Bergman Seeks Further USDA Support for Michigan Cherry Industry
Washington,
June 17, 2021
Today, Rep. Jack Bergman led bipartisan Members from the Michigan Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, regarding issues facing Michigan’s cherry growers and processors. Although Michigan cherries are famous throughout the world, the tart cherry industry has often been overlooked in federal policy decisions, facing significant obstacles in both domestic and foreign markets.
Rep. Bergman and his colleagues took this opportunity to introduce Secretary Vilsack to the industry, outlining solutions to protect this iconic specialty crop and all who rely on its success. The Members wrote in part, “Few industries have worked harder to protect their stake in the face of adversity, having spent several millions of dollars to combat trade issues, research new pest control methods, and expand their foothold in increasingly competitive markets, all while the value of production has decreased by two-thirds since 2014. Therefore, a little help and appropriate attention from the USDA will go a long way. For example, tart cherries’ inclusion in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and recent Section 32 purchases have been critical resources to preserve the industry’s wellbeing.” Michigan’s tart cherry sector has been devastated by unfair foreign competition the last several years, in addition to weather and insect pest challenges. Michigan Farm Bureau appreciates Congressman Bergman and his colleagues for raising the industry’s concerns with USDA and we look forward to working together to help out Michigan tart cherry farmers," said John Kran, National Legislative Counsel, Michigan Farm Bureau. "Cherry growers are facing another very short crop this year. It is the first time in history that the Michigan cherry industry has had back-to-back short crops. The challenges our growers are facing are forcing more and more generational farming operations out of business. As our growers continue to try to combat the numerous struggles that are forced upon them, having the support of Congressman Bergman and Members from the Michigan Congressional Delegation to rally for help from USDA is essential for the survival of the Michigan cherry industry," said Julie Gordon, President, Cherry Marketing Institute. You can read the full letter HERE Background: In September 2018, Rep. Bergman requested that President Trump end Turkey’s duty-free benefit into the U.S. market under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for tart cherry juice. In March 2019, Rep. Bergman announced to cherry growers USDA approved a $15 million surplus purchase request to promote domestic consumption. In June 2019, Rep. Bergman announced that the USDA would buy an additional $15 million of U.S. tart cherries. In January 2020, Rep. Bergman led a phone call with USTR Ambassador Gregg Doud regarding Michigan cherries in the China Phase One trade deal. In February 2020, Reps. Bergman, Moolenaar, and Huizenga wrote a letter to USTR requesting a field hearing in Michigan regarding the state of tart cherries and other specialty crops. In February 2020, Rep. Bergman and other Michigan congressional delegation Members wrote a letter to CBP in support of the tart cherry industry’s allegation against improper Turkish trade practices.
In April 2020, Rep. Bergman led Members of the Michigan congressional delegation in requesting Coronavirus relief for tart cherry growers and processors.
In May 2020, Rep. Bergman announced a $20 million USDA purchase of tart cherries
In September 2020, Rep. Bergman achieved pandemic relief for Michigan cherry growers |
Office
Phone Number
Press Releases
