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Winegrape grower's comments on the newly adopted state budget
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» February 20, 2009 «

Winegrape growers toast rejection of proposed wine tax

Relief is being expressed by winegrape growers because the proposed increase in excise taxes on wine was not included in the newly adopted state budget. Farmers say the tax would have amounted to $217 a ton on grapes. This is more money than the profit margin over half the farmers earned for their grapes in 2007. Growers point out that there already are excise taxes assessed on wine. Farmers are also pleased the proposed 12-cent-per-gallon tax hike on gas was rejected.

Farm group offers tips on stretching food dollar

This is Food Check-Out Week to point out that by this time of year, the average American has earned enough to pay for the entire year's food supply. The American Farm Bureau sponsors the week to celebrate the abundance and safety of food in this nation. Tips to stretch food dollars include preparing a shopping list and sticking to it, as well as not shopping when hungry. More tips can be found on the California Farm Bureau's Web site: www.cfbf.com.

Higher dairy consumption linked to less body fat

Boys and girls who consume three to four servings of dairy products a day have less subcutaneous body fat than those with smaller consumption habits. That is the finding of a new study by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine. The study—published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition—followed the eating habits of more than 10,000 children.

Research focuses on disease control in wheat

Research scientists have discovered a gene that will make wheat capable of resisting stripe rust, a fungal disease that causes crop losses in many states. The discovery will allow plant breeders to incorporate the resistant gene into new wheat varieties. The disease has destroyed wheat in many regions of the world and in 2003 wiped out 25 percent of the California wheat crop. Wheat for flour, pasta and other food should be in more plentiful supply once disease is controlled.