Pacific Ethanol didn't exist five years ago and began producing fuel only last year when it posted its first profit of $3.8 million. Now that company is an ethanol empire its founder and former Secretary of State BillJones is the most influential champion for the fuel in the state. It is the largest producer and marketer of ethanol in California and is poised, with the proposed addition of two new plants, to remain one of the biggest producers for some time to come. Contra Costa Times 12/4/07
About 20 nutritionists from San Mateo and Santa Clara counties met Monday to discuss ways to launch a Bay Area-wide "Soda Free Summer" in 2008. The Center for Weight and Health at UC Berkeley states that sugared beverage consumption has increased 500 percent during the past five decades -- at a rate that roughly corresponds with the increase in the number of overweight children. Nutritionist cite that soda is the No. 1 source of sugar in the American diet. CC Times 12/4/07
Farmers and food specialists are heated over a USDA ruling requiring nearly all almonds grown in the United States to be pasteurized before sale to consumers. After salmonella outbreaks in 2001 and 2004 were traced to almonds from California farms, the Almond Board of California, the marketing agency for California's largest tree crop, decided to seek the regulation. Small growers, though, say the new rule is an added burden on their industry, which they say is already overregulated. Critics also say the use of propylene oxide is a form of fumigation, not pasteurization, and is unsafe. CC Times 12/4/07
Sen. Barbara Boxer said Monday she will support reforms in the farm bill now stalled in the Senate, provided they benefit California consumers and specialty crop growers. That marks a significant change in the California Democrat's position from last summer, when Boxer cited California's subsidized cotton and rice growers as a priority. SF Chronicle 12/4/07
Acting USDA Secretary Chuck Conner has announced the names of members of the new Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. The advisory committee advises the secretary of agriculture on issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry. In May 2007, USDA approved a new two-year charter for this committee. The Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 provides for the establishment and operation of advisory committees within the executive branch of the federal government. Five new members are from California. Delta Farm Press 12/4/07
The practice of drinking orange juice for breakfast was popularized in America at the beginning of the 20th century as a response to an orange surplus, according to a new book, ‘Citrus: A History.’
In the aftermath of the 1918-19 worldwide flu pandemic, consumers were developing a heightened awareness of healthful foods, and orange juice was known to contain two hot nutritional properties, calcium and vitamin C. Baltimore Sun 12/4/07
A University of Minnesota study shows that when it's available, students will choose healthful foods for lunches. The study also found that it is not more expensive to serve nutritious foods. Times Herald 12/4/07
A study, conducted by a panel of external advisers but commissioned by the FDA, says the nation's health is at risk because the FDA does not have the funding, equipment or scientific capacity to fulfill its mission. San Diego Union Tribune 12/4/07
No comments:
Post a Comment