08/07/2026
🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑ATTENTION PEACH FARMERS. PLEASE SHARE 🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026
Thompson, Gallagher Announce Applications are Open for Peach Tree Removal Program
Lawmakers secured the $9 million needed to fund the USDA program
Northern California – 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 [email protected]
Sent to CCPA via USPS or another delivery service CCPA’s Sacramento office.
Congressman James Gallagher proudly represents California's First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Before his election to Congress in 2026, Gallagher served in the California State Assembly, including four years as Assembly Minority Leader, and previously represented Sutter County on the Board of Supervisors. A sixth-generation farmer, attorney, and lifelong North State resident, Gallagher has dedicated his career to advancing the interests of rural communities, strengthening agriculture, improving water reliability, and promoting responsible government.
The Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Program) is a federal government action that provides reimbursements to peach growers for the voluntary removal of their clingstone peach trees. All of the Program’s provisions are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations at “7 CFR Part 82” (https://www...
