After learning from the media that dozens of coworkers tested positive for the coronavirus, about 50 workers at a Wasco pistachio farm went on strike Thursday. The strikers are demanding free face coverings and gloves from Primex Farms so they can protect themselves from COVID-19, said Armando Elenes, vice president...
Assemis Pause Pistachio Plant Construction As Lawsuit Continues
The Assemis have agreed to halt construction on a pistachio processing plant in western Fresno County until county officials have a chance to fully vet the project. Ventana South, LLC and Touchstone Pistachio, LLC entered into a code enforcement settlement agreement with the county over the project in Cantua Creek,...
Ag Giant Wonderful Sues Fresno County Over Assemi Nut Plant
One of the world's largest pistachio growers is suing Fresno County, alleging that it violated state environmental review regulations. The suit seeks to halt a nut processing plant being built by the Assemi family in the western part of the county. Wonderful Nut Orchards LLC filed the suit Tuesday in...
Fresno County Leads the USA in Farm Production
Fresno County is America's top ag-producing county for the first time since 2013. The county's No. 1 status was cemented this week when Tulare County released its report showing $7.21 billion in farm production last year. Listen to this article: Last month, the Fresno County ag report for 2018...
Fresno State Duo Takes Mystery Out of Pistachio Crop Size
Pistachio growers now have an online device they can use to predict the size of their harvest. The Pistachio Predictor Calculator will help growers with their harvest, market and budget planning, said Shawn Ashkan, an agricultural engineer at Fresno State. He said the main goal of the online device is for farmers...
With Nut Harvest Coming, Valley Growers Weary of Trade War
With harvest season a few weeks away, nut growers in the Central Valley are already weary of new higher tariffs on some of their products, such as pistachios. And they worry that if the international market dries up, it could lead to a supply glut and falling prices. In addition, China...