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Development of policy to guide agriculture over the next 20 years

Cherry crop escapes major damage

California's cherry crop has apparently escaped major damage from weekend rain. The California Cherry Advisory Board reports rain was light in the major growing area of San Joaquin County and weather has since been cool and drying. More extensive damage was reported in the Reedley area, which experienced heavier rainfall. Although total rain damage won't be known for some time, as of now it appears more damage was caused by wind than rain.

Santa Cruz farm fire damage uncertain

Containment of the Santa Cruz County wildfire is expected soon. It now appears the main farm damage has been to tree farms, although foresters report they won't know the extent until they are allowed back into the wooded areas. Home and farm owners are still banned from their properties as fire fighters say the fire is not yet under control. The agricultural commissioner's office says vineyard, apple orchard and organic farm owners don't think their property is damaged, but they won't be certain until they are allowed to return to their property.

More water runoff in Colorado River basin expected

Late snowfall at higher elevations in the Colorado River basin has slightly improved expected runoff totals. The Bureau of Reclamation says the current snowpack is at about 125 percent of average. May inflow into Lake Powell is now projected at about 121 percent of average. However, even with this slight increase, the reservoir content of the Colorado River system is 54 percent full, down three percent from last year at this time.

Developing a 20-year plan

A plan to guide public policy for California agriculture is the goal of the state board of agriculture's listening sessions which start today (Wednesday) in Redding. Farmers and interested citizens are expected to participate either in person or online at www.cdfa.ca.gov/agvision. The resulting plan will help guide the development of the agricultural sector through 2030. Land use, nutritional needs and conservation are a few of the issues expected to be addressed.

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