Food & Farm News
Real Audio» October 3, 2005 «
Mexico to import Hass avocados
Dark-skinned Hass avocados from California may now be sold in Mexico, under an agreement announced (Friday) by the U.S. Agriculture Department. The USDA says it has worked since 1999 to gain access in Mexico for the California-grown fruit. It says packinghouses can export avocados by following procedures required by the Mexican government. The USDA says the agreement will boost California avocado sales by as much as $24 million.
Toll from West Nile virus nears 200 horses
California horses continue to become infected with the West Nile virus, with 59 new cases reported in the past two weeks. Three counties reported their first equine cases of the year: Lassen, Mendocino and San Benito. The highest numbers of infected horses have been reported in Riverside and Stanislaus counties. So far, the disease has killed 192 California horses.
Farm groups advise government on animal ID
As government officials devise a national animal identification system, farm organizations act to make sure the final system will be workable and cost-effective. The identification system would provide a means to track animals in case of disease. A California Farm Bureau spokeswoman says the system should protect animal health while ensuring the confidentiality of data and providing producers with adequate flexibility.
Growers anticipate strong pomegranate demand
Pomegranate harvest of the Wonderful variety is in full swing this week. What started as a bumper crop has been reduced by hot weather during the growing season. Smaller-sized fruit dropped off trees in the heat. However, the fruit that remained has developed good size. Demand for pomegranate juice has grown so strong that farmers see good markets for both fresh-market and processed fruit.
Top
