Shockwaves of Modesto Del Monte plant closure hits local fruit farms. Growers to lose $550 million in peaches alone

[UpInArms]

Dozens of peach growers in Yuba and Sutter counties north of Sacramento
had similar questions at a recent gathering. That area produces about twice
as many cling peaches as the Modesto region although both have scaled
back over the years as customer demand for canned goods

“Modesto talks about losing 1,800 employees, but look at us who have put
up capital to plant peaches and spent years growing trees – all lost,” Ranjit
Davit told The Modesto Focus. His family has raised peaches for eight
decades near Live Oak, north of Yuba City.

In both regions, growers depend not on roadside stands but volume
contracts with canneries. The notion that local residents could “just eat
more peaches” would not possibly make up for the 50,000 tons growers
would have sent this year, but won’t, to Del Monte.

More at:

https://losbanosenterprise.com/business/agriculture/2026/shockwaves-of-modesto-del-monte-plant-closure-hits-local-fruit-farms-growers-to-lose-550-million-in-peaches-alone/

[dickthegrouch]

1. New Rule!

Plant closures shall only be effected commensurate with the ability of their suppliers, and customers, to pivot.

(Unworkable in bankruptcy, I know, but we can work on it!)

[quaint]

2. They have my sympathy...

but for years (decades?) it seems, consumers have been turning away from canned foods, and turning toward fresh, organic, especially in fruit. And water crisis, duh.

[Auggie]

3. Many crops in California are over-planted. Maybe they "could" be exported ...

if you-know-who hadn't sabotaged so much international trade.