Local cherry producers "disheartened" with loss of dried cherry tariffs

CENTRAL LAKE — Local cherry growers said earlier this week that the loss of a fight to place tariffs on imported dried cherry products was "disheartening" and may threaten the existence of the entire industry.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the United States' International Trade Commission released a ruling that America's domestic cherry industry “is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of dried tart cherries from Turkey” and that, as a result, tariffs would not be placed on the foreign imports.

The decision in favor of Turkey came despite the U.S. Department of Commerce’s determination on Dec. 6 that dried cherries were being subsidized by the Turkish government and sold in the U.S. at less than fair value.

The decision came as a heavy blow to growers in Michigan, the country’s primary tart cherry area.  

"It's very disappointing, and to be honest, disheartening," said Greg Shooks, who with his family grows approximately 300 acres of tart and sweet cherries on the family's property north of Central Lake.

Read the full story in our regular edition of The Review. To subscribe to the paper for just $34 a year, which includes access to our full online e-edition, please go to the subscription page on this website at: http://www.antrimreview.net/subscribe/