Disastrous fruit season could lead to federal funding

11:46 PM, May 16, 2012   |    comments
An early apple with frost damage.
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. (WZZM)-Michigan lawmakers are pushing for the federal government to help West Michigan farmers, whose crops were wiped out earlier this year.

Wednesday, house lawmakers approved a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to declare southwest Michigan a federal disaster area. That would free up federal funding for farmers who lost everything. The growing season started early because of mild temperatures, but a cold snap killed off the crops.

Supporters of the resolution say Michigan produced 36,000 tons of fruit last year, injecting more than $15 million into the state economy.