Food & Farm News
Real Audio» March 27, 2007 «
Governor: State needs more reservoirs
Saying California has a "desperate need" for new, aboveground reservoirs, Governor Schwarzenegger urged passage of bonds to pay for new water-storage projects. Speaking at Friant Dam in Fresno County yesterday (Monday), the governor encouraged Californians to contact their legislators in favor of a bond package that could be placed on the ballot next year. The governor said new aboveground reservoirs are needed to provide water for the state's growing population.
Hay farmers seek new look at hauling rules
New state standards for tying hay onto trucks may undermine public safety, haulers say, and farm groups have asked the state to reconsider. A law that took effect this year requires hay to be tied down from side to side. That conforms to federal rules, but truckers say the method won't work for the larger bales used here. So haulers are also tying down the hay from front to back. They say the extra strapping causes delays, and they'll ask the state to return to its previous rules.
Search for light brown apple moth to widen
Authorities have widened their search for a pest that recently turned up in California for the first time. Traps for the light brown apple moth have been set in eight additional counties ... and pest fighters plan eventually to set traps throughout the state. The insect was first found in Berkeley and since has been found in other nearby cities. The California Department of Food and Agriculture wants to keep the moth out of farming regions because it can attack up to 250 different plants.
Students start organic farm on Cal Poly campus
What had once been an untended grapefruit grove has been revived as the center of a new, organic farm on the Cal Poly, Pomona, campus. Students plan to grow 20 varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as bell peppers, sweet corn, cantaloupes and watermelons. A university foundation sponsors the farm, and any profits will repay the foundation's seed funds. Students will sell their produce at nearby farmers' markets and to on-campus restaurants.
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