Suttons Bay cherry farmer Leisa Eckerle Hankins was appointed to the Michigan Cherry Committee earlier this month.
Eckerle, a fifth-generation Leelanau cherry farmer and owner of Benjamin Twiggs in Traverse City, succeeds David Smeltzer.
Eckerle founded the Michigan Cherry Growers Alliance in 2024, which aims to increase grower pricing, increase transparency, and enhance sustainability.
“I’m honored, and I feel that because of the work we’ve done bringing together the Cherry Grower Alliance to help farmers get a voice this position allows me to use that work at a legislative level,” Eckerle said. “Continuing the work in unifying the industry, between the Michigan Cherry Marketing Institute and the Cherry Industry Administrative Board … Bringing the voice from farmers and being heard. I look to see great opportunities with marketing and promoting the industry for Michigan.”
The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.
This is a board position appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Eckerle is appointed to represent tart cherry growers for a term commencing April 2, 2026, and expiring February 1, 2029.
