Food & Farm News
Real Audio» November 28, 2006 «
Alleged nut nappers nabbed
Detectives investigating large-scale thefts of California almonds say they may have gotten the break in the case they were waiting for. Investigators said yesterday (Monday) they had arrested two people after finding nearly 70 tons of stolen almonds and walnuts in a Sacramento warehouse. One of the suspects owns a business that imports goods from India. It's the second large-scale recovery of stolen nuts. Last month, authorities found a smaller amount of stolen almonds in San Leandro.
Farmers plan to expand blueberry acreage
Rising demand for California-grown blueberries leads to rising demand for new blueberry bushes. Nursery operators say farmers have been ordering blueberry bushes in high numbers this fall. Farmers who grow the fruit have experienced profitable years, with little waiting time until the bushes produce commercial amounts of blueberries. Nurseries say they've also seen strong demand for cherry trees.
Winter wheat crop emerges
Motorists traveling Northern California highways may notice fields of brilliantly green plants next to the road. The plants represent the emerging winter wheat crop. Farmers have been planting seed for nearly a month, though weekend rain brought a temporary halt. Wheat prices remain strong, and reports of adverse weather in other wheat-growing nations provide farmers incentives to plant more. Seed companies say the acreage may be as much as 40 percent higher than last year.
Middle schoolers study nutrition labels
Obesity rates among middle-school-aged children have doubled during the past two decades, so researchers set out to learn if students that age can understand the nutrition labels on foods. A study determined that children aged 11 to 14 can comprehend the information, especially if they're provided with an educational session first. It's during middle school ... the researchers say ... when students often gain their first chance to choose their own foods at school.
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