Kat Paye introduced Ben LaCross who spoke of the cherry industry in the U.S. Ben is a second-generation cherry farmer and his wife is a former Cherry Festival Queen. He spoke of industry optimism in the face of adversity: import pressure from other countries, inclement weather, and pests. Tart cherries are king in Northern Michigan with 2/3 of all acreage in tart cherries. The uses for both tart and sweet cherries were explained, along with the statistics that confirm Michigan is the cherry capital of the country.
Ben also taught us about tart cherry dumping from Turkey (and now other countries). Turkey is selling tart cherries in the US for a price that American farmers can’t beat. This has driven down the price of cherries and cherry juice concentrate to far below the price of production. This causes TC cherry farmers to dump their cherries instead of being able to sell them.
Ben asked what TC will look like in 10-15 years without cherries? There will be 15-18 thousand acres not being used for cherry growing.
The Cherry Industry has spent $1.7 million in less than a year defending local cherries. Soon a 600-800% duty will be added to the import cost of Turkish dried cherries. The Industry also is working on finding new markets and products to use their cherries. Right now diversion (or dumping) is necessary.
The National Cherry Festival is important to the industry. It’s not held when the local fruit is ripe, because the Festival’s goal is to bring tourists to TC, and July 4th week is the best time to do that.
Ben awarded two Cherry Fruitcakes to Al Long and Paul LaPorte when they answered quiz questions correctly.
Kat Paye presented the wheelchair certificate to Ben.
Allison rang the bell and adjourned the meeting.