By Andrew Keller, Multimedia Journalist
HEMLOCK, MI (WNEM) -
Michigan fruit farmers learned Friday they may be getting
some federal help to deal with the massive crop loss this year.
Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, has declared 72 Michigan counties as
disaster areas and has asked the United States Department of Agriculture for
financial help.
Much of Michigan's fruit crop was lost this spring when warm
temperatures in March started the blossoming process and several nights of
April freezes killed the blossoming buds.
It has been estimated by the Michigan State University
Extension Agency as much as 90 percent of apple, pear and plum crops will be
lost this year.
Grower Gary Jacques owns Jacques Orchard in Hemlock. He
called the lost devastating for farmers across Michigan and said the financial
help could prove invaluable. He has about 5 percent of his crop left.
"Your next opportunity isn't for another year or more,
actually, 15 months before we get another chance at an apple, and that's if
next year proceeds as it should, which it may not," said Jacques.
If the USDA grants money, fruit farmers within the 72-county
zone will be entitled to resources, such as low-interest loans.
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