Food & Farm News
Real Audio» February 7, 2005 «
Natural chicken highlighted
Some fast food chains are responding to consumer demand by highlighting natural chicken. That means chicken that contains no hormones, antibiotics or artificial ingredients. California chicken farmers say they've been raising birds that way for some time. But, Golden State growers are only able to supply about half of the demand of California consumers.
Glassy-winged sharpshooter program updated
The federal program director of the glassy-winged sharpshooter program expects resurgence in insect populations in Kern County this year. That's because of a three-year cycle in the insects' breeding habits. Treatment programs to combat any outbreak are in place. Overall, programs to fight the bug are in operation in Riverside, Ventura, Tulare and Kern counties. The insect spreads Pierce's disease in grape vineyards.
Senior citizen farm program funded
Federal funding of a program aiding senior citizens and farmers who sell produce via farmers markets has been announced. California receives about $604,000 providing financial help to low income senior citizens. The funds provide coupons, used as money at certified farmers markets, and farmers deposit them in banks like checks. It provides low-income senior citizens with fresh produce, and boosts farmers' sales.
It's Food Check-Out Day
Today (Monday) is Food Check-Out Day. This is the day that the average American has earned enough to pay for the family food and fiber for the entire year. Farmers commemorate the day to show urban residents how lucky they are to have a bountiful affordable food supply. Farm Bureau celebrates Food Check-Out Day today with a ceremony donating a substantial amount of food to the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald house.
On the Calendar:
Turkey farmers and marketers from across the country talk about food trends and other issues, during the National Turkey Federation convention, which continues today (Monday) in Long Beach.
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