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Holiday gift baskets featuring ingredients from California farms

Giving the gift of food

California farmers who also operate retail gift basket businesses report their sales are reflecting the economy. Many consumers are opting for smaller baskets this season. Also this season, more consumers are selecting fruit baskets as a healthy choice. Operators say last-minute shoppers can still get gift baskets to recipients by ordering today (Tuesday) and selecting overnight shipments. That is more expensive but the gifts will arrive before Christmas.

Another strawberry record in the making?

California strawberry farmers could set another production record in 2009, as they plant additional acres. The California Strawberry Commission says farmers plan to increase acreage by nearly 4 percent. The increase should help meet demand hikes. The only reduction reported is in organic acreage, where farmers took 118 acres out of production. Rain has reduced production in growing areas this week, but fresh California strawberries should still be available in retail stores.

Christmas tree sales remain steady

Christmas tree farmers in California are reporting sales about equal with last year. Growers have had two weekends with perfect weather, although last weekend saw rain in many areas. To help tree buyers find a location close to home, the California Christmas Tree Association lists tree farms and retail lots on their Web site. Most Christmas tree farms will be open through Christmas Eve.

Are you smarter than a fifth-grader?

A new study has found that if school policies limit the availability of high-fat and high-sugar snack foods, fifth-graders are likely to eat more fruits and vegetables--and not just during school hours, but throughout the day. The findings were published in the January 2009 issue of The Journal of Nutrition. Researchers note that while the increase was modest--only 3 percent--it was significant. The survey encompassed more than 10,000 fifth-graders nationwide.

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