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Irrigation water reductions in Southern California

Southern California farmers anticipate water cuts

Announced water cutbacks for Southern California leave farmers making plans about how to cope. The regional water wholesaler has warned farmers with a particular type of water contract that their supplies will be reduced 30 percent. Many San Diego County farmers will be affected by the cuts. Farmers in western Riverside County also face reductions, and will meet with local water providers in coming weeks to learn more specifics about the cuts.

Water supplies to affect Westside lettuce acreage

As they prepare to start the autumn lettuce harvest next week, farmers in the western San Joaquin Valley face uncertainty about how much of the crop they will plant for next spring. The Westlands Water District says it expects farmers in the Huron area to reduce spring lettuce acreage by half. A combination of dry weather, court decisions and other factors will likely reduce water supplies for farms in the region.

Plant breeders produce spinach that resists insects

Shiny black flies known as leafminers attack spinach plants … and plant breeders have responded by developing spinach that resists the pests. The government research agency that developed the resistant plants has sent seeds to plant breeders around the world, so they can breed the resistance into other popular spinach varieties. The U.S. Agriculture Department says natural resistance offers an environmentally friendly, effective way to fight pests.

Avocado promotion proves successful

Calling their product irresistible proved a successful strategy for avocado marketers. The California Avocado Commission says its "Irresistible California Avocado" marketing campaign generated strong demand for the fruit. Through advertising and in-store promotions, the commission encouraged consumers to visit a special Web site, where they could play an interactive game. The game's grand prize winner, a woman from Tennessee, won a new car.

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