Peach growers struggle after Del Monte cannery closure
By Maricela De La Cruz
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MODESTO, California (KCRA) — California peach growers are facing significant challenges after the closure of the Del Monte cannery in Modesto earlier this year, which left hundreds unemployed and growers uncertain about their future.
“I would have at least three to four more years out of these trees,” said Ranjit Davit, a peach grower in Sutter County.
Davit is one of about 70 growers across the state now working to remove 60 acres of cling peach trees after losing contracts with Del Monte.
“We have about 70 growers who have been left behind as part of the Del Monte bankruptcy, and as a result of the bankruptcy, we have watched our industry shrink by 25% virtually overnight,” said Rich Hudgins, president of the California Canning Peach Association.
Davit expressed his surprise at the closure, saying, “I never thought the name Del Monte would go away ever.”
“We thought it was kind of guaranteed,” Davit said. “We know they’ve had their issues, but we never thought they’d go away, so it was a shock to us.”
The impact of the closure extends beyond the orchards.
“We had to lay off and probably use half the seasonal workers that we would normally use,” Davit said.
Approximately 70% of the growers affected by the closure are located in the Yuba-Sutter area. While many farmers are still figuring out their next steps, the USDA has announced a $9 million funding package to help remove clingstone peach trees. Hudgins explained, “It doesn’t buy new trees, it simply allows the grower to prepare the ground to plant new trees.”
The California Canning Peach Association is contributing an additional $1 million, bringing the total funding to $10 million. The funds will help remove about 3,000 acres of peach trees across the state.
Despite the relief, farmers say the transition remains difficult.
“It’s extremely difficult. We put a lot of money and our heart into these orchards, and now that they’re coming out with no home to go, it hurts,” Davit said. “We got to transition into another commodity, takes a lot of time and money, and three to four years with no income.”
Next week, rows of green peach trees in Sutter County will be replaced by empty dirt, a visible reminder of how quickly the industry has changed.
“We’re seeing troubles in all industries,” Davit said. “We see other large companies, whether it be walnuts or almonds, that are going out of business as well, so it’s definitely very concerning.”
Farmers could begin receiving funds to remove trees in about two months.
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