Food & Farm News
» April 18, 2008 «
Asparagus prices rebound
Prices farmers earn for asparagus have rebounded. Growers are earning more than $40 for a 28-pound box. Supplies were reported as light Thursday, but the California Asparagus Commission says warm temperatures will increase production. Cooler weather and acreage taken from production reduced supplies. Some farmers turned the asparagus under and planted corn but most of those fields were older and nearing the end of their productive life. It's not known if those fields have been permanently removed from asparagus production.
Short course instructs olive oil producers 
Olive oil production in California is expanding at a rapid rate. There are now more than 400 growers and output is expected to reach 500,000 gallons this year, increasing to 2-million in three years. The UC Davis Olive Center is sponsoring a short course today and tomorrow in Lodi. Farmers from all over the state have registered to learn from world-renowned experts how to produce and market quality olive oil. With the expected production increases California producers may soon join the international market.
Sensory lab dedicated today
Ceremonies this morning (Friday) will open the University of California sensory laboratory at the Kearney Research and Extension Center near Parlier. Built with agricultural and UC funds, the laboratory will permit growers to be certain they are providing produce that is flavorful and ready to eat. Questions such as how water conservation measures change the flavor or texture of the fruit, can be answered. The research will focus on providing farmers information on how to produce flavorful fruit.
FFA conference in Fresno
An FFA conference in Fresno tomorrow (Saturday) will attract more than 5,000 high school students, advisers and guests. It's the 80th annual California State FFA Leadership Conference. The association founded in 1928 helps more than 65,000 California high school students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through vocational education. The conference will also highlight student accomplishments.
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