Food & Farm News
» September 16, 2008 «
Crews combat two different pests in south state
Treatment to eradicate the Asian citrus psyllid will begin tomorrow (Wednesday) only on the 12 properties where the insects were found in San Diego County. The properties will be treated with a certified organic material. Elsewhere male-eradication treatments begin tomorrow in Ontario, where two Oriental fruit flies were discovered last week in residential areas. The treatment involves installing small patches on utility polls and trees in a 9-square-mile area around where the flies were found.
Today is the deadline for crop insurance purchases 
Farmers and ranchers must participate in federal crop insurance programs by today to be eligible for government disaster programs, such as those set in response to freeze or drought. The 2008 Farm Bill changed regulations so disaster programs cannot aid growers who do not have insurance. Because the farm bill was passed in mid-year, there is a provision for growers to buy insurance until today (September 16) and still be covered by any 2008 programs.
Fall lettuce harvest may be better than expected
Fall acreage planted for lettuce in the Huron area of Fresno County is less than last year, but not as much less as earlier thought. The agricultural commissioner's office says about 7,000 acres have been planted this year, compared to 8,000 last year. Shortages of irrigation water created predictions of a drastic acreage drop; however, farmers managed to locate enough water to plant the fall crop. Most of the lettuce for the entire nation comes from Huron in November.
Foreign market for pomegranates expands
Pomegranate growers are reporting good quality fruit as harvest continues. Fruit quality is good, with good color and high sugar content. The foreign market is expanding, as the South Korean government has agreed to accept California pomegranates. The Early Foothill variety will continue to be available until October when the Wonderful variety will ripen. Warm weather helps speed fruit maturity. Because of strong demand, growers earn good prices either for fresh or processing fruit.
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