Embattled California fruit farmer gives away more than 125,000 pounds of nectarines

A California farmer in the Central Valley is giving away more than 125,000 pounds of nectarines to anyone who wants them amid a legal battle over the ownership of the crop.

Located about 30 miles from Fresno, Reedley Farmer Cesar Mora said he is tired of watching his crops rot on the tree and drop and decided instead to give it away before losing another year’s worth of fruit.

Mora said agriculture company Giumarra has been preventing him from doing anything, including packing or selling the stone fruit, “over the ownership” of his nectarine crop which he said he’s personally been growing for the last 10 years. 

“It’s unfortunate to see such nice fruit go to waste but, when corporations have licensing rights to varieties, this supposedly is someone else’s property,” Mora said in a post on TikTok, calling it a “total loss.”

“I grew it, planted it. I’ve worked for the last eight years to be able to get this fruit. And now watching it fall on the floor. Just standing here quietly listening to the drop, it’s frustrating.” 

Mora announced he was giving away the fruit from June 29 to July 3, saying he would rather hand out the sweet fruit instead of seeing it go to waste, for a second year.

“Nectarines will be in bins ready to go. Please fill your bag and let others have an opportunity to pull from the bins. Bring a bag! One bag per person. Thank you for helping us!” a second post read.

Videos and pictures from the giveaway, so far, show it’s been a huge success, with hundreds of people showing up each day to pack in the fruit and take it home.

“We drove all the way from Bakersfield just to make sure to come and get some,” Gina Ramirez told KMPH.

“It’s sad to know that it’s a small farmer, and it seems like big companies want to get rid of small farmers.”

The legal case has been working its way through the courts since 2023.

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“Giumarra claims ownership of the variety of fruit Cesar grows and has sued him for breach of contract,” according to a GoFundMe for Mora.

“Cesar disputes both their ownership claim and the validity of the contract, and is fighting back by suing Giumarra for fraud and misrepresentation.”

In a post on Tuesday, Mora announced the giveaway would continue, sharing that he estimates there’s still another 20-30 pounds of the nectarine crop left on his farm.

“Thank you to everyone who came out today! We are so grateful for the love and support. We were not expecting this kind of turnout and we appreciate your patience as we get organized.”