Food & Farm News

» November 9, 2011 «

California farm products continue to reach Europe

As Europe wrestles with its debt crisis, food and fiber from California continues to reach European countries at a steady pace. Wine exporters note that European consumers, especially in Northern Europe, have not stopped buying California wine. Almond and walnut marketers say they also see strong European demand. However, exporters are monitoring the value of the euro closely and warn that if the situation worsens, they might lose some customers.

Turkey farmers expect to sell out for holiday

With Thanksgiving about two weeks away, California turkey producers say they expect to sell out. They suggest consumers place orders with local grocers to ensure they can buy fresh, California-grown turkeys. The California Poultry Federation says about 16 million turkeys have been raised in the state … and that the turkeys are healthier than ever because of good weather this year.  Hotlines and videos help consumers determine what size of turkey to buy and how to cook it.

Nut harvests wind down

Walnut, almond and pistachio growers have reason to smile this year. They say all three nut crops look exceptional, with large, high-quality harvests meeting with consumers' increased demand. The harvests are wrapping up, and pistachio growers in particular say they have been surprised by their second-largest crop ever. Following a record crop in 2010, this was considered an “off” year for pistachios; those trees typically cycle between high and low yields.

Agritourism negotiates maze of regulations

Corn mazes, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms bustle during the autumn, but farmers and ranchers who run these businesses say regulations and associated costs can make expanding or starting new ventures difficult. At a seminar organized by the University of California, farmers and state officials discussed ways to encourage agritourism … with regulators saying there needs to be a balance so that farmers and the visitors to their property are protected.