Disaster designation to help impacted growers

Leelanau County cherry growers can wrap up the 2024 harvest knowing they may be eligible for emergency resources through the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week that a federal disaster designation was granted Leelanau County, as a result of significant insect and disease damage in cherries.

Seventy-give percent of this year’s sweet crop was lost as a result of a mild winter and warm, wet early season.