Strawberries top tri-county farming forecast in 2014
Strawberries remain the largest piece of the pie in the Tri-Counties’ multibillion-dollar agriculture industry, but there will be slightly less acreage in the New Year.
Clean Diesel changes ethics rules after $1.9M federal fine
The CEO of Ventura-based Clean Diesel Technologies has stepped down after a year on the job, a move that likely reflects a faltering relationship with Italian tire-maker Pirelli. In a separate announcement, the company said it has amended its ethics code in light of a $1.9 million fine from federal labor regulators over a whistleblower complaint.
Dry spell: Ventura County struggles to refill from Santa Clara River
Farms, industries and municipalities in Ventura County could see a severe reduction in the amount of water they receive from the Santa Clara River watershed and sharply higher prices if a pair of environmental challenges are successful, a top groundwater manager said Nov. 16.
Tony Morgan, groundwater department manager for the United Water Conservation District, said at a symposium in Santa Paula that the district is unlikely to be able to supply anywhere near the water this year that it has in the past because of prolonged dry weather.
Ventura County leaders call for immigration reform
Business and agriculture leaders speaking at a Nov. 8 economic forecast hosted by the California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting put forth a vocal call for immigration reform amid a deepening farm-labor shortage.
Port of Hueneme unveils marine test program
Called MAST, short for Marine Advanced Systems and Technology, the program will create an innovation hub of sorts for companies to test paint, products and devices for their ability to operate in marine environments.
