LANSING – A major part of Michigan’s second largest industry could face a rough season, as the troublesome weather is expected to mean far lower yields of the state’s famous fruit crops. With the exception of blueberries, which could see a record output, total harvest of fruit in Michigan is expected to be down considerably, an industry forecast said.
The forecast, developed by the Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association and known as the annual fruit crop “guesstimate”, was issued this week following an annual meeting held in Grand Rapids. Lower crop yields are not forecast just for Michigan but across the United States as cool spring temperatures, hail and unpredictable rain has affected trees setting fruit and berry plants. Harvests in Michigan could be pushed back at least a week and Wisconsin officially may produce no tart cherries this year.
Cherries are Michigan’s most famous export and the guesstimate anticipated tart cherry production in the state would be down by 33 percent from a year ago, to 128.5 million pounds this year from 193 million in 2007. Sweet cherries production is expected to fall by nearly 21 percent, from 54.6 million pounds to 43.2 million pounds.
Apple production is expected to fall to 18 million bushels, with some estimates of production as low as 16 million, about a 10 percent decline from its yearly average of 19.8 million bushels.
Grape production could be down nearly 42 percent in the state, estimates said.
After a dismal year in 2007 for peaches, the crop is expected to recover somewhat, but still be smaller than yearly averages.
Blueberries will be the major exception to the grim forecast. Michigan is the nation’s largest producer and is expected to harvest some 97.6 million pounds of fruit compared to the 2007 harvest of 93 million pounds. The state average production is closer to 78 million pounds a year.
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