A farmer in California's Central Valley is giving away more than 125,000 pounds of nectarines to the public, citing a legal dispute that prevents him from selling the fruit. Cesar Mora, located near Fresno, stated he is donating the crop to avoid it spoiling on the trees for a second consecutive year.
Mora has been growing the nectarines for the past decade. He claims the agriculture company Giumarra is preventing him from packing or selling the fruit, asserting ownership over the crop. Mora disputes Giumarra's claims and the validity of their contract, which he believes is based on fraud and misrepresentation. The legal battle has been ongoing since 2023, with Giumarra suing Mora for breach of contract.
To prevent the fruit from going to waste, Mora organized a giveaway event from June 29 to July 3, encouraging people to bring their own bags. Videos and photos from the event show large crowds gathering to collect the nectarines, with attendees expressing gratitude for the opportunity to obtain fresh fruit.
"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 TikTok post, calling the situation a "total loss." He added, "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 on Tuesday that the giveaway would continue, estimating that 20,000 to 30,000 more pounds of nectarines remain on his farm. He expressed gratitude for the turnout and support, acknowledging the need for organization.
One attendee, Gina Ramirez, drove from Bakersfield to participate. "It's sad to know that it's a small farmer, and it seems like big companies want to get rid of small farmers," she told KMPH. Mora is countersuing Giumarra for fraud and misrepresentation.