Food & Farm News
Real Audio» October 13, 2006 «
Progress in spinach investigation announced
Investigators for California Department of Health Services and Federal Food and Drug Administration say they have matched a strain of E. coli found in bagged spinach with cattle from California's Central Coast. This gives scientific investigators more to go on as they work to pinpoint the exact contamination source. Suspected farms have been narrowed to four. Investigators are still not naming the farms under suspicion. Meantime, the FDA says all spinach now on the market is safe to eat.
Farm milk prices to decline
California dairy farmers will receive an average of about four cents less for their milk October 1. This decline follows two months of small increases. The average price for a gallon of milk will be $1.14, about 12 cents less than the January price. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, which sets the price farmers receive, says declines in cheese and butter prices drove the price down. Usually demand for butter increases this time of year, and the drop puzzles those involved in establishing prices.
Gold kiwifruit production increases
California production of the Zespri Gold kiwifruit has doubled since it first entered the market five years ago. The fruit is being marketed as sweeter than green kiwifruit, but with similar nutritional values. The New Zealand firm that owns the patent on the fruit markets it. California farmers who raise gold kiwifruit contract with that company which then sells the fruit throughout Northern Hemisphere nations during fall and winter months when Southern Hemisphere fruit is not available.
Benefit for ranchers planned
Rescuers who helped save sheep burned by Yolo County wildfires now plan a fund- raising event tomorrow (Saturday) at Solano Field on the U.C. Davis campus to aid ranchers. The event includes working sheep dog demonstrations, wool spinning and food and beverages to raise funds to benefit ranchers who lost animals. Members of the Veterinary Emergency Response Team provided emergency care for sheep burned by fire. Team members now hope to help financially.
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