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Moolenaar, Bergman Urge USDA to Support Tart Cherry Farmers

October 3, 2019

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congressman Jack Bergman sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging the inclusion of tart and processed sweet cherries in tariff-aid administered through the market facilitation program (MFP):

In the letter to Secretary Perdue, Reps. Moolenaar and Bergman noted, "We are deeply concerned about the future of the cherry industry in Michigan, and across the country due to significant hardship caused by harmful trade practices and depressed prices. For these reasons, we strongly believe processed sweet and tart cherries should be eligible for assistance under the MFP and request your support for American farmers."

Phil Korsen, President of the Cherry Marketing Institute stated, "I get up every morning worried about the impact of unfair trade on Michigan's cherry industry and a new invasive pest called Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). It has been a perfect storm this past year with SWD driving up the growers cost of production and unfair trade driving down the price. I appreciate the help and support USDA has provided and the leadership of Jack Bergman and John Moolenaar to help us get this across the finish line."

Following a success in securing USDA purchases of $30 million in tart cherries, the industry has waged a promising trade case, which last week achieved preliminary tariffs against Turkey's cherry dumping. This decision was great news for American farmers and a welcomed decision for Michigan cherry growers.

The letter can be read here.