U.S. Congressman Fred Upton

Contact: Meghan Kolassa (202) 225-3761

Watervliet, MI, May 23 - This morning, Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) got a firsthand look at the devastation wrought on southwest Michigan fruit farmers by unseasonably warm temperatures this March followed by April freezes.  Upton toured three Berrien County farms to survey the recent damage to local fruit crops – including apples, cherries, grapes, and peaches – which in many cases have been completely decimated.  Following the tours, Upton took part in a roundtable discussion with several area farmers concerning the major challenges now facing Michigan growers.

“The recent damage has been truly devastating for our local farmers who depend on these crops for their livelihood,” said Upton.  “It is absolutely essential that our farmers have the resources necessary to make it through this season, which by all accounts is one of the very worst in memory.  Farming is not only one of our largest industries here in southwest Michigan, it is a way of life that supports countless jobs and ensures a reliable supply of locally grown food.  The devastation caused by this spring underscores the urgency to overhaul many programs in the upcoming Farm Bill, including crop insurance and disaster assistance, which are of particular importance to our specialty crop growers here in southwest Michigan.”

“This type of situation is unprecedented.  No one remembers a loss like we’ve had this year,” said Rodney Winkel, whose Watervliet farm Upton visited this morning. “Fred has always been very receptive.  He understands the challenges facing local agriculture and the variability that comes with it, especially for these specialty crops.”