The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on May 4 that up to $9 million will be made available for a clingstone peach tree removal program, providing assistance to California growers affected by the closure of the Del Monte cannery in Modesto.
The funding aims to help remove up to 420,000 clingstone peach trees across approximately 3,000 acres. This initiative comes after Del Monte Foods filed for bankruptcy on July 1, 2025, leaving many producers with defunct long-term contracts and facing economic uncertainty.
Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, said, “We appreciate our elected officials’ support in securing this funding. It offers a glimmer of hope after a devastating period, ensuring California farmers can transition to new crops and stay on their land.” Rich Hudgins, CEO of the California Canning Peach Association, added: “We’re grateful for the swift action taken to protect peach growers, the peach industry, their families and the rural communities that depend on this industry.”
The aid package was made possible through efforts by federal and state officials including U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson and David Valadao along with other members of California’s House delegation, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and Assemblymember James Gallagher. The organizations expressed gratitude for their role in securing this critical support.
Ranjit Davit, Sutter County peach grower and Chair of the California Canning Peach Association said: “This funding gives growers the opportunity to make choices about growing a different commodity. Without it, we were looking at abandoned orchards and generational farming operations coming to an end. We are deeply grateful to the USDA and our representatives for stepping in when it mattered most.”
The California Farm Bureau Federation secures funding through membership dues, partnerships and grants according to its official website. The organization promotes sustainable agriculture as well as education initiatives supporting family farming traditions in rural communities according to its official website. It utilizes facilities at its Sacramento headquarters for statewide operations according to its official website.
As reported by its official website, the federation is affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation representing farmers nationally. Its membership includes more than 26,000 individuals encompassing farmers, ranchers, families and supporters statewide according to its official website. The organization also works as an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding quality of life for farmers across California according to its official website.
