Cherry Republic founder receives MSU Extension Key partner Award
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EmailBob Sutherland, president and founder of Cherry Republic, was honored with the MSU Extension Key Partner award for his role in helping farmers access mental health services.
Bob Sutherland, president and founder of Cherry Republic, was honored with the MSU Extension Key Partner award for his role in helping farmers access mental health services. The award is given annually to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to creating, improving or promoting Extension programs.
Jennifer Berkey, MSU Extension district 3 director who nominated him for the award, said Sutherland’s support of farmers predates the mental health programming.
“Bob has always championed crucial support services for the fruit farmers of Northwest Michigan,” Berkey said. “He constantly reaches out to MSU Extension educators to ensure they have the backing they need to support cherry growers. His commitment to mental health awareness and farmer support shines through philanthropic initiatives and inclusive mental health awareness events.”
Sutherland created the Love Thy Farmer campaign in which he donates 2% of the proceeds from Cherry Republic’s February sales to the MSU Extension Farm Stress Management Program. This generous donation directly supports farmer and farm families' access to counseling services, including teletherapy. This both elevates the visibility and impact of the farm stress program and fosters collaboration and solidarity within the agricultural community.
“Farming is not an easy business,” Sutherland said. “I want to make sure that farmers have all the resources they need for the challenges they face—most of which we didn’t see 20 years ago. It’s a known fact that I get stressed. I have a business coach and counselors that I can turn to. I want to make sure the farmers who grow these great products have access to those things, too.”
Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension, says Sutherland joins a growing number of agribusiness and food companies that see the need to help farmers through challenging times.
“Farmers have the highest death rates due to stress-related conditions,” Tyler said. “Stress can lead to heart disease, ulcers and nervous disorders. It’s also a dangerous occupation and accidents can then lead to opioid use and misuse. Helping farmers and farm workers learn effective methods of dealing with stress can lead to other life-saving measures. That’s why Cherry Republic’s funding of this program is so critical. I’m pleased that we could honor them for their dedication.”
