Food & Farm News
» November 15, 2007 «
Almond co-op reports record shipments
Record-breaking shipments fuel continued optimism among California almond farmers and marketers. The state's largest almond seller, the Blue Diamond cooperative, reports what it calls another "bumper year" of sales. Speaking at the organization's annual meeting in Modesto yesterday (Wednesday), Blue Diamond President Doug Youngdahl said the co-op has introduced new products and new uses of almonds, to assure demand for ever-increasing almond supplies.
It's a key time for turkey sales 
If you're planning to serve a fresh, California-grown turkey for Thanksgiving, it might be a good idea to reserve it early. The California Poultry Federation recommends that, saying only about 40 percent of the turkeys sold in California are grown here. Turkey bargains will be plentiful. The federation predicts that many stores will offer turkeys free or at very low prices, to consumers who buy a certain amount of other groceries at their store.
Produce supplies for holiday appear ample
The "trimmings" for Thanksgiving dinners should be in ample supply for the coming holiday. Produce marketers report good supplies of potatoes and sweet potatoes. Celery growers have been shipping their vegetables to market on a regular basis. Many retailers will also feature specials on fresh cranberries for Thanksgiving. Shoppers could see tight supplies of some specialty items, such as hard squash and purple wax beans.
State report totals farm damage from wildfires
The first official, statewide estimate of agricultural damage from last month's Southern California wildfires shows nearly $47.5 million in losses. Most occurred in San Diego County, but Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties reported nearly $5 million in combined fire damage. The state Department of Food and Agriculture says its estimate does not include agricultural losses from the fierce winds that accompanied the wildfires.
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