California Food Policy Council gathers in Salinas to chart a resilient, equitable food future
SALINAS VALLEY — More than 75 food leaders, farmers, advocates and policymakers from across California gathered in November for Growing the Future Together, the first in-person statewide convening of the California Food Policy Council (CAFPC) since the pandemic.
Hosted in Salinas — the “Salad Bowl...
Monterey County crops fall 6.1% in value last year
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...
Monterey County establishes hotline to report agricultural employee safety concerns
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has established a dedicated hotline to report agricultural concerns related to farmworker safety as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, wildfire smoke and the safe use of pesticides.
The phone number, available for both English and Spanish...
Scheid Family Wines VP winemaker retires
MONTEREY COUNTY — Scheid Family Wines Vice President of Winemaking Dave Nagengast has announced his retirement after 20 years with the Monterey County-based wine company.
Nagengast was the creative and organizational mastermind behind the company’s portfolio of wines, an early adopter of sustainable farming and...
Salinas schools to close as Taylor Farms fire, evacuation order continues
SALINAS — A fire in a Salinas food processing plant that has prompted authorities to evacuate surrounding neighborhoods has now closed four nearby elementary schools as sunrise approaches Thursday.
City officials announced the closure shortly after 5:30 a.m. Thursday for Lincoln Elementary, Monterey Park Elementary, Sherwood...
Valley awards honor King City High School Agriculture Department and FFA
KING CITY — King City High School Agriculture Department and FFA were recognized with the 2022 Education Award last Saturday at the 16th Annual Valley of the World Awards, presented by the National Steinbeck Center.
The school is home to a state-ranking ag program,...
Excessive heat warning issued for Monterey County over next few days
MONTEREY COUNTY — An excessive heat warning has been issued by the U.S. National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California beginning Thursday through early next week for Monterey County.
Areas under warning include: southern Salinas Valley, Arroyo Seco, Lake San Antonio, Santa Lucia Mountains...
King City FFA students host caravan parade in lieu of annual donkey basketball
KING CITY — An FFA caravan hit Broadway Street last Wednesday as part of the FFA Week lineup for the Future Farmers of America at King City High School.
The caravan had 35 vehicles, including diesel trucks from L.A. Hearne and Bassetti Farms, which blew...
Calls grow to restrict harmful pesticide exposure in Monterey County
SALINAS VALLEY — Several dozen community members gathered for a news conference at the County Government Center in Salinas last Tuesday to release a new study that found that pregnant women in Monterey County are more likely to be exposed to far higher levels...
