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Huge Cherry Crop Worries Industry

<p>The surplus of tart cherries from this year's crop could be one of the largest ever. The board that governs the sale of tart cherries in the U.S. says more than 40 percent of the crop will be restricted. That means growers have to find alternative markets for that fruit, like exporting it outside North America or hold it in freezers.</p> <p>Some could be left on the ground in orchards, more than in years past. The director of the Cherry Industry Administrative Board, Perry Hedin, says typically few cherries are left to rot. Last year just 100,000 pounds out of more than 150 million pounds harvested were left on the ground. </p> <p>"Any grower of tart cherries would rather deliver than put them on the ground," says Hedin. </p> <p>But with the struggling economy, and the crop shaping up to be one of the biggest on record, it appears likely more fruit will be left in the orchards this year.</p> <p>Listen to <a href="http://ipr.interlochen.org/points-north-live/episode/3106">Points North discussion </a>about the crop.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>