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» December 7, 2006 «

Governor speaks to Farm Bureau meeting

As he prepares for his second term, Gov. Schwarzenegger says projects to store and move water must be a priority in the state's next set of public-works bonds. The governor spoke yesterday (Wednesday) via video uplink to the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim. He hailed voters' passage last month of bonds to rebuild roads, schools and other public facilities ... and said he will insist that water facilities be a priority in future bond measures.

First wildfire damage estimates issued

Wildfire damage to farms and ranches from the Moorpark fire have been estimated at about $3 million. The Ventura County agricultural commissioner provided the estimate to county supervisors. Citrus fruit, avocados and hay all suffered losses ... and officials say damage totals will likely increase as trees begin to show damage after a few days. Trees with root system damage may look normal for weeks and suddenly wilt from fire damage.

Delay in new agricultural inspection station opening

Opening of the new agricultural inspection station on Interstate 80 near the Nevada border has been delayed until January. The station, located east of Truckee, had been set to open in mid-December. It will inspect commercial vehicles to make sure they're not carrying agricultural pests or diseases into California. For now, there are no plans to inspect private vehicles, though that possibility is being studied at an inspection station in Southern California.

Tumor inhibitor found in blackberries

Agricultural researchers have applied for a patent on a compound found in fresh blackberries. It inhibited tumor growth in animals. In the study, the compound called C3G not only inhibited cancer cell growth in mice, but also inhibited the spread of cancer cells to other organs. The compound may one day be a key natural ingredient in new products formulated for their anti-cancer properties. Blackberries are grown commercially in many states, including California.