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California cherry growers in San Joaquin County anticipate a significantly lighter harvest this season, with potential yields down by 50% due to extreme weather. Growers are worried about the economic impact and are seeking disaster assistance as they adapt to challenging conditions during the cherry season. While the overall yield is expected to be low, there is some hope for higher quality cherries among surviving trees, with u-pick opportunities opening soon despite unpredictable weather forecasts.

California cherry growers are preparing for what is shaping up to be a significantly lighter harvest this year, as the cherry season kicks off in San Joaquin County. Growers are concerned about the potential economic impact, prompting local officials to consider a request for a disaster declaration from the state to provide financial assistance to those affected.

San Joaquin County, traditionally known for its bountiful cherry production, has seen a drastic change in the expected yields this season. Industry experts estimate that statewide, cherry crops could be down by as much as 50%. Several factors have contributed to this downturn, including extreme weather conditions experienced last summer and unfavorable weather during the current pollination period.

Vice President of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau Federation reports a general expectation of lower yields across the region, with heat during the previous summer creating stress on cherry trees. This stress has forced the trees into a ‘survival mode’, which temporarily hampers fruit production as they prioritize their own survival over producing cherries.

This year’s cherry season has been further complicated by adverse weather during critical polination times, including high winds and rain, which have disrupted the production of the delicate cherry trees. Consequently, farms are adjusting their practices in response to these cold and wet conditions in hopes of salvaging the upcoming harvest.

Some growers are tentatively optimistic about the possibility of higher-quality cherries due to the reduced number of fruits on trees that do succeed in surviving the challenging conditions. While the overall crop yield is low, several growers like those from Machado Family Farms have noticed that certain varieties are potentially thriving, showing promising signs amid the adversities faced this season.

Cherry picking is scheduled to begin in San Joaquin County, with one farm opening on May 10, just ahead of anticipated rain that could continue impacting quality. The opening of u-pick opportunities has garnered interest, but many are approaching it with caution due to the unpredictable weather forecasts.

The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner is currently surveying local farms to assess the extent of the damage and to prepare a formal disaster relief request if crop losses surpass 30%. Although there is no official timeline for when this request will be submitted, it is expected that the county will pursue crop disaster assistance next week, which may include low or no-interest loans for the affected growers.

While crop insurance exists for many farmers, it often does not cover all losses caused by the recent adverse weather conditions. The 2023 cherry crop value was initially estimated at $90 million, but as assessments of damage continue, this figure is projected to decrease significantly. Losses could, in fact, reach 50% due to the storms that have negatively affected cherry quality, likely rendering some fruits unmarketable.

The cherry season in San Joaquin County is thus marked by a blend of caution and hope, as growers assess their potential yields and navigate the impacts of a challenging climate. While lower yields could create hardship for many, there exists an opportunity for those farms able to produce cherries this year to offer a product of higher quality, setting the stage for potential recovery in the coming seasons.

California Cherry Growers Face Lighter Harvest Amid Concerns

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Author: HERE Hollywood