Peter Knego Uproots 1 Pajaro Valley Orchard as Martinelli's Ends Apple Contracts

1 articles · Updated · Lookout Santa Cruz · Jun 3

Peter Knego, a fourth-generation Pajaro Valley farmer, tore out his Freedom Boulevard apple orchard in May and plans to lease the cleared land to berry growers.
Martinelli's, the 158-year-old cider company that long bought apples from nearly all growers in the valley, told farmers this winter it would stop renewing contracts over the next few years.
Jake Mann, a fifth-generation farmer, said the decision leaves longtime growers without their only customer and with no substantial in-state buyers for their fruit.
Knego said removing the orchard at Watsonville's entrance signaled a broader collapse for the region's apple industry, where orchards have stood since the late 1920s.

Sources

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