Traditionally, broccoli is a cool-weather crop. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are looking to change that by developing new varieties that grow in warm temperatures. ARS plant geneticist Mark Farnham and his …
Broomrape Concerns California Tomato Industry
A broomrape species has been causing some concern for California tomato growers after the discovery of Branched broomrape in a 70-acre field north of Woodland. The weed was initially found …
California Avocados Delicate Relationship With NAFTA
Some industry groups claim the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has hurt California growers because of unfair competition from Mexico. That is not the case for the avocado industry, …
Lowest Navel Orange Projection in Nine Years
The California Department of Food and Agriculture released the initial expectations for 2017-18 Navel orange production this week. The forecast is estimating 70 million cartons of production, based on the …
National Acorn Squash Day
Cathy Isom tells you about a national food holiday for one hardy vegetable that will have you thinking about winter. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. National Acorn …
Raisin Growers Must ‘Opt-in’ to Class Action Lawsuit
Growers have until October 6, 2017, to send in their “opt-in” claim forms as part of a class action lawsuit on behalf of the California raisin industry. After a court …
Over 20 Trees Added to California HLB List
Over 20 new trees in Southern California have been confirmed HLB-positive. The new finds raise the total number of trees with huanglongbing disease found in California to around 100. All …
Impending Avocado Production Uptick Due to Drought Impacts
California avocado production is set to increase next season, and mainstream media reports have attributed that gain to new plantings. California Avocado Commission Research Program Director Tim Spann said that …
Early Market Benefits Apple Growers
By being the first ones on the scene, California apple growers say their crop continues to fill an important market niche, even as the state’s acreage has declined. During a …
USDA Calls for Nominations for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill vacancies expiring in 2017 on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). FVIAC, administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, …
Laurel Wilt Experts Caution California Avocado Industry
The California avocado industry probed Florida laurel wilt disease experts at the final installment of the 2017 Avocado Growers Seminar Series, sponsored by the California Avocado Commission, U.C. Cooperative Extension, …
Tomato Harvest Slowly Gains Momentum
It’s a slow but good start so far for the 2017 processing tomato harvest. A lot of roadblocks stand between the tomatoes and the marketplace, including spring rains that delayed …
National Peach Month
Cathy Isom tells us about a month-long celebration for one of the greatest tasting fruits. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. National Peach Month August is National Peach Month. …
Margaritaville Lime Bags
A lime is a perfect fruit to have a slice of with a cool refreshing drink. Cathy Isom tells us about the California company hoping to boost produce sales by the …