Reedley Farmer loses legal battle with produce company over nectarines
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Reedley farmer who made national headlines and created a frenzy when he gave away thousands of nectarines for free has lost his case in Fresno County Superior Court.
Last week, a judge ordered Cesar Mora to destroy his trees and then on Thursday, his two-week trial with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company in Southern California came to an end.
A jury deliberated for about three hours before returning a verdict, rejecting Mora's claims that the produce giant neglected to make good on promises to him in exchange for growing its white nectarines.
The company argued the local grower violated an agreement by selling the fruit to another supplier.
The jury decided Mora did breach his contract but they also determined he should not have to pay anything to Giumarra Brothers.
"I'm done. I mean they came knocking on my door," Mora said. "So how can I have a company that's going out and trying to find small growers to sign them up for programs like this where all they do is harm me? They didn't do many any favors. They didn't do me any good."
Mora's attorneys say they plan to file an appeal in the case.
He has until the end of October to pull out all his nectarine trees but the attorneys are also fighting to prevent that from happening.
