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Options San Diego County farmers have with water reductions

Farmers meet to discuss impact of water cuts

Faced with possible 30 percent cuts in irrigation water supplies, San Diego County farmers will gather in Escondido today (Thursday) to discuss how to cope. The region's water supplier has warned farmers to prepare for cuts if weather stays dry. Citrus and avocado growers say they would have to cut off water to some of their trees. Strawberry and vegetable farmers would reduce plantings. Several hundred people are expected to attend seminars sponsored by the county Farm Bureau.

Timber producers feel effect of housing slump

The housing slump hits home for tree farmers. Timber producers say they've seen low prices all summer and report a dramatic drop in prices for Douglas fir lumber. Much of that timber is used in building houses. Prices have been so low that growers aren't even recouping what it costs to cut the trees and haul them to the sawmill. Producers say prices for redwood lumber have remained more stable.

Survey shows loyalty of avocado consumers

Avocado marketers have learned that their most loyal customers are extremely loyal. A recent research study by the Hass Avocado Board shows that in the past year, nearly every Hispanic shopper … 97 percent of them … reported buying avocados. That's twice the rate of the general population. The survey said 60 percent of Hispanic shoppers place avocados in their shopping carts each week.

Almond consumption sets an upward trend

An upward trend in consumption bodes well for almond farmers and marketers. A government report released yesterday (Wednesday) says the typical American ate slightly more than 1 pound of almonds in the just-concluded marketing year. Consumption rose sharply compared to the previous year and reached nearly double the rate of a decade ago. Analysts say growth in domestic demand will be important for the almond business as production continues to expand.

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