California Cherry Growers Face Severe Crop Losses

News Summary

California’s cherry growers, particularly in San Joaquin County, are encountering a difficult season with potential crop yields down by 50% due to extreme weather conditions. The state’s farmers are considering a disaster declaration to secure financial assistance, while some anticipate the possibility of higher-quality cherries despite the challenges. Recent assessments indicate significant losses may affect the market value of this vital agricultural sector.

California is facing a significant challenge this cherry season as growers in San Joaquin County grapple with severely reduced crop yields. Many farmers are assessing the possibility of a disaster declaration from the state, which could provide much-needed financial assistance to those affected by the adverse weather conditions.

Reports suggest that this year’s cherry crop in California could potentially be down by as much as 50% statewide. San Joaquin County, a traditional hub for cherry production, is particularly impacted. James Chinchiolo, a local agricultural leader, indicates that growers are bracing for a much lighter harvest, a trend mirrored across the Central Valley.

Several factors have contributed to the lower expected yields. Last summer’s unprecedented triple-digit heat stressed cherry trees, forcing them into ‘survival mode’ that diminished their ability to produce fruit. Moreover, unfavorable weather conditions during the critical pollination period this spring, characterized by wind and rain, further disrupted the growth process of cherry trees.

As the cherry season begins, local farms are making significant efforts to adapt to the inconsistent weather that threatens the harvest. Chinchiolo is set to open his “u-pick” operation on May 16, although he remains cautious about an approaching storm that could further complicate matters. The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner has initiated a survey among farmers to assess the extent of the damages caused by the weather irregularities.

A request for a disaster declaration will be considered if crop losses exceed 30%, and while a formal application could be submitted shortly, a specific timeline for this process remains unclear. Should the disaster declaration be approved, it could lead to the availability of low or no-interest loans for the affected growers and offer financial relief during this challenging time. However, current crop insurance options exist, yet they do not fully cover the losses stemming from these recent weather events.

In addition to the hardships, some growers are cautiously optimistic. While many fields may bear fewer cherries this season, those that do manage to produce may yield larger, higher-quality fruit. Drew Cheney of Machado Family Farms has noted that certain cherry varieties are thriving, and his farm is scheduled to commence cherry picking on May 10, just ahead of the forecasted rain.

This year’s cherry crop was initially valued at approximately $90 million, though ongoing assessments of damage are likely to lead to a significant decrease in that figure. If the losses materialize as expected, they could result in a large portion of the harvest being unmarketable due to quality issues affected by the weather.

As farmers in the region move forward, they are faced with a mixture of caution and hope for the cherry season. The San Joaquin agricultural community is vigilantly overseeing their crops, all while preparing for the potential of future weather disruptions and their direct impact on this vital industry.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC10: Cherry Farmers Struggle with Heat and Wind
• Fruitnet: California Cherries Back on Track
• Produce Blue Book: California Reaches Peak Cherry Season
• Wikipedia: Cherry
• Google Search: California Cherry Season