A video shared on X by @WallStreetApes has amplified a message from a California farmer named Cesar Mora. He has decided to give away thousands of nectarines for free, a move that highlights economic pressures facing smaller growers in the state\u2019s agricultural heartland.<\/p>\n
Mora posted an invitation for the public to visit his orchard in Reedley, California, and pick free nectarines between June 29 and July 3.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome pick free nectarines at 21500 E. Parlier, Reedley, CA,\u201d a post on X said. Those going can take \u201cone bag or bucket per person.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the video, Mora said he has been farming in the Central Valley for more than 30 years and has spent the last decade growing white-flesh nectarines. However, he said he has been unable to market this year\u2019s crop and is now facing a financial loss for a second consecutive season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI should be picking them right now, but I\u2019m not,\u201d Mora said.<\/p>\n
Mora attributed the situation to what he called a \u201cgiant ag corporation\u201d that he said prevents him from doing business with buyers. He did not name a specific company, and The Daily Dot found no publicly available evidence to verify his claims about the circumstances.<\/p>\n
In the comments section, a user tagged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and wrote that the farmer \u201cshouldn\u2019t have to face this kind of outcome right at his farm\u2019s peak harvest time.\u201d Others were sympathetic and suggested alternative ways for Mora to sell his produce. As of publication, Rollins\u2019s office had not responded to the tag or commented on the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t they take the produce to farmers\u2019 markets to sell directly to people? Or have people come to the farm & pick their own produce?\u201d one wrote. Another commenter said pick-your-own fruit operations in Ohio, such as apple orchards, typically charge customers to harvest produce. Some asked visitors to leave tips or donate to the farmer for his family.<\/p>\n