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Extension of the antidumping tariff on Iranian pistachios

CFBF Annual Meeting opens in Monterey

For the first time in nearly a decade, the state's largest farm organization will choose a new leader. The California Farm Bureau Federation will elect a new president during its annual meeting, which begins today (Monday) in Monterey. The new president will succeed Bill Pauli, a Mendocino County farmer who has led the organization for the maximum eight years. The election will be held Wednesday. Pauli will sum up his term and outline issues facing farmers and ranchers during opening ceremonies today.

Medfly quarantine zone widens in Southland

State officials have expanded a Mediterranean fruit fly quarantine zone. Restrictions on moving fresh fruits and vegetables now affect 143 square miles in western San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties. Thus far, 29 Medflies have been trapped in the area. Crews are releasing sterile male flies to eradicate the pest. The Medfly damages more than 260 different crops.

US extends duties on pistachios from Iran

By a unanimous vote, the U.S. International Trade Commission has extended tariffs on Iranian-grown pistachios for another five years. The tariffs are designed to prevent Iran from "dumping" pistachios on the U.S. market at unfairly low prices. The California Pistachio Commission says Iran has already lost much of the European market and is responding by selling pistachios at unfairly low prices wherever it can.

Asparagus acreage begins to stabilize

After significant reductions the past five years, California asparagus acreage may stabilize in 2006. The California Asparagus Commission says farmers have been removing acreage steadily, but that they earned profitable prices this year. That may cause acreage to stay steady at about 22,000 acres. California growers produced nearly 77 million pounds of asparagus this year, leading the nation in production.

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