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Endorsement of Gov. Schwarzenegger's reform package
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» September 9, 2005 «

Reform measures win CFBF endorsement

The state's largest farm organization has endorsed Governor Schwarzenegger's reform package on the November ballot. The California Farm Bureau Federation says the three measures will advance its goal of assuring greater government accountability to California citizens. Farm Bureau endorsed Proposition 74, to change teacher-tenure rules, Proposition 76, to limit state budget growth, and Proposition 77, to reform the drawing of election districts.

Japanese market opens for apple farmers

For the first time, California farmers will be able to ship apples to Japan, and the California Apple Commission says marketers will try to develop long-term relationships with Japanese buyers. The Japanese government recently agreed to remove restrictions that had prevented American apples from being sold there. Some California apple growers hope to enter the market as early as this year. But the commission says information about Japan's import rules remains vague.

Asparagus acreage may drop slightly

Despite improved prices during this year's harvest, California farmers probably won't add much acreage of asparagus. In fact, the California Asparagus Commission says it anticipates acreage will drop, mainly because of land lost to flooding in the San Joaquin Delta a year ago. Government figures show California asparagus production declined about 9 percent from 2004, mainly because springtime weather reduced crop yields.

Hot summer spared Christmas trees

The Christmas tree you'll harvest this holiday season is growing now at a choose-and-cut farm in California, and farmers say the hot weather this summer did not create any unusual problems for them. Farmers increased irrigation of their trees, to keep them healthy. Some Christmas tree growers don't irrigate, but reported no unusual losses. And farmers say they've been able to keep insect pests at bay.

On the Calendar:
The Los Angeles County Fair opens an 18-day run today (Friday) in Pomona. Escondido hosts its annual Grape Day Festival and Parade tomorrow (Saturday).