Cherry growers form alliance

Growers are talking, asserting and hoping to turn around their industry through a loose-knit group going by the name of the Cherry Grower Alliance.

Twenty-two people met Monday at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station, with about two thirds of attendees cherry farmers or employed by them. Most of the discussion centered on providing direction for the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB), which today is expected to set a marketing order requiring growers to not deliver a portion of their crop to markets.

The question of how much of the crop should be kept off grocery shelves occupied much of the meeting — as did the lingering question of whether the marketing order has helped the industry.