Food & Farm News
Real Audio» June 6, 2006 «
Rural voters influence state's primary election
Candidates for scores of local, statewide, legislative and congressional races will be determined in today's (Tuesday's) primary election ... and farm groups urge California's rural voters to make their voices heard. The California Farm Bureau has been encouraging family farmers and ranchers to remain active in the political process, and has endorsed a number of "farm-friendly candidates" in the primary election.
Study looks into Chinese wine market
A rapidly expanding middle class in China bodes well for exports of California wine there, but a study of the Chinese wine market also revealed complex marketing problems. The California Association of Winegrape Growers study shows that exporters must learn how to market under the Chinese distribution system. California wines must also compete with other imports and with wines made in China ... but Chinese wine production may not be able to keep up with rising consumption there.
Artichoke harvest enters seasonal lull
A lull in the annual artichoke harvest means that supplies will be reduced through the summer. The springtime peak of artichoke production has passed, and observers say supplies have dropped dramatically. Farmers will be harvesting artichokes in limited supplies throughout the summer. Harvest volumes will rebound in September, when the "fall flush" begins and retail prices reflect the production increase.
Fig growers expect a heavier early crop
This is the time of year when the annual fig harvest typically begins in the Central Valley. But this hasn't been a typical year for many crops, and figs are no exception. Winter and spring weather will delay the start of the harvest. But farmers say their early fig harvest will be heavier than average, thanks to the wet winter. Nearly the entire domestic supply of fresh figs originates from orchards in the Central Valley.
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