SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY growers are finding nothing cheery about the cherry harvest that starts this month.
Both the county and pretty much the entire San Joaquin Valley are expected to see crop totals that could be half the quantity of what would be seen in a banner year, said James Chinchiolo, first vice president of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau Federation.
“The volume is down. That’s not welcome information for us cherry growers,” said Chinchiolo, whose Chinchiolo Farm Co. operates Lodi Blooms, a 40-acre cherry orchard in Lodi.
The good news, he said, is that cherry prices are higher this year for growers lucky enough to have a decent crop. Also, the quality of the harvested cherries is expected to be good.
The California Cherry Board, a marketing organization representing 850 growers and 22 packers in the state, says cherry season is relatively short, beginning in mid-May and lasting through June. San Joaquin County is the state’s top cherry-producing region.
The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner in its most recent annual crop report listed cherries as the county’s fourth most valuable farm product, behind milk, grapes and almonds — with a value of $273.4 million in 2023.
Chinchiolo said the county’s soil, nourished by river water and warm days followed by cool evenings, is ideal for cherries. But during the past year, the weather has conspired against growers.
“We are seeing heat stress from last year. And also during the bloom, there was quite a bit of wind.”
James Chinchiolo, Lodi Blooms
Blistering summer heat, which produced 41 days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, diminished the potential crop. Strong winds also hindered the ability of insects like bees to carry pollen from flower to flower.
“We are seeing heat stress from last year. And also during the bloom, there was quite a bit of wind,” Chinchiolo said.
On his own farm, Chinchiolo said he plans to make the most of the season by giving priority to his best customers.
“I am going to take care of my most loyal customers, the ones who have demonstrated commitment to me,” he said. “It comes down to strong relationships.”
As always, though, Chinchiolo invites the public to his groves to pick their own cherries, an opportunity that begins May 16. Because of the limited supply, however, he said he can’t be sure how quickly his trees will be picked of all their fruit and he will have to turn potential customers away.
This story originally appeared in Stocktonia.
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