Food & Farm News
Real Audio» September 7, 2006 «
Harvests slow as farmers seek to hire more help
As harvests accelerate throughout California, farmers in all regions report problems finding enough people to bring in their crops. Members of a California Farm Bureau committee who met in Sacramento yesterday (Wednesday) reported shortages ranging from 40 percent to 80 percent. A number of farmers say they have enough help to get by, so far. But in Lake and Mendocino counties, pear growers report financial losses because of a lack of harvest help.
Pistachio harvest will reveal extent of heat losses
They're about to start their harvest, and they're not sure what they'll find. California pistachio farmers say their harvest will move into full swing next week. A few orchards with early-maturing pistachio varieties have already been harvested. But only once more of the crop reaches packing sheds will farmers know how much pistachios may have been hurt by the severe July heat wave. Farmers suspect there will be some loss, but can't yet judge the extent.
Cool North Coast weather slows grape harvest
Cool nights and foggy mornings along the North Coast will boost the flavor of winegrapes, marketers say. But the weather has also slowed sugar development in the grapes. For many farmers, that means the bulk of the grape harvest remains a week or two from starting. Farmers who produce grapes for sparkling wines have been harvesting for a few weeks along the North Coast and report good quality grapes coming from their vineyards.
A salad a day helps your nutrient levels
If you eat salad at least once a day, you're more likely to have met your recommended levels for vitamin C and other nutrients. A study at UCLA and Louisiana State University shows a clear link between eating salad and improved intake of important nutrients. The research also shows that the body can readily absorb nutrients from salad and raw vegetables. Unfortunately, says one public-health researcher, many people don't eat salad even once a day.
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