The last two years, San Joaquin Valley raisin growers experienced a high number of rolled raisin thefts. The majority of the thefts occurred near Biola and the area west of Selma. In past years the Sheriff’s Department has received reports of both bin and rolled raisin thefts. In 2011 thefts consisted primarily of rolled raisins taken from the fields, usually during the evening and late night hours.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Place rolled raisin trays deeper in the vineyard away from main roads. Doing so limits visibility from the roadway.
• Remove raisins and/or bins from fields or unsecured locations as soon as possible.
• Secure tractors, trailers and most importantly forklifts, so...

California farmers lead the nation in producing fruits and vegetables farmed organically. Despite the slow economy, California’s organic farmers plan on maintaining or increasing their current acreage according to the Organic Production Survey conducted in 2008. Karen Klonsky, a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis, has published a paper focusing on the challenges of producing, marketing and complying with new organic regulations in California. High demand continues for grape products with total sales exceeding $110 million; second only to lettuce with sales of $175 million.

The full report can be read

Compliance Assistance Bulletin:
Requirements for Burning Paper Raisin Trays

On May 20, 2010, the SJV Air Pollution Control District’s Governing Board postponed the prohibition of burning paper raisin trays in accordance with the requirements District Rule 4103

(Open Burning) and California Health and Safety Code Sections 41855.5 and 41855.6. Therefore, the burning of paper raisin trays will continue to be allowed with a valid District issued agricultural burn permit and District authorization until such time that economically and technically feasible alternatives to open burning exist.

As a condition of the postponement, specific