started · updated
California farmer ordered to destroy nectarine trees after legal loss
A Fresno County Superior Court judge has ordered Reedley farmer Cesar Mora to destroy his nectarine trees following a legal dispute with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company. The litigation, which has been ongoing since 2023, centers on the exclusive rights to the Monalise white nectarine variety. Giumarra Brothers claims the variety is owned by the French company Star Fruits Diffusion and argued that Mora breached his contract by selling fruit to another supplier.
After a two-week trial, a jury reached a split verdict. While the jury found that Mora did breach his contract, they also determined that he is not required to pay any damages to Giumarra Brothers. Mora, who gained national attention for giving away 125,000 pounds of nectarines for free, has accused the company of fraudulent business practices and unfairness.
Mora’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the ruling. Under the current court order, Mora has until the end of October to remove the nectarine trees from his property.
Entities
Cesar Mora · Fresno County Superior Court · Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company · Reedley · Star Fruits Diffusion
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The jury ruled that Mora does not have to pay damages to Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company. abc30.com · dnyuz.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mora’s legal team intends to appeal the court's decision. abc30.com · dnyuz.com · nypost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cesar Mora previously gave away 125,000 pounds of nectarines for free in Reedley, California. dnyuz.com · nypost.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mora has until the end of October to destroy his nectarine trees. abc30.com · dnyuz.com · nypost.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company claims the Monalise white nectarine variety is owned by the French company Star Fruits Diffusion. pulptastic.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Jon Skiles ordered Cesar Mora to destroy his nectarine trees. pulptastic.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A jury determined that Cesar Mora breached his contract with Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company. abc30.com · dnyuz.com · nypost.com