MI SR0140

Urges the President of the United States and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to declare Southwest Michigan and all of Michigan's fruit-growing regions as disaster areas due to devastating weather conditions.

An estimated 10,000 acres or approximately 95 percent of Southwest Michigan's grape crop were destroyed by April 2012 frost, with projected losses exceeding $20 million for grape farmers alone.

Michigan's fruit crops generate over $350 million in annual revenue, with grapes accounting for 36,000 tons valued at $15.4 million in 2010; Welch's Foods depends on Michigan growers for 17 percent of its grape juice supplies.

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

Disaster area designation would enable fruit and vegetable growers to access U.S. Department of Agriculture programs including low-interest loans and other federal financial assistance for recovery.