California Farmer Ordered to Destroy Orchard After Giving Away Free Nectarines
Cesar Mora, a third-generation farmer in Reedley, California, was ordered by a court to destroy his orchard after giving away over 182,000 pounds of nectarines when locked out of the market due to a contract dispute with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company. In June 2026, Mora distributed his entire crop for free rather than let it rot following disagreements about pricing and waste from deliveries in 2020. A jury later ruled he had breached his marketing agreement with Giumarra, which was awarded no damages but retained the right to destroy the orchard. The dispute began when Mora signed a sublicensing agreement in 2017 for growing Monalise white nectarines and an exclusive sales contract in 2019. After ending his relationship with Giumarra in 2023, he was sued for breach of contract. A judge had previously ruled the trees must be destroyed regardless of patent status or damages awarded. Mora's case highlights broader challenges faced by small California farmers who are increasingly vulnerable to powerful processors and distributors. Farm bankruptcy filings have risen sharply, with Chapter 12 cases increasing by 46% in 2025. Lawmakers are also considering Assembly Bill 1776 aimed at curbing monopsony power.
Topics: California agriculture contract law farmers small business