Food & Farm News

» July 20, 2006 «

Farm Bureau drives effort for fair insurance rates

California Farm Bureau has filed a lawsuit to block changes in state auto insurance regulations. The suit contends the new rules violate state insurance laws by requiring insurers to give artificially high weight to annual mileage and driving records in setting auto insurance premiums. Rural motorists drive more miles to accomplish daily chores, but have fewer accidents and file fewer insurance claims. Farm Bureau says that under the new rules rural drivers are punished. (For Farm Bureau comments about the lawsuit to block changes in state insurance regulations, call the Food and Farm News audio actuality service: 800-852-7502.)

Walnuts and heat;farmers worried

Walnut growers know they have crop damage from the heat, but it will be several days before they know the extent. Farm advisors say growers have taken all the steps they can to mitigate hot weather damage. However, there are some unknowns. Farm advisors say trees with heavy canopy keep the humidity from irrigation in the foliage. The result is some walnuts are cooked. There aren˜t large numbers of trees with thick foliage, but there will be some losses to some farmers.

Navel orange harvest ends

California navel orange harvest is over. Consumers may find a few in retail stores over the next week from supplies that are in the process of moving from farm to store. Valencia growers continue their harvest. Supplies are lower this year because of weather, so prices are strong. Growers lack fruit volume for it to be a banner year, but they are getting profitable prices for the fruit they have.

New way found to preserve sliced apples

Sliced apples will keep from discoloring and be free of pathogens when processors use a newly discovered wash treatment. Researchers exposed five pathogens to freshly sliced apples and then treated them with the new formula. No pathogens were found and the slices did not turn brown. Volunteers tasted the apples and found no change in flavor or aroma. The dip solution is now available to food processors.