Food & Farm News
» March 3, 2009 «
More California grapes head for international markets
Exports of fresh California grapes increased in 2008, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report. More than 26-million 19-pound boxes of grapes valued at $430 million left California for international markets, not including Canada. In the past 10 years, exports of fresh California grapes increased 52 percent. The total grape crop harvested last year was more than 94-million boxes.
Snowpack increases, but state still faces drought conditions 
Snow measurements Monday in the Sierra Nevada show the water content is about 80 percent of average statewide. That's an improvement from 61 percent of average at the end of January, but does not end dry conditions. Projected storms later this week could increase the snowpack, but long-range forecasts are for dry weather next week. Hydrologists say 130 percent of average snowpack would be needed to bring the reservoirs to average storage.
Egg production drops again
California egg production continued to decline in January. A government report says hens produced 11 million fewer eggs than in December. The price farmers earned for their eggs increased about 4 cents a dozen to 95 cents. However, that marks a 25-cent decrease from January 2008. California ranks fifth in the nation in egg production.
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