secretary Vilsack for his commitment to Michigan's sweet cherry farming families.
Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), who joined Boring and Governor Gretchen Whitmer in calling for the initial declaration of disaster, said sweet cherry farmers in her district will be able to use the emergency aid to respond to the weather and environmental changes that impacted their crops this year.
"From farmers to producers to retailers, so many in our community rely on the success of crops like cherries," Coffia said in a statement. "I am glad to see the USDA make this decision to bring some relief for the devastating sweet cherry crop loss and I will continue to seek ways to do more to support our farmers weathering this latest challenge to their livelihoods."
The primary counties designated for aid by the USDA are Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau, while the eight contiguous counties are Benzie, Crawford, Manistee, Otsego, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Missaukee and Wexford.
Following the disaster declaration, farmers and retailers have eight months to apply for low-interest loans from USDA's Farm Services Agency. The applications will be selected based on the level of crop damage sustained, available security and repayment potential.
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