Food & Farm News
» July 25, 2008 «
Jalapeno farmers worry about demand 
With their harvest just beginning, California farmers who grow jalapeño peppers worry about how a government health warning could affect demand. The Food and Drug Administration said this week that it had found a Mexican-grown jalapeño with salmonella. California farmers report demand for their peppers has been good until now. Those who sell at farmers' markets say customers there continue to buy California-grown jalapeños.
Drought records continue to fall
Even the dry months in California have been unusually dry this year. The state Department of Water Resources reports that no measurable rain fell during June in places like Sacramento, San Francisco or Bakersfield … places that often see at least a little rain during the month. The four-month stretch from March through June is the driest on record. Water levels in reservoirs continue to decline. Lake Oroville could fall to a record low level before the year is out.
Project aims to enhance bees' diversity
Bee researchers have looked toward Europe, in their quest to help honeybees resist pests and diseases. A bee specialist at the University of California, Davis, is collaborating on a project aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity of domestic bees. The researchers will use genetic material from three races of European bees, to inseminate domestic queen bees. They say their project could enhance the genetic diversity of American bees, which generally benefits bee health.
Lemon harvests will be smaller worldwide
Things are tough all over, when it comes to lemon production. A report issued yesterday (Thursday) forecasts the worldwide lemon harvest will be down 20 percent, compared to a year ago. Freezes in California and Arizona reduced the U.S. crop, and Argentina will produce fewer lemons because of a frost there. Drought and hot weather cut lemon harvests in Europe and Turkey. The report says worldwide orange production will be down slightly, grapefruit will be up and tangerines will be about the same.
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