Food and Farm News

Dry weather influences wheat harvest
Dry spring weather has brought mixed results for California wheat farmers. Lack of rainfall has reduced yields for farmers who grow wheat without irrigation. But the dry weather has also reduced damage from a moisture-related plant disease that has hurt wheat crops in the past. Most California-grown wheat is sold domestically to local mills or as livestock feed. Nearly two-thirds of the state’s wheat crop has been harvested so far.

UC tests how water affects berry flavor

Will strawberry flavor be affected by how much water the plants receive? University of California researchers are conducting trials to determine whether different levels of irrigation change berry flavor. They’re growing berries with different amounts of irrigation, and asking people to rate the berries. They’re also looking into whether changes in irrigation levels alter the sugar and antioxidant levels in strawberries.

Study of healthy cities cites fresh produce
In part due to the availability of fresh produce, four California communities rank among the nation’s “Fittest Cities.” According to the new American Fitness Index, the number of farmers markets per capita was a factor for all four California communities: the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, San Jose and San Diego. Each scored well because of the percentage of people who eat five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

New farmers find a helping hand
New farmers and ranchers trying to establish themselves in California cite a number of challenges. The state Department of Food and Agriculture, along with a number of nonprofit organizations, are trying to open more doors for beginning farmers. A committee met this month to introduce new farmers to programs that can help them get started and connect them with new customers, including school districts looking to purchase more locally grown produce.