A resolution to commemorate June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Damoose and 1 co-sponsor

Designates June 17, 2026 as Cherry Industry Day to formally recognize Michigan’s leading cherry production and its cultural and economic significance.

ADOPTED

Summary of SR 131 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

Declares June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan.

Aims to recognize and commemorate Michigan’s status as a leading cherry producer, the cultural significance of cherry cultivation, and the economic impact of the cherry industry in the Grand Traverse region.

Key provisions

Official designation: The Senate resolves to commemorate June 17, 2026 as Cherry Industry Day.

Recognition of Michigan’s prominence: Highlights Michigan as the top cherry-producing state and its role as the unofficial “Cherry Capitol of the World.”

Promotion of cherry culture and events: References the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City and the historical “Blessing of the Blossoms Festival,” noting its evolution into the national festival.

Economic and agricultural context: States that the United States produces about 610 million pounds of sweet and tart cherries annually, with Michigan contributing the largest tart cherry crop (about 75% of U.S. tart cherries, ~250 million pounds harvested annually).

Health and industry context: Mentions cherries’ antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including melatonin content and vitamins.

Industry promotion and research: Recognizes the Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI), formed in 1988 and funded by U.S. tart cherry growers, whose goals include promotion, market expansion, product development, and research to increase cherry use.

Stakeholder acknowledgment: Acknowledges growers, processors, merchants, and community support in the Grand Traverse Region for continuing promotion of the cherry harvest and its benefits.

Who is affected

No new statutory obligations or funding allocations are specified. The designation primarily affects public recognition and ceremonial acknowledgment.

The bill highlights and legitimizes the cultural and economic importance of the cherry industry in Michigan, particularly in the Grand Traverse region, to residents, growers, processors, merchants, and event organizers.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and enacted on the same day (June 17, 2026), with Rules suspended and approval by the Senate on that day.

Action history indicates a streamlined resolution process typical for commemorative matters, not requiring cross-branch funding or regulatory changes.

Overall impact

Provides formal recognition and ceremonial emphasis on Michigan’s cherry industry.

May contribute to public pride, media attention, and continued promotion of cherry-related tourism (notably the National Cherry Festival) and industry advocacy through organizations like the Cherry Marketing Institute.

No direct fiscal impact or policy change is attached to the resolution itself.