MI HR0256

Urges the President of the United States and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to declare the Southwest Michigan fruit-growing region a disaster area due to weather damage to grape production.

Early warm temperatures in 2012 caused plants to sprout prematurely, followed by a devastating April frost that destroyed an estimated 10,000 acres or approximately 95 percent of the Southwest Michigan grape crop.

Grape farmers in the region are projected to lose over $20 million for the 2012 season; Michigan produced 36,000 tons of grapes valued at $15.4 million in 2010, with Welch's Foods relying on Michigan growers for 17 percent of its grape juice supplies.

A disaster area declaration would make low-interest loans and other federal assistance programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture available to affected fruit and vegetable growers.

Directs transmission of the resolution to the President of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and members of the Michigan congressional delegation.