The 2022 tart cherry harvest season has been tough for many Michigan growers. While tart cherries require to be processed promptly after harvest, finding Michigan fruit processors has become a challenge as many of these factories have shut down over the last few years. 

The negative impact of climate change, competition from imports, coupled with a shortage of farm workers have not made the situation any better. As the volatility of the industry paints a grim picture, what is somewhat comforting is that many local farmers have claimed that they are not ready to give up yet.