By Doug Beretta, President
As we move swiftly into 2024, more rooted businesses continue to leave Sonoma County and the State of California. Their moves all have negative consequences on our local foodshed and economy, but the announcement of Manzana Products Co. Inc. leaving Sonoma County and relocating to Washington State is a significant hit to Sonoma County Agriculture. Manzana has been a mainstay in Sonoma County for over 100 years. Even though the apple industry reached its heights in the 1940s and 1950s and was home to 10 fruit processing facilities – all of which, except Manzana – have since closed as the county’s agricultural focus shifted away from orchards. The writing has likely been on the wall for some time in that 80% of the apples Manzana purchases come from Washington State. They had committed to buying from local producers until they just couldn’t make it work anymore. Well, the time has come.
Manzana acknowledged the emotional and challenging decision to leave Sonoma County, recognizing the impact it will have on employees, local growers, and the community. Knowing the impact, Manzana announced they will continue to process apples at their Graton location through 2024, hopefully giving their employees, growers, and the community time to plan for a future without Manzana. Additionally, Manzana pledged to buy local organic apples from Sonoma County growers and pay the cost to transport the apples to Washington for the next 5 years allowing growers to make other plans for their crop. This is something that most businesses leaving the state never do.
Ultimately, Manzana’s departure is being felt as more than just a loss of a business and a significant employer in West County. To me, it seems like the end of an era for Sonoma County. Apples have long been a symbol of our proud agricultural heritage. Hopefully, Sonoma County residents and elected officials will open their eyes and stop making regulations that put so many constraints on Sonoma County Agriculture. If Sonoma County doesn’t step up and support its local agriculture you will continue to see the departure of more and more businesses which will affect your choice to buy locally grown food and increase the carbon footprint that local agriculture works so hard to reduce!!
