Food & Farm News
» October 11, 2007 «
Judge extends delay of new 'no-match' letters
A federal judge in San Francisco ruled yesterday (Wednesday) that both employers and employees could be harmed by a government plan to send so-called "no-match" letters. He issued an injunction blocking new letters that could ultimately require employers to fire employees whose Social Security numbers don't match official records. The California Farm Bureau said the ruling should provide "breathing room" while family farmers and others continue to press for federal immigration reform.
Cattle ranchers welcome autumn rain 
They need it badly, and cattle ranchers welcomed an early rain that reached Northern California. In many areas, the rain brought enough moisture to cause rangeland grass seeds to germinate. Ranchers say they need a series of rains throughout the autumn and winter, to help the range recover. Recent government reports rate 90 percent of California's rangeland as in poor or very poor condition. And this week's storm missed Southern California, where rangelands remain parched.
Most crops escape harm from rainfall
Crops should avoid significant damage from the Northern California rain. Sacramento Valley rice farmers say rain stayed light enough not to cause the grain to bend over. Muddy ground could slow rice harvest for a day or so. A few almond farmers who still had rows of nuts on the ground may experience some mold problems. Hay growers also may see some effects to hay laying in rows waiting to be baled.
Grants aim to boost specialty crops
Efforts to increase consumption of California-grown fruits, vegetables and nuts … and to aid in their production … will be helped by a series of projects announced yesterday. Federal grants totaling $1.3 million dollars will be divided among a dozen California projects. One of the projects would lead to installation of salad bars in 40 schools around the state. Another would test consumer interest in wine labeled "sustainably grown."
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