Assistance comes as growers decide what to do with their orchards following a difficult year for the industry. Designed by Magnific

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - California peach growers have until Sept. 1 to apply for a $9 million federal program to help remove cling peach trees following economic challenges facing the industry and the closure of the Del Monte processing facility.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and Rep. James Gallagher, R-Chico, announced the application period after working with local leaders and other members of California's congressional delegation to secure funding earlier this year.

"Peach growers are the backbone of the agricultural economy in Sutter and Yuba counties," Thompson said. "The closure of the Del Monte processing facility, combined with already challenging economic conditions, dealt a devastating blow to these communities."

Thompson credited Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. James Gallagher, other members of California's congressional delegation and the California Canning Peach Association with helping secure the funding.

"This funding will help growers navigate these difficult circumstances while strengthening the future of California's cling peach industry," Thompson said.

Gallagher added that the assistance comes as growers decide what to do with their orchards following a difficult year for the industry.

"This provides much-needed support as growers make important decisions about their orchards," Gallagher said. "I appreciate USDA moving quickly to stand up this program, and I'm glad to join Congressman Thompson in making sure growers know these applications are now open."

Gallagher added that the program could help stabilize the region's agricultural industry while giving growers additional options as they plan for the future.

Applications are available through the California Canning Peach Association at http://calpeach.com/treepull/.  Application forms will also be available through processor field representatives.

Completed applications may be hand-delivered to the association's Sacramento office, emailed as an attachment to [email protected] or mailed to California Canning Peach Association, 2600 River Plaza Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95833.