Cherry Round-table: Farmers and state reps meet in TC

Several Leelanau and Grand Traverse County cherry farmers gathered last week for a roundtable discussion with state officials about how they can better assist northern Michigan specialty crops.

State Representatives Betsy Coffia and Tim Boring of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development led the discussion, which resulted in more questions than answers.

“This round-table is really about what our cherry farmers are dealing with and what farmers are experiencing in terms of adverse weather conditions, labor pressures, international markets, and what we can do at a state level … And our federal partners from all sides,” Coffia said.