A well-known grower in the local produce industry recently announced it will close its doors.
Uesugi Farms, with operations in Santa Clara and San Benito counties, cited poor market conditions and other factors as reasons for closing. General Manager Pete Aiello declined to provide BenitoLink with more information or a comment on the situation.
“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,” a recent statement issued on the company website said. “Uesugi’s priority is to maximize the value of its assets and implement plans to work with customers, vendors, lenders, employees and others to obtain the best outcome possible for all its stakeholders.”
The produce company has started selling assets and farm equipment with the Heritage Bank of Commerce.
“The company is in the process of reaching out to its customers and vendors to help them understand what this will mean for them and the proposed next steps,” the statement noted.
In a Jan. 23 announcement on Facebook, the company said it would continue to operate its pumpkin park in San Martin starting Sept. 28.