Fruit Growers Now Have Access to Emergency Loans - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Fruit Growers Now Have Access to Emergency Loans

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Growing fruit is in Paul Hubbell's blood; his orchard was passed on from his Father. Stress set in months ago. Unseasonably warm weather followed by several freezes killed off most of the cherry crop and many apples.

Governor Snyder calls it the worst natural disaster to hit the agricultural industry in 50 years. He set up a way for growers to access emergency loans. Now, farmers and the markets that sell their crops must hang on.

Although growers won't have much of a harvest this year, they still have to spray and treat their trees to ensure they're healthy for next year.

Reporting in Grand Traverse County, Sara Simnitch and Photojournalist, Jeremy Erickson.