Food & Farm News
Real Audio» December 7, 2005 «
Governor Schwarzenegger pledges support for farmers
Governor Schwarzenegger told family farmers and ranchers that his administration will do everything it can to support California agriculture. The governor spoke to the California Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting in Monterey yesterday (Tuesday), and said the state government should be "partners in prosperity, rather than a roadblock to success." Schwarzenegger said the state must invest in transportation and other infrastructure projects, in order to ease the movement of crops to market.
California tangerine production increases
California is becoming an increasingly important tangerine producer. Production of Satsuma and Clementine varieties is projected to increase 14 percent this year as newly planted acres come into production. While the domestic crop should be enough to meet consumer demand, the increasingly popular imported Clementines are likely to be in short supply. Spain, the major producer is experiencing one of the worst droughts in 60 years, causing a decrease in production.
Conservation programs funded
Federal funds for voluntary conservation programs have been released, and California receives more than $107 million. In addition to funding agency operations, funds provide more than $11 million for Klamath Basin farmers and ranchers to enhance water quality and reduce water usage by increasing irrigation efficiencies. The Conservation Security Program in California will receive more than $4 million to support stewardship of private agricultural lands rewarding producers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation.
Two Distinguished Service Awards given
Two agricultural leaders in high-profile positions have been awarded the California Farm Bureau's Distinguished Service Award. Chico State University Dean of Agriculture A. Charles Crabb and California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli received the awards at the Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Monterey. Crabb will retire next year from his position at Chico State. Pauli has served the maximum eight years as Farm Bureau president. His term ends today (Wednesday).
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