NEWS: Harder Announces $3 Million in Disaster Relief for Valley Cherry Farmers and Processors, Calls on USDA to Expedite Federal Disaster Declaration
Follows last week’s state-level disaster declaration over poor cherry harvest
Federal declaration would unlock new federal aid for Valley farmers
STOCKTON – Today, following last week’s disaster declaration over poor Valley cherry harvests, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced a purchase of up to $3 million of dried sweet cherries to assist cherry farmers during this challenging harvest year. The funding, made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 32 authority, will help stabilize the market and create alternative outlets for the current crop and ensure family cherry farms and processors stay afloat.
Poor cherry harvests hit the Valley hard:
- The Valley produces 40% of America’s fruits, nuts, and other table foods.
- In San Joaquin County, cherries are the 4th most valuable crop, generating nearly $300 million annually.
- This season, more than 40% of local crops have suffered damage from extreme weather.
“The Valley is the fruit and nut basket of the world, and in our community, 1 in 3 jobs depends on agriculture,” said Rep. Harder. “When crops fail, it’s not just a bad season—it’s an existential threat to local families and our entire economy. This $3 million in emergency support will help our cherry farmers and processors weather the storm. But it’s just the first step. I’m calling on USDA Secretary Rollins to immediately expedite a federal disaster declaration so we can unlock the full range of resources our growers need not just to survive this season, but to come back stronger.”
###