Food & Farm News
Real Audio» April 27, 2007 «
Flower growers gear up for Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a couple of weeks away, and California flower growers are busy preparing. The California Cut Flower Commission says there will be ample supplies of fresh flowers for Mother's Day. The January freeze caused little damage to flowers being grown for the holiday. The commission says roses are the most popular flower for Mother's Day, and that women buy two-thirds of the flowers sold for the day. California leads the nation in flower production.
California farmland values grow slowly
They call it "the Goldilocks effect." Appraisers say growth in the value of California farmland appears to be "just right." At a meeting of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers California chapter, experts said farmland values are rising at a low, sustainable pace. An annual report lists the state's most expensive farmland as in Napa County, where prime vineyard land reaches values as high as $250,000 an acre.
Young olive trees show delayed freeze damage
Losses of newly planted olive trees from the January freeze are just now beginning to show up. Observers say trees that were water-stressed suffered the most freeze damage. The super-high-density olive plantings are in the early stages of bloom. Most of the young trees will produce fruit for the state's expanding olive oil production. Farmers are also preparing the ground for new plantings that are scheduled for next month.
Marketers see growth for watermelon juice
Watermelon juice is a new product available to consumers. The National Watermelon Promotion Board expects consumption to grow as consumers learn more about the health benefits of watermelon. It's taken about 50 years to develop a method to produce watermelon juice that retains its flavor and color. The juice is available in blends with other juices or as a stand-alone product.
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