Food & Farm News
» March 26, 2008 «
Secretary urges Congress to 'come together' on Farm Bill 
The unfinished business confronting Congress when it returns to Washington next week includes a multi-year rewrite of federal farm policy. The U.S. agriculture secretary, visiting Sacramento yesterday (Tuesday), said it's important for the House and Senate to come together and finalize the Farm Bill. Secretary Ed Schafer took part in Ag Day festivities at the state Capitol. He said the Bush administration has "moved dramatically" in Farm Bill negotiations with congressional leaders.
Governor joins Ag Day celebration at state Capitol
Governor Schwarzenegger joined hundreds of people in celebrating the bounty of California farms and ranches, during the annual Ag Day event at the state Capitol yesterday. The governor toured booths and displays while legislators, Capitol staffers and other visitors enjoyed the food and flowers distributed by farm groups. The event also included a cooking demonstration featuring California-grown foods.
Apple growers report promising start to season
The early word is, "so far, so good" from California apple growers, who say their season is off to a promising start. Farmers report a good fruit set as the apple bloom winds down. They say weather has been ideal so far, and the California Apple Commission says growers hope the favorable conditions continue as the crop develops. A spring freeze would be the main concern for apple farmers at this point in the season.
Strawberry breeders release three new varieties
Their names are Monterey, San Andreas and Portola, and they're now available to California strawberry farmers. The names represent three new strawberry varieties released by plant breeders at the University of California, Davis. The California Strawberry Commission says each of the new varieties promises outstanding flavor and high productivity. The commission says plant breeders began working on the new strawberry varieties in 2001
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