Food & Farm News
Real Audio» October 19, 2006 «
Olive harvest limps to a close
A troubled 2006 harvest is nearing its end for California olive farmers. The Olive Growers Council says farmers have delivered only about 10,000 tons of olives this year, far below a typical crop. Farmers knew their crop was light because of weather troubles that hit olive groves during bloom and during the growing season. Compounding their problems, a number of farmers had trouble hiring enough workers, as the olive crop was ready when other commodities were being harvested.
New report reduces winegrape forecast
Upon further review, crop forecasters say the California winegrape harvest will be smaller than they originally thought. An updated forecast, issued yesterday (Wednesday), indicates the winegrape crop will be 21 percent smaller than last year's, and smaller than earlier predictions. The report says the harvest remains behind schedule. It also says some red wine grapes may be left in vineyards, due to a surplus from last year and increased imports of bulk wine.
Scorecard rates legislators' votes
How "farm friendly" is your legislator? A scorecard issued yesterday by the state's largest farm group rates state legislators on how they voted on key bills important to family farmers and ranchers. The California Farm Bureau says the scorecard shows the importance of electing legislators who understand farm issues. The Farm Bureau says Governor Schwarzenegger provided an important backstop by using his veto power.
California leads in floriculture production
If you live in a typical household, you spent around $56 last year on flowers or decorative plants ... and chances are good that the flowers you bought came from California. An annual report says California continues to lead the nation in sales of flowers and decorative plants. The report said California growers rang up $1 billion in sales to wholesalers last year, followed by Florida with $976 million.
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