California Vineyard Losses and Ag Inspectors Bill Signed
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**More vineyards will be removed in California this year, as farmers and wineries work to correct an imbalance in supply and demand.
Wine-business analysts say some grapes went unharvested last year, as wineries sought to reduce their inventories.
The 2020 grape crop has just begun to develop, with vines pushing out buds. That means farmers will be monitoring for frost that might damage the emerging crop.
**56% of U.S. shoppers are more concerned about food safety than a year ago, according to a new survey from British consulting firm Lloyd’s Register.
Produceretailer.com reports, 46% say they’ve changed their food shopping or consumption habits due to a food safety scare.
The November survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers didn’t mention the fresh produce industry and the outbreaks tied to romaine but referenced food safety overall.
The survey also delved into U.S. consumer attitudes toward food waste, plastic, meat alternatives and other topics.
https://www.produceretailer.com/article/news-article/report-highlights-influence-outbreaks-recalls-consumer-confidence?mkt/
**President Trump has signed into law a bill that adds ag inspectors and canine teams at border entry points to examine food imports.
According to thepacker.com, the Protecting America’s Food & Agriculture Act authorizes the hiring of 240 agricultural specialists and 200 ag technicians per year until the shortage is filled.
Customs and Border Protection estimates there is a shortage of about 700 inspectors.
https://www.thepacker.com/article/law-adds-agriculture-inspectors-trained-dogs-border-entries?mkt
