Food & Farm News
» July 22, 2009 «
Transmission line plans may be revised 
Although plans for a large transmission line in Northern California have been dropped, observers say they expect more attempts to locate power lines on farmland. Opposition from landowners helped convince planners to drop the Transmission Agency of Northern California project. But, a California Farm Bureau expert says landowners should expect more projects and prepare to explain how transmission lines affect rural areas.
Invasive pests return to Southern California
Less than a month after the oriental fruit fly was declared eradicated in California, four flies have been found in the La Verne area of Los Angeles County triggering another battle against the pest. Inspectors are applying small patches of pheromone and insecticide high on trees and utility poles that confuse male flies and interrupts the breeding cycle. Similar procedures are being used in Orange County where seven guava fruit flies have been found. Inspectors theorize the flies were introduced to the area when international travelers returned with infested fruit.
Large processing tomato crop predicted
It looks as if California farmers will produce a large crop of processing tomatoes this year even after facing water shortages. However, planting shifted from regions left without water to others with adequate supplies. Acreage is up 92 percent in Kern County and 52 percent in San Joaquin County. It dropped 5 percent in Fresno County, but tomatoes were shifted to the east side of the county where water is more available. Growers had the incentive of an $80 a ton contract price up $10 from last year.
California apricot harvest completed
Apricot harvest in California is over. Fruit now in stores is from Pacific Northwest orchards. The Apricot Producers of California reports it was a good season with no unsold fruit left. Fruit quality was reported as very good. Total production is 66,000 tons, about the same as last year. Some orchards are now being removed, but farmers are considering replanting apricots, as supply and demand equaled this year.
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