California Cherry Season Faces Significant Yield Reduction

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia News

Cherry trees in San Joaquin County, California, showcasing ripe fruit amidst challenging weather conditions.

News Summary

California’s cherry season in San Joaquin County is underway, but growers are anticipating a dramatic decline in yields, with estimates suggesting a drop of up to 50%. Adverse weather conditions, including heat stress and disrupted pollination due to winds and rains, have negatively impacted the cherry crop. A request for disaster assistance is being considered as local officials assess damages to help affected farmers. Despite the challenges, there are hopes for higher quality fruit from the trees that do bear, as growers adapt to the current conditions.

California – The cherry season has begun in San Joaquin County, but many growers are preparing for a significant reduction in yields. Local officials are considering a request for a disaster declaration that could provide financial assistance to those affected by the season’s challenges. Industry experts estimate that this year’s cherry crop could be down by as much as 50% across California, largely due to adverse weather conditions that have plagued the region.

San Joaquin County, recognized for its fruitful cherry harvests in the Central Valley, has seen a string of unfavorable weather events. The previous summer’s triple-digit heat stressed cherry trees, forcing them into a survival mode that hindered their fruit production. Additionally, this spring’s pollination period was disrupted by wind and rainfall, further complicating the situation for local growers.

The Vice President of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau Federation, James Chinchiolo, has reported expectations of a much lighter crop, which aligns with the statewide estimates of substantial yield losses. Cherry farms are now adapting to the ongoing cold weather and rain conditions as they approach the critical harvest period.

Chinchiolo is preparing to open his “u-pick” cherry season on May 16, albeit with caution due to a storm forecasted for the upcoming week. Meanwhile, the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner has begun surveying farmers in the area to evaluate the extent of damages that have been sustained.

A formal request for disaster relief is anticipated if the losses exceed 30%. There is currently no set timeline for submitting this disaster relief request, but growers are hopeful that aid will be on the way. Low-interest loans may become available through the disaster declaration, providing a crucial safety net for those facing significant financial challenges.

While the outlook remains grim for many, there are mixed sentiments among growers. Some believe that a reduced yield could lead to larger and higher-quality fruit on the trees that do produce. Drew Cheney from Machado Family Farms has reported that certain cherry varieties are thriving in spite of the adverse conditions. His farm is scheduled to open for cherry picking on May 10, just before the expected rain arrives.

As the cherry season progresses, there is a blend of optimism and caution within the local agricultural community. Prior to weather disturbances, the estimated value of the 2023 cherry crop was $90 million, but this figure is expected to decline as further damage assessments are completed. The combination of storms and adverse conditions may lead to losses reaching 50%, resulting in a significant amount of unmarketable fruit.

Although crop insurance exists for cherry growers, it does not fully compensate for the losses incurred from the recent weather incidents. As local farmers brace for what could be an uphill battle this cherry season, the potential for disaster assistance looms as a crucial lifeline in addressing the impact of these challenges.