California farmer ordered to raze nectarine orchard after court rules against Giumarra dispute
A jury found farmer Cesar Mora breached his contract with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company and gave him until October's end to destroy his nectarine trees.
Reedley farmer Cesar Mora faced a jury verdict that he breached a contract with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company, a major Southern California produce firm. Mora had claimed the company blocked his ability to pack and sell his stone fruit, asserting personal ownership of the crop for ten years, while Giumarra alleged it owned the variety and sued for breach. The three-hour deliberation resulted in a finding that Mora did violate the agreement but should not pay any compensation to Giumarra.
The court ordered him to destroy his nectarine trees by the end of October. Mora, who drew massive crowds with a free nectarine giveaway that prompted a temporary highway patrol shutdown, expressed frustration and announced plans to appeal. His attorneys confirmed the appeal will be pursued.
Why it matters
The ruling forces a local farmer to remove his orchard, highlighting tensions between small growers and large agribusinesses.
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