Focus on Agriculture

SALINAS VALLEY — A dangerous herbicide banned immediately by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been sprayed on crops in many California counties and has contaminated groundwater in low concentrations in the Salinas Valley and Santa Barbara County. The weed-killing chemical, known as DCPA or...

GREENFIELD — Lavender Creek, a family-owned lavender farm and wellness brand located in South Monterey County, has been awarded the 2024 Central Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business of the Year for the Monterey Bay region. The Central Coast SBDC’s recognition highlights Lavender Creek’s...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo has announced the release of the 2023 Annual Crop and Livestock Report, which recorded a production gross value of just over $4.35 billion, reflecting a 6.1% decrease from 2022. “The values represented here reflect gross values...

SOLEDAD — This summer, CRU Winery is on the hunt for the best chowder recipe with their Chowder Cook-Off Contest. Now through Aug. 6, California residents can submit their best chowder recipe for a chance to win. The Chowder Cook-Off is a tribute to the...

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Market and Gas Inc. will receive $877,500 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help create infrastructure for the sale and production of renewable fuels. “Climate change and its unprecedented effects pose serious challenges to our planet, and a large variety...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board Chair and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez hosted the May 2024 RCRC Board of Directors meeting in Monterey County. The two-day event featured the RCRC Board of Directors meeting at the Monterey County Government Building...

SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Fair has announced the completion of the extensive renovation of the Expo Building, marking a new chapter in its storied history. The 12,000-square-foot, multipurpose facility underwent upgrades in 2022 and 2023, transforming it into a venue for a wide array...

SALINAS VALLEY — Nearly 40,000 people attended the 80th Annual Salinas Valley Fair over the course of its four-day celebration in South Monterey County last week. Under the theme, “Golden Hills & Fair Time Thrills,” the 2024 Fair once again provided family-friendly activities and entertainment...

SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Fair will bring “Golden Hills & Fair Time Thrills” for its 80th celebration taking place Thursday through Sunday at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City. “We are so excited to celebrate the 80th Annual Salinas Valley Fair, May 16-19,”...

SOLEDAD — CRU Winery is partnering with Valley Farm Management and the Blue Zones Project Monterey County to bring back their spring and summer hiking series. Hosted monthly, participants will hike through the stunning and sustainably farmed Paraiso Vineyard before ending with a wine tasting...