Climate change has not just limited Oregon’s cherry growing season. It has also delayed California’s season, which leads to markets becoming flooded and causes prices to drop. Now, Oregon cherry growers are asking state leaders to help them with financial relief after a third bad season spurred by climate change.
On July 31, Oregon House Rep. Jeff Helfrich asked governor Tina Kotek to declare a disaster for the growers. “In light of current circumstances and to provide the necessary support to our cherished sweet cherry producers, I earnestly request that you declare a state disaster for the Oregon cherry industry,” Helfrich said in a letter to the governor.
This declaration could allow cherry producers in his district and across the Columbia River Gorge to access federal disaster assistance programs, and potentially lead to emergency funding from the Oregon Legislature.
Source: opb.org
