The 58th annual Fruit Crop Guesstimate will be held June 19 at the Amway Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The annual event, organized by the Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association, provides a “first look” at the size of the North American fruit crop. Industry representatives from across the U.S. present their expectations for the size of the apple, tart cherry, sweet cherry, peach, and blueberry crops, in Michigan and across the country.

Last year, the event was held June 6—two weeks ahead of normal—because the season was so advanced. This year, the season is two weeks or so behind normal. “We’ll probably wish we’d set it still later,” said Terry Morrison, executive secretary of the sponsoring organization.

About 150 usually attend. Attendance was lower last year because it was already known the crops in Michigan were decimated by freezes.

The Cherry Industry Administrative Board uses industry estimates to make a preliminary estimate of how much of the national tart cherry crop will be restricted under the federal market order that regulates the supply of tart cherries. The board meets the day after the Guesstimate and announces its decision then.

The event starts at 2:30 p.m., ends about 5, and is followed by an evening reception.

To attend, pre-register by sending name, address, company, and check for $75 to the Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association, 4747 S. Elm Valley Rd., Suttons Bay MI 49682. For more information, contact Morrison at (231) 271-5752, or e-mail mfpa@centurytel.net.

Scholarships

The association will also present up to three college scholarships at the meeting.

Applications must be received no later than May 18.  Send applications to Melanie LaPerriere at MBG Marketing, P.O. Box 322,Grand Junction, MI 49056, by e-mail or by calling (269) 434-6791. Each recipient must be able to attend the scholarship presentation.

Preference is given to students who have a relationship with a MFFPA member, are food science majors, are in the top half of their class, and live in Michigan.