Food & Farm News
» September 6, 2007 «
Officials assess impact of water ruling 
As they assess a court ruling designed to help a protected fish, state officials say many Californians can expect added uncertainty about water supplies. The heads of state agencies told a Sacramento news conference yesterday (Wednesday) the ruling will have significant impacts on the economy. The court order could lead to sharp cuts in water pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Farmers who buy water from the delta already have seen cuts because of dry weather and environmental requirements.
Forecast indicates smaller walnut crop
Walnut farmers have been warning all summer that their crops appear smaller than a year ago, and a government forecast issued yesterday bears that out. The forecast indicates that overall walnut production in the state will drop about 8 percent. The predicted harvest of 320,000 tons would be the smallest since 2002. California accounts for virtually all of the nation's walnut production.
Cling-peach harvest nears completion
Cling peach growers are finishing their harvest. The California Canning Peach Association says farmers should have completed harvest by next week. Most cling peaches are used for canned and frozen foods. The association estimates that 7 percent of the crop was mechanically picked. Concerns about their future ability to hire enough harvest help encouraged some farmers to try the mechanical methods.
'Real California Milk' seal to debut
Californians prefer to buy California-grown milk and dairy products, and a new promotional campaign will make those products easier to identify. The California Milk Advisory Board says consumers could see milk cartons with seals reading "Real California Milk" as soon as September 15th. About a half-dozen dairy processors will begin placing seals on milk, butter and ice cream. The campaign complements the existing Real California Cheese promotion.
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