Gerawan Farming, one of the largest growers of tree fruit and grapes in Fresno County, has alerted its employees and government officials that it is shutting down its table grape operations next year, affecting more than 2,500 workers.
The Reedley-based farming company issued a layoff notice, required under both state and federal employment law, on Dec. 18, declaring that the shutdown will take effect on Feb. 25.
Ronald Barsamian, a Fresno attorney for the company, said the vineyards are scattered between Fresno and Kerman. He declined to address how many acres of vines are involved in the decision, but added that the vineyards will be torn out. “They’re still going to have a little bit of vineyard, but those will go to the winery, not for table grapes,” Barsamian said Wednesday.
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