Salem-News.com Agriculture articles Page 32

Iraq: Land of Sheiks and Agriculture (VIDEO)

Agriculture flourishes near Balad along with the good relations between American soldiers and local governmental leaders; known here as sheiks.

(BALAD, Iraq) - Iraq may invoke images of desert terrain and that is the case in certain areas, but around Balad, agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy.

Sgt Jonathan Fondow with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne, says it is very good land, "Compared to if you go north or south of here, this is probably the best farming area that I have seen."

On this day, members of the 101st Airborne visited a local sheik who oversees the area's produce stores that sell these ag products that in turn feed many of the local people here.

Newly-Released Study Predicts Economic Pain for Oregon if Federal Immigration Regulations are Implemented‏

Federal "No Match" Rule could disrupt the Oregon economy and eliminate jobs within the state's most critical industries.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Coalition for a Working Oregon (CWO) released a study today that predicts significant reductions in economic output and job loss in the state if the federal "No Match" rule is implemented.

The study, conducted by William Jaeger, Ph. D., Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Oregon State University, is entitled Potential Economic Impacts in Oregon of Implementing Proposed Department of Homeland Security "No Match" Immigration Rules. The report details possible economic consequences in Oregon of the proposed "No Match" rule, a federal regulation designed to identify and eliminate undocumented workers in the U.S. workforce.

"The potential ramifications for Oregon's economy are significant and could cause a loss of 173,500 jobs in the short-term, or 7.7% of Oregon's workforce along with a reduction in statewide annual production of up to $17.7 billion," said Dr. Jaeger.

Oregon`s Family Forestland Owners Face Numerous Challenges

Nearly half the owners are over 65, and many families and heirs have joined the migration to urban centers.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Inheriting the family farm or woodland has been a traditional expectation in Oregon's culture over the past 150 years. The formula was simple: A generation would tend to an agricultural or small forest tract with the assumption that subsequent generations would continue stewardship of the land.

But much has changed in Oregon's culture in the past few decades. The survival of family-owned forests – some of the most visible forestlands in the state - looks uncertain.

Humboldt Creamery Ice Cream Expands in Pacific Northwest

The company says sustainable environmental practices are the way farmers there have been doing business for generations.

(FORTUNA, Calif.) - Pacific Northwest ice cream lovers and environmentalists both have reason to celebrate today as Humboldt Creamery all-organic ice cream pints go on sale in more than 100 Safeway stores throughout Oregon and southern Washington.

Safeway’s acceptance of the Humboldt Creamery organic ice cream pints is a major expansion for the Northern California company, whose environmental practices are being recognized by more and more consumers.

UN Increases Food Aid for Cyclone-Stricken Myanmar

Cyclone Nargis washed away the homes of an estimated 1 million people.

(GENEVA) - The UN World Food Programme today said its food aid has reached more than 27,000 people in the areas of the Irrawaddy delta hit hardest by Cyclone Nargis, which left a path of death and destruction after striking Myanmar last week.

In an encouraging development, 28 tons of high-energy biscuits which arrived in Yangon on Friday are enough to feed 95,000 with first rations.

Employers Say Immigrant Labor is Extremely Vital to Oregon`s Economy

Coalition pushes for comprehensive federal immigration reform.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Advocates for Oregon business say the first consolidated effort by Oregon employers to promote sensible approaches to immigration reform is officially underway with the launch of the Coalition for a Working Oregon.

Global Food Crisis a Silent Tsunami Threatening over 100 Million, Warns UN (VIDEO)

Protests and riots have broken out in some countries over the rising cost of many basic foods, such as rice, wheat and corn.

(GENEVA) - The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today called for urgent action to tackle the "silent tsunami" of rising food prices which threatens to push more than 100 million people worldwide into hunger.

"This is the new face of hunger – the millions of people who were not in the urgent hunger category six months ago but now are," said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran.

Voter Registration Caravan will Increase Latino Vote in Oregon

The Caravan will make make stops in Salem and Woodburn.

(SALEM, Ore.) - In commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Birthday, Life and Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez, Voz Hispana Causa Chavista, a non-profit organization will participate in a car caravan with allies this Saturday to register voters and encourage Latinos to vote in the upcoming elections.

This weekend's caravan is just one of the many activities Voz Hispana has planned this year to encourage Latino voter turn-out.

Roseburg to Host OSU Workshop for Winemakers

Douglas County is an emerging wine producing region, known to vintners and wine lovers alike as the Umpqua Valley AVA.

(ROSEBURG, Ore.) - Oregon State University Extension enologist James Osborne will offer a day-long workshop, "When Good Wine Goes Bad – A One-Day Workshop on the Microbial Spoilage of Wine," on Wednesday, April 23, in Roseburg.

In the workshop, Osborne will discuss the various microorganisms present during the winemaking process that can cause wine to spoil. He will lead participants in a series of wine tastings to illustrate specific spoilage issues and associated taints in wine.

New Oregon Wine Country Maps Detail Vineyards, Wineries In State`s Winegrowing Regions

The Map Store Uses Computer Mapping and Internet Technology to Produce Groundbreaking New Wine Maps for the Oregon Wine Industry.

(WINDSOR, Calif.) - The Map Store has just announced the release of the Oregon State American Viticultural Area Maps. These maps, a first for the Oregon wine industry, provide topographical details of Oregon vineyards as well as pinpoint winery and tasting room locations.