Focus on Agriculture

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County agriculture’s gross production value bounced back by 4.8% in 2021 to just over $4.1 billion, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that also resulted in supply chain shortages. This increase represents a $190 million rise from 2020, when the gross production...

GONZALES — At its April 17 meeting, Gonzales City Council adopted an Agricultural Resource Mitigation Ordinance, which adds a new chapter — Agricultural Resource Mitigation — to the Gonzales Municipal Code Zoning Regulations. “This step is a major commitment by the City of Gonzales to...

CALIFORNIA — As wildfire conditions across California are expected to increase steadily through the summer, state officials last month expressed concerns about cuts in staff and funding at federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, a division within the Agriculture Department that partners with...

SALINAS VALLEY — Nearly 400 people with a professional stake in the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed worldwide gathered at Hartnell College on May 4-5 for the 17th Annual Western Food Safety Conference. The conference, held on Hartnell’s Main Campus in Salinas as...

GREENFIELD — Lavender Creek Co., Monterey County’s local family-run lavender wellness brand, has announced a new partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Quilters Guild, providing locally grown lavender for the handcrafted eye pillows donated to CHOMP, Salinas Valley Health, Natividad and the VNA. The eye pillows...

SALINAS VALLEY — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. In support of this yearly event, the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County (BCAG) will be the recipient of funds raised through...

SALINAS VALLEY — Roughly 1,400 third graders from South Monterey County schools attended the 2024 South County Farm Day last Thursday to learn about agriculture and experience animals firsthand.  The annual enrichment program, sponsored by Monterey County Agricultural Education, gives an opportunity for youth to...

GREENFIELD — Lavender Creek Co., a lavender farm and wellness brand that enhances everyday life with lavender’s healthful properties, has launched its first products on Amazon and has more than 4,000 young lavender plants blooming on Carmel Valley Road in the Arroyo Seco area...

SALINAS VALLEY — Ever since a young child, Rose Escobar dreamed of becoming a Rodeo Queen — a best-in-class combination of horsemanship and athletic abilities paired with personal skills of public speaking and knowledge of the heritage of agriculture. That dream came true this year...

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...