Food & Farm News
» January 18, 2008 «
Processors may want more tomatoes than farmers can plant 
Food processors say they'd like to buy almost 12 million tons of tomatoes from California farmers, but a growers' group says water shortages make achieving that goal unlikely. A government report issued yesterday (Thursday) outlines processors' plans to buy tomatoes used in creating salsa, ketchup and other products. The California Tomato Growers Association says water cutbacks in the San Joaquin Valley will probably discourage farmers from planting that many tomatoes.
Farmers assess impact of strong winds
It will take a few days for farmers to assess the impact of the strong Santa Ana winds that hit Southern California this week. Observers say the high winds have caused scarring on some lemons and have caused avocados to drop to the ground. It's unclear whether the damage has been widespread. Farmers are also keeping an eye on long-term forecasts that include a possibility for very cold temperatures in Southern California about a week from now.
Grower alliances win pest-management grants
Alliances among farmers and farm organizations will extend their work on innovative pest-management methods, as the result of grants announced yesterday. The state Department of Pesticide Regulation awarded separate grants to groups representing almond farmers and grape growers. Their on-farm programs use techniques known as integrated pest management, emphasizing prevention methods that reduce the need for pest control.
Californian joins national Farm Bureau board
The leader of the California Farm Bureau has been elected to the board overseeing national Farm Bureau activities. California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar joined the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. As one of five Western Farm Bureau presidents on the national board, Mosebar said he would represent the region's perspectives on issues such as immigration reform, water supply and opening international markets for farm products.
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