Well-known, family-owned vegetable producer Uesugi Farms has harvested its last crops and sold its last pumpkin. The growers, with operations in California and Mexico, are selling off all of their equipment and are “winding down” operations. There will be no spring planting of its Napa cabbage, pepper, corn, squash and pumpkin crops.
“Due to market conditions and factors outside of its control, Uesugi Farms has made the difficult decision to wind down its operations at the conclusion of the 2018 fall harvest season,” the family said in a statement posted online.
Pete Aiello of Hollister, general manager of Gilroy-based Uesugi Farms, declined to comment. He has been general manager since 2002. His father, Joe Aiello, of Morgan Hill, bought Uesugi Farms from the original owners in 1979.
Uesugi Farms is reported to have employed about 250 seasonal workers and a year-round staff of 50. It also had partnerships with dozens of producers. Overall, it had reported more than 5,000 acres in production. It grew over 20 varieties of fresh produce, including bell peppers, chili peppers, Napa cabbage, sweet corn, strawberries, pumpkins and beans to retailers, distributors, wholesalers and processors across the U.S. and the world. The company was also known as one of the premier growing, packing and shipping operations in the industry.
Source: sanjoseinside.com
