Why Study Climate Variability and Tart Cherry Production?

Michigan produces approximately 75% of the tart cherries grown in the United States and tart cherries are responsible for $44 million per year (out of $218 million per year for all fruit specialty crops) in the state. Two-thirds of the tart cherries grown in Michigan are grown in five counties that border Lake Michigan (see map below) and so are influenced climatically by a very large body of water.

• Michigan is the primary producer of tart cherries in the U.S. and most parts of the value chain are in the state.
• Tart cherries are extremely vulnerable to temperature extremes.
• The impact of climate on the tart cherry industry is not well understood and has not been investigated in an industry-wide context.
• Collectively, these factors allow a unique opportunity to link expertise in tart cherry production, economics, and climate science.