Washington's cherry industry, hit hard by extreme heat and simultaneous harvests with California, will get federal aid with USDA approving emergency loans and disaster designation to address $100 million crop losses.
July 30, 2022
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USDA approves disaster designation for Washington’s cherry growers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the state’s request for a natural disaster designation in light of losses incurred during the 2023 cherry crop. The extreme heat in eastern Washington, which began in the spring, led to a condensed harvest window coinciding with California’s delayed cherry harvest. “Last year, Washington’s cherry growers lost around half their crop to extreme weather. Now, as they prepare to kick off their new season, this disaster designation from the Secretary of Agriculture will help growers access federal assistance to keep this $1 billion industry going and ensure Washington’s famously delicious sweet cherries make it into shopping carts,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington. All 12 members of Washington’s congressional delegation sent a request on Feb 1. to Agriculture Tom Vilsack to approve the natural disaster designation.