I post five produce news stories on http://www.agplus.net daily. It has not been hard finding stories in the last week with all the bad weather news out of the California growing areas. They will be assessing the damage for weeks. The produce industry is strong and will of course make it through this latest disaster. Don’t miss reading the second story.
Wal-Mart, other grocery retailers assess orange impact
DAN SEWELLAP Business Writer CINCINNATI — Grocery retailers are taking stock of the impact that California's freeze will have on supplies and retail prices of citrus, berries and other damaged crops. Meghan Glynn, spokeswoman for Kroger Co., said Wednesday that severe weather in California, Arizona and parts of Mexico is expected to hurt store supplies for several months. "We expect shortages of citrus fruits, berries, some lettuce varieties and several fresh vegetable offerings," she said. "We regret that we are not able to offer our customers the range of high-quality fresh produce usually available this time of year." Glynn said Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery chain, is working with suppliers to find alternative sources. Kroger has nearly 2,500 grocery stores in 31 states. Growers in California say prices will shoot up in the aftermath of subfreezing temperatures that caused nearly $1 billion in losses to oranges, lemons, avocados, strawberries and other crops. Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, said it's assessing the situation with its suppliers
Created: 1/18/2007 12:46:43 PM
Maple Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast in Hallowell boasts the single largest solar panel array in Maine.
Co-owner Scott Cowger says the B & B generates almost half its electricity needs from 126 photovoltaic panels (15 KW) and a wind turbine (10 KW). The project cost $166,000, but Maple Hill received a $41,000 grant from the USDA, which Cowger says was they key to its success.
USDA representative John Sheehan says now is the time to apply for similar energy-saving grants.
