West
Ag laborers from Mexico show sharp decline, UC Davis reports
For decades, farmers in the United States have depended on people from foreign countries – mostly Mexico – to work in the fields. Only 2 percent of California’s farmworkers were born in the U.S. But... more »
Honeybees weakened during transport linked to colony losses
Cold temperatures inside honey bee colonies may cause colony losses during and after long-distance hauling, according to a preliminary study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. Every year almost 2 million honey bee colonies – nearly two-thirds... more »
California survey: Over 50% of farms fall short of labor
Despite taking a variety of steps to alleviate chronic shortages of agricultural employees, California farmers and ranchers continue to report problems in hiring enough people for on-farm jobs. A survey released April 30 shows 56%... more »
Coastline Family Farms, Madison Ranches grow onions together
Coastline Family Farms, a western vegetable grower/shipper with locations in Salinas, California; Yuma, Arizona and Brawley, California, has formed a new dry onion growing and packing joint venture with Madison Ranches located in Echo, Oregon.... more »
US asparagus growers concerned as import competition grows
Asparagus cutters bend deep over their work in the early morning light. Colorful plastic bins stack like giant legos amid the scrubby fields north of Pasco, Washington. Growers in Washington, California and Michigan raise the... more »
Astronauts might soon grow space tomatoes
Tiny tomato plants developed at the University of California, Riverside, could one day feed astronauts on the International Space Station. The plants have minimal leaves and stems but still produce a normal amount of fruit,... more »
California Giant tests cardboard clamshell packaging
As people across the country celebrated Earth Day earlier this week, California Giant worked behind the scenes conducting field tests on prototype cardboard clamshells for fresh strawberries. The... more »
PMA, United Fresh react to LGMA revisions to ag-water standards
The United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association have commended the collective efforts of the California-based leafy greens industry to bring the months-long effort of substantially improving their auditable ag water standards to an LGMA... more »
