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Central Valley project water allocation announcement

CVP water allocates steady

Central Valley farmers will receive 45 percent of their federal water allocations, according to a March Bureau of Reclamation announcement, which provides the same amount as the February announcement. Farmers south of the delta made some cropping decisions based on the February numbers, and are pleased it hasn't changed. Allocations to farmers on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley have improved slightly. The announcement also cautions that allocations could change based on court decisions protecting endangered fish.

Mexican strawberry ban eased

The Mexican government will now accept U. S. Department of Agriculture trapping protocols implemented for control of the light brown apple moth, according to the California Strawberry Commission. Under the agreement, agricultural commissioners in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties can issue phytosanitary certificates for strawberries to be shipped to Mexico. A strict Mexican ban continues for strawberries grown in Santa Barbara County. Strawberry growers exported fruit worth nearly $2 million to Mexico last year.

Friendly fungal disease control found

Research scientists are searching for an environmentally friendly way to control Fusarium wilt in cotton first found in California in 2001. The fungal disease destroys a cotton plant's vascular system, killing it. Researchers have had some success by covering the soil with a plastic tarp, killing the fungus, but it is too costly to use on a widespread basis. It might be useful for farmers to spot treat highly infected areas. Meantime, the researchers are seeking other ways to destroy the fungus.

Dry fig numbers announced

Dried fig tonnage last year was less than originally estimated, according to the California Fig Advisory Board. The final numbers are almost 11,000 tons whereas the original estimate was slightly more than 12,000. The board says farmers sold more figs on the fresh market, which lowered dry production. Growers are looking forward to a good season, as weather for development of a good crop has been ideal and demand is strong.

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