San Joaquin cherry growers seek second disaster declaration following extreme weather

San Joaquin County, California’s leading cherry-producing region, has filed a second consecutive disaster declaration request after heat and rain damaged nearly two-thirds of this year’s crop.

County Agricultural Commissioner Kamal Bagri said the local government submitted a disaster declaration letter to the California Office of Emergency Services this week after a survey found 63.5 percent crop damage. The losses totaled an estimated $174.4 million compared to a normal harvest year.

The declaration could help growers secure federal assistance following another difficult season for the state’s cherry sector. 

According to the county’s most recent crop report, in 2024, more than half of California’s cherry crop came from San Joaquin County, which is home to over 300 growers. The category ranked as the county’s sixth-most-valuable agricultural commodity that year, with an estimated farmgate value of $240 million.

Weather takes toll on San Joaquin cherry crop

The season began with an early spring heat wave that accelerated bloom development and pushed harvest timing forward, Chris Zanobini, executive director of the California Cherry Board, told The Packer.

Storms followed several weeks later, including late-season rainfall during harvest conditions. This can cause fruit to absorb moisture and split, creating conditions for mold development and reducing marketability.

The county also sought a disaster declaration in 2024 after production reached only about 43 percent of a normal crop.

Following last year’s season, Representative Josh Harder said he was working to “unlock the full range of resources” local growers need “not just to survive this season, but to come back stronger.”

The United States Department of Agriculture later announced plans to purchase up to $3 million worth of dried sweet cherries to support growers and processors.

*All photos are referential. 

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