News Summary
California’s cherry season in 2023 is projected to face significant challenges, particularly in San Joaquin County, where growers anticipate a yield drop of up to 50%. Factors such as extreme heat last summer and adverse weather during pollination have stressed cherry trees, prompting local officials to consider disaster declarations to provide relief. While some growers remain optimistic about the quality of the remaining fruits, the overall economic impact remains concerning, with estimates suggesting that the value of the cherry crop could fall significantly.
California is facing a challenging cherry season in 2023, with growers in San Joaquin County bracing for potentially significant decreases in yield. Many local farmers are expressing concern about what could be a much lighter harvest this year, prompting officials to consider requesting a disaster declaration from the state, which could provide critical financial assistance to those affected.
Current estimates predict that the statewide cherry crop could be down by as much as 50%. This is particularly concerning for San Joaquin County, known for its fruitful cherry harvests that contribute to the Central Valley’s agricultural output. The county’s agricultural sector is actively monitoring the situation as local leaders assess the extent of the damage caused to cherry trees.
Several factors have contributed to the anticipated lower yields. Last summer’s extreme heat, with several days of triple-digit temperatures, placed considerable stress on cherry trees. Instead of focusing on fruit production, the heat forced the trees into a ‘survival mode,’ leading to concerns amongst growers about their ability to deliver a quality harvest. Additionally, unfavorable weather conditions during the critical pollination period this spring, including wind and rain, disrupted the production process even further.
The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner is in the process of surveying local farmers to measure the agricultural damage. If the losses exceed 30%, a formal request for disaster relief will be submitted to state officials. As of now, there is no defined timeline for when this request might be made; however, many growers are keeping a close eye on the situation to ensure they can access any potential aid.
Despite the dire predictions, some growers remain cautiously optimistic. A smaller harvest may result in larger, higher-quality cherries on the trees that do produce. For example, some cherry varieties at certain farms are reportedly thriving, even amid the adverse weather conditions. Cherry picking for some farms is set to begin soon, with some expecting to open as early as May 10, although they are also preparing for anticipated rain shortly thereafter, which may hinder their harvest.
The value of the 2023 cherry crop was initially estimated at $90 million, but these projections are likely to decrease precipitously as damage assessments continue and losses potentially reach unprecedented levels. Conditions conducive to producing unmarketable fruit could further exacerbate the financial challenges facing growers in the region.
Current discussions around the disaster declaration suggest that low or no-interest loans may soon be made available to affected growers, providing them some financial relief as they navigate the uncertain future ahead. Although crop insurance exists to protect against losses, it does not fully cover the damages incurred from the recent extreme weather events.
As the cherry season progresses, growers in San Joaquin County find themselves in a state of mixed feelings—combining optimism for potential high-quality fruit with caution driven by the challenges presented by the weather. The full picture will depend on the upcoming days as growers prepare for the critical harvest while awaiting the outcome of their preliminary assessments and the possible declaration of disaster relief.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC10: Cherry Farmers Struggle
- Wikipedia: Cherry
- The Produce News: Morada Produce
- Google Search: Cherry Farming Challenges
- Tracy Press: Hectic Cherry Season
- Google Scholar: California Cherry Season
- Fruitnet: California Cherries Back on Track
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cherries
- Produce Blue Book: California Peak Cherry Season
- Google News: California Cherry Crop
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
