Michigan state Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is requesting federal assistance for sweet cherry producers after growers experienced a disastrous season due to "increasingly unpredictable weather." 

In a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture, Governor Whitmer detailed that Michigan has faced adverse weather since early April. She highlighted that nine counties, including Grand Traverse—the "cherry capital of the world"—have been particularly hard-hit.

The state has been battling "significant rainfalls across sweet cherry growing counties," including nearly 13 inches of rainfall in the northwest. The wet weather has led to a higher insect population like the Spotted Wing Drosphila (SWD), and a surge in cherry-affecting diseases, Cherry Leaf Spot and American Brown Rot caused by fungi. 

Governor Whitmer stated that while growers implemented protective measures, they were not sufficient, especially as windy conditions reduced their effectiveness.

The letter notes that officials estimate crop losses ranging from 30% to 75%.

A federal disaster declaration would provide access to low-interest loans for sweet cherry growers, who are no strangers to adverse weather. Earlier this year, cherry producers in Washington were granted emergency loans due to excessive heat and sudden warm weather.

Last year, Michigan was the largest tart cherry-producing state, with state growers producing 75% of the national crop, a whooping output of 133 million pounds.

Although the sweet cherry variety is not the state's principal crop, after California and Washington experienced a decrease in production, Michigan boosted its sweet cherry output, producing about 20% of the annual crop. 

Michigan sweet cherry varieties are Emperor Francis, Napoleon, and Schmidt.