Central California peach farmers are preparing to destroy approximately 420,000 clingstone peach trees after Del Monte Foods permanently closed its canneries in Modesto and Hughson. The closures, which followed Del Monte's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, left hundreds of workers jobless and growers without long-term contracts, potentially resulting in $550 million in lost revenue.
Federal Aid Announced
Senator Adam Schiff and Representatives Mike Thompson and David Valadao announced up to $9 million in federal aid for affected growers to remove about 3,000 acres of peach orchards. This emergency assistance aims to reduce oversupply by removing about 50,000 tons of peaches from production, which officials estimate could prevent $30 million in additional losses for farmers.
Impact on Agriculture
The aid allows growers to pivot their land to other crops, addressing a situation that congressional members warned could cause lasting harm to the country's agricultural system. The removal of the trees is a necessary step to stabilize the market and support the remaining peach industry in California.
In full, California farmers are now faced with the daunting task of clearing orchards that have been a staple of the region's economy for decades. The USDA backs these efforts, recognizing the critical need to protect the livelihoods of those affected.
