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Farm Bureau comments about the governor's strategic growth plan

Governor's plan focuses on growth impacts

As Governor Schwarzenegger promotes his Strategic Growth Plan, farm groups say the effort focuses attention on the need to invest in water systems, roads, ports, schools and other facilities. The California Farm Bureau says the state's rapidly growing population demands investment in public works, and that rural areas have been strained by growth. Farm Bureau says it will closely monitor specific proposals as they move through the Legislature.

Fuel prices likely to stay high for now

Higher prices for crude oil, and for fuel in other parts of the country, have pushed California gasoline and diesel prices upwards. California Energy Commission analysts say retail gasoline prices jumped 14 cents a gallon during the past week, and say they foresee no quick relief. Diesel prices remain high as well. Cold weather in the East has pushed up demand for heating oil, and that affects diesel prices.

State's ethanol production to increase

Construction on California's second large ethanol plant continues this winter, with fuel production scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Located in Madera, the facility is the first of four planned by Pacific Ethanol. Plant operators say that, at the start, they plan to create the ethanol using corn bought from the Midwest. However, once in operation they say they plan to buy California-grown corn.

Avocado harvest starts slowly

Avocado harvest will gain steam in Southern California, once imported fruit from Chile clears the market. The California Avocado Commission says shipments from the state's groves remain light, but it says fruit quality has been excellent. Shipments will likely accelerate during the month, in anticipation of heavier demand before the Super Bowl. Forecasters predict a larger California avocado crop this season.

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