Food & Farm News
» July 18, 2007 «
CVP says it can still provide 50-percent water supply
Despite problems caused by last month's suspension of pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a federal water project says it should be able to meet its announced deliveries for the year. San Joaquin Valley farmers who buy water from the Central Valley Project are due to receive only half of contract amounts. CVP officials say they will be able to meet that allocation, but characterize this year as the most difficult in 35 years as far as providing water is concerned.
Governor: Delta needs help to stay reliable water source
As he continued campaigning for his comprehensive water plan, Governor Schwarzenegger outlined proposals to address environmental and water problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Speaking on a delta island yesterday (Tuesday), the governor directed a state water agency to take steps aimed at helping native fish species, preventing spread of invasive species and improving response to natural disasters. He said the delta needs immediate help to remain a reliable source of water.
Dry weather batters Riverside's dryland grain 
Some farmers say it's been so dry in parts of Riverside County that even weeds wouldn't grow. County supervisors declared a state of emergency yesterday, due to drought conditions. They seek state and federal help for dryland farmers, who report more than $4 million in losses to grain crops grown without irrigation. It's the driest year yet recorded in many spots. Riverside becomes the latest of more than a dozen California counties to declare drought emergencies.
Strawberry nurseries deal with storm aftermath
In the aftermath of a severe thunderstorm that hit Siskiyou County earlier this month, strawberry growers know they'll have fewer plants available for production around Christmas. But it's still too early to say how great the shortfall may be. The plants grow at nurseries in far Northern California before being transplanted at farms in Southern California. The California Strawberry Commission says nurseries have been taking "urgent action" to restore the plants to health.
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