Food & Farm News
Real Audio» June 28, 2006 «
Farmers say most tomatoes beat the heat
Tomato plants in Central California fields appear to have weathered the past week of above-average temperatures, though farmers report scattered crop damage. Some farmers who planted fields during the past two weeks lost plants to heat. At least one Sacramento Valley grower lost 100 newly planted acres to the hot temperatures. Overall, though, the California Tomato Growers Association says most farmers indicate they are pleasantly surprised that their plants survived with little damage.
Rice development remains behind schedule
Rice planting in California is virtually complete, and a grower survey shows farmers rate about two-thirds of the crop in "fair" condition. The crop remains behind a typical schedule, because wet fields delayed planting during the spring. There is some planting now in fields that were flooded when water passed through bypasses near Sacramento. However, those farmers are seeding wild rice, which takes less time to mature. That work should be completed by the end of this week.
Apricot harvest shifts to processing market
As their harvest of fresh fruit ends, apricot growers say winter and spring weather made their crop much smaller than usual. Farmers pick fruit for the fresh market first. Food processors want more mature fruit, and most apricots harvested from now on will go into that market. A group representing apricot farmers says it expects to finish negotiations with processors this week, on final contracts for the apricot harvest.
New study outlines almonds' health benefits
A unique combination of cancer-fighting antioxidants in almonds gives the nuts added benefits in promoting health, according to a newly released study. The Almond Board of California cites results from a study conducted at Tufts University in Boston. It says the antioxidants in almond skins work together with the vitamin E in almond meats to protect cells from damage. The study says almonds also appear to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol.
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