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Water legislation being considered by the California Assembly and Senate

Asian citrus psyllids found in Orange County

For the first time an infestation of Asian citrus psyllids has been discovered north of San Diego and Imperial counties. The California Department of Food and Agriculture said Tuesday that five of the psyllids were trapped in Santa Ana. Part of Orange County will be placed under a quarantine to restrict movement of host plants. The psyllid can carry a disease that kills citrus trees and experts are testing the insects trapped in Santa Ana.

Proposed bills won't solve water problems

As the state legislature struggles with a package of water related bills, farm groups say the bills won't solve California's water problems. A California Farm Bureau spokesman says, for one thing, the bills don't address the state's pressing need for more water infrastructure. Water agencies have also expressed concerns that the bills would hinder the state's economic recovery.

2010 avocado crop looks good

Near perfect weather at bloom time have avocado growers saying the California 2010 crop could be a huge one. Hot weather during the 2008 bloom reduced this year's production. Although the potential is there for a great harvest, growers know weather between now and harvest could reduce that potential. Farmers hope for ample rain, but not high winds and no frost in the growing regions. Avocado harvest usually peaks in late spring. The top avocado producing counties are San Diego, Ventura and Riverside.

Sweet potato harvest looks good

Fresh California grown sweet potatoes should be available in all retail stores. When harvest started last month storage bins were empty so only fresh sweet potatoes are available. Cooler weather has reduced pest pressure, and farmers say the quality of the crop is very good. Demand continues to increase as the health benefits of sweet potatoes are touted by celebrity chefs and others. The frozen French fried sweet potato market also continues to expand. Farmers expect this year's crop to produce about the same amount as last year.

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