Food & Farm News
» February 27, 2008 «
Inspection program successful
The California Leafy Green Product Handler Marketing Agreement says there were no reported food-borne illnesses associated with California leafy greens in 2007. Certified government inspectors conducted checks of 368 farms last year. They found 99 percent compliance. The inspectors did uncover some incorrect or incomplete record keeping that growers were able to fix. There were no reports of finding unsafe product.
Pest exclusion program improving 
Border inspections to prevent entry of pests and diseases continue to improve, according to Kevin Harriger a Homeland Security department official. He told a group of Farm Bureau leaders that initial problems that developed when his department took over ag inspections are being resolved. He cited an example of inspectors finding a shipment of citrus bud wood infected with citrus canker that was bound for Tulare County. It was destroyed before the infected wood could get into the state.
Air helps melons grow
Some melon farmers have adopted a new technique in the irrigation of their crops. They use drip irrigation with air injection into the ground along with water. The new system is not cheap, but it does produce results. Growers say it improves production by 8 to 15 percent. Plants need air as well as water, and the air injection of the roots helps the plant use moisture more efficiently, which reduces the amount of irrigation water needed.
Blossom trails bloom
Fruit and nut trees will be in bloom in the Central Valley over the next three weeks or so. Several counties have blossom trails mapped for tourists to follow. Warm, sunny weather this week will bring out the white almond blossoms. Pink peach blossoms should also be providing their color to the landscape. Forecasts are for continued mild weather, which is perfect for fruit and nut trees setting a good crop. Merced and Fresno are two counties with mapped trails.
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