Michigan already has a state bird — the robin — and a state flower — the apple blossom. Now, state Senator John Damoose of Harbor Springs is introducing legislation to formally name the cherry as Michigan’s official state fruit.
Damoose told Michigan Nes Network more.
“We produce 75% of the country’s tart cherries, a huge portion of our sweet cherries, and it’s an enormous industry,” Damoose said. “It drives a lot of tourism. And it’s one that has been sort of a bedrock since 1852 in the state of Michigan.”
More than half a million visitors attend the National Cherry Festival each summer in Traverse City, making it the Cherry Capital of the world.
Damoose says part of the intent of his bill to name the cherry as Michigan’s official fruit is to draw attention to the struggles of cherry farmers.
