Following the recent 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 percent of America’s fruits, nuts, and other table foods.

In San Joaquin County, cherries are the fourth most valuable crop, generating nearly $300 million annually.

This season, more than 40 percent of local crops have suffered damage from extreme weather.

“The Valley is the fruit and nut basket of the world, and in our community, one in three 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 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.”