THOMPSON, GALLAGHER ANNOUNCE APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR PEACH TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM

Northern California – Today, Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04) and James Gallagher (CA-01) announced the opening of applications for the USDA Tree Removal Program for California cling peaches. Thompson and Gallagher worked with local leaders in April to secure up to $9 million in federal funding for the removal project.

"Peach growers are the backbone of the agricultural economy in Sutter and Yuba counties," said Thompson. "The closure of the Del Monte processing facility, combined with already challenging economic conditions, dealt a devastating blow to these communities. I am grateful to have worked alongside Senator Schiff, Congressman Gallagher, our California congressional colleagues, and the California Canning Peach Association to secure this much-needed assistance. This funding will help growers navigate these difficult circumstances while strengthening the future of California's cling peach industry."

“California’s cling peach growers, especially those in Sutter and Yuba counties, have been navigating an incredibly tough year. This assistance provides much-needed support as growers make important decisions about their orchards. 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. It’s essential that we help stabilize our local agricultural community and give farmers the tools they need to plan for the future,” said Gallagher. 

The USDA Tree Removal Program is now open. The California Canning Peach Association (CCPA) began accepting grower applications on Monday, August 3rd. The application form is posted on the Peach Association’s website (calpeach.com/treepull/) and application forms will be provided to processor field representatives. The application period will be open for 30 days following August 3rd. All completed application forms must be returned to CCPA in one of the following ways:

• Hand delivered to CCPA’s Sacramento office
• Emailed via an attachment to treepull@calpeach.com
• Sent to CCPA via USPS or another delivery service CCPA’s Sacramento office.

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Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 4th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-responsible Blue Dog Coalition.