Because of high labor costs, many of the winegrape vineyards to be planted this winter and next will be configured for mechanical harvesting.
Photo/Steve Adler
California’s 2011 winegrape crop came in lighter than expected, resulting in every winegrape being sold, and at prices that growers have not seen for some time.
Photo/Steve Adler
Winegrape boom is projected to continue in 2012
The pendulum has swung back in the right direction for California winegrape growers in 2011 following a couple years of lower prices and drop in demand for grapes that was linked to the worldwide economic downturn. Read more...

Draft flood plan includes some farmland losses
A new plan for managing flood risk in the Central Valley was unveiled last week in Sacramento. Officials said implementing the plan once it's finalized could cost between $14 billion to $17 billion, invested during a 20- to 25-year period. Read more...

State's farmers positioned to meet food challenges
With its diversity and integration with world markets, California agriculture is poised to match the growing demands of a booming population and its expanding wealth, but energy issues and the role of social media will certainly have an impact. Read more...

Commentary: UC seeks advice as it wrestles with ongoing budget cuts
The University of California has a long and multifaceted relationship with the people of California. Many of you graduated from UC, and many of you have children studying on one of our 10 campuses now. In addition to its direct benefits, UC generates $46.3 billion in annual economic activity for California, and contributes $32.8 billion to the gross state product. Read more...