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Metal theft and the bill to make theft more difficult

Legislation aims to deter metal theft

Thieves have stolen millions of dollars' worth of copper wire, irrigation pipe and other metal from California farms. Utilities and construction sites have been hit hard, too. In response, a bill before a state Assembly committee today (Tuesday) would toughen existing record-keeping practices for scrap-metal dealers and recyclers. The bill would require metal recyclers to pay by check with a 10-day holding period and take other steps. Reports of metal thefts have risen sharply the past two years.

Apple moth quarantine will likely grow

New areas could soon be added to a plant quarantine, adopted to try to slow the spread of an invasive pest, the light brown apple moth. The California Department of Food and Agriculture established quarantine zones in five Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and Santa Clara. It said it expects to add quarantines in Monterey, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. The rules govern movement of plants that could host the apple moth.

Trade ruling on lemon juice wins praise

To combat the "dumping" of lemon juice at unfairly low prices, importers from Argentina and Mexico will be required to post bonds to continue selling the juice in the United States. A U.S. trade agency determined that the lemon juice was coming in at rates up to 200 percent less than fair-market value. California-based Sunkist Growers, which filed the trade case, says the decision should return some stability to the lemon juice market.

Leafy-greens board seeks full participation

Some 99 percent of California-grown lettuce, spinach and other leafy green crops will be covered by a new marketing agreement that will verify food-safety practices. In an effort to push that proportion even closer to 100 percent, the marketing agreement's board has reopened the signup period. Handlers of leafy green crops have until May 18th to enroll. The board says inspections to verify enhanced food-safety practices are due to begin later this spring.

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