Food Blog

Man in straw hat picks crops in a field

The Food Blog covers our latest research and extension work to advance and optimize the production and vitality of California's abundant agricultural commodities.

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The last of this season's elderberries were hanging on the plants during the Elderberry Field Day Sept. 17.
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California elderberries have rich benefits for farms and diets

October 1, 2019
Native California elderberries can be found at the intersection of sustainable farming, super nutrition and economic viability. Naturally drought tolerant, flavorful and packed with nutrients, they are capturing the interest of farmers, health-conscious consumers and scientists.
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Children from food-insecure households were more likely to be overweight or obese and less frequently ate breakfast or dinner with family. (Photo: Gtorres8944stash)
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Food insecurity and childhood obesity: Is there a connection?

September 10, 2019
A well-nourished population requires that all members of society have access to sufficient amounts of nutritious food. Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to be a staggering problem throughout the world with negative consequences in terms of health and well-being.
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Armyworm monitoring, combined with the registration of insecticides that are effective at controlling armyworms, has resulted in better control of the pests and less yield losses.
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Monitoring armyworms in rice helps reduce damage

August 30, 2019
By Pamela S Kan-Rice
Armyworms can be a serious pest in rice. The worms can eat the rice foliate or panicles, and cause yield reductions. In 2015, a severe outbreak of armyworms caught rice growers by surprise, resulting in yield losses.
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