Organization aims to integrate beneficial songbirds on farms
WATSONVILLE—For more than 20 years, Watsonville-based organization Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) has aimed to find a sustainable balance between conservation and agriculture.
Established by a...
Strawberry Commission reports healthy fruit, high demand
According to the California Strawberry Commission, about 90% of all strawberries in the U.S. are grown in California.
The fruit thrives in the state, due...
Key environmental legislation passes assembly
CALIFORNIA—As California recovers from a historic heatwave, the State Assembly last week passed three bills by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to help fight the...
Local water agency works toward long-term drought solutions
In 1983, a group of local farmers looking for ways to manage the Pajaro Valley’s groundwater basin formed the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency...
Orchard offers u-pick roses, outdoor fun
There is now a new way to assemble your own bouquet of roses, thanks to a pick-your-own rose venue at Birdsong Orchards in Watsonville.
Owner...
Sambrailo sees major growth in sustainable packaging line
WATSONVILLE—When Santa Cruz-based natural foods store Staff of Life opened its second location in Watsonville in March, employees from Sambrailo were pleased to see...
Aptos farm wins Best of Show at regional olive oil competition
Patrick and Teresa Royan were living in Los Gatos when they first discovered Pleasant Valley, a rural area in Aptos permeated with rolling hills,...
Watsonville Airport’s organic farm an ‘uncut diamond’
WATSONVILLE—On March 30, the Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI) announced it had renewed a two-year lease with Watsonville-based Urban Organics, aiming to bring fresh produce...
Organic produce sales up 9%, tops $2B for the quarter
Total organic fresh produce sales for the first quarter of 2021 saw a continuation of last year’s growth, increasing by 9.3% from the same...
Bill bolstering wildfire protections for farmworkers advances
SACRAMENTO—A bill that would increase protections for California’s farmworkers during hazardous smoky conditions created by seasonal wildfires is making its way through the state...
Aptos takes down Watsonville in battle of the ‘Black and Blue...
At one time in the teams’ long history, Aptos and Watsonville were nemesis on the gridiron as members of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic...
