Trees & Vines

Agricultural byproducts such as almond hulls, shown here at a huller and sheller in the San Joaquin Valley, have diverse uses off the farm. The Building the Circular Bioeconomy in the North San Joaquin Valley group, or BioCircular Valley, seeks to build a regional bioeconomy by converting agricultural biomass into feedstocks, fuel, clothing and bioplastics.

Photo/Almond Board of California

Fourth-generation winegrape grower Steve Perrin walks between rows of zinfandel vines in his Lodi vineyard. An unprecedented downturn in the wine market has caused grape prices to plummet and left growers struggling to find buyers. Many growers could see their entire crop rot on the vines.

Photo/Caleb Hampton

Paul Keck, director of farming operations for Hadley Date Gardens, inspects a cluster of Deglet Noor dates at his family’s farm in the Coachella Valley. California growers and shippers say this year’s crop looks promising after Tropical Storm Hilary destroyed much of last year’s production.

Photo/Albert Keck

UC Yolo Gold prunes were patented by the University of California last year. The California Prune Board and UC researchers are encouraging growers to plant and evaluate new prune varieties to help guide the future of prune production in the state. The prune board is offering subsidies to growers to reduce their financial risk.

Photo/Robyn Rominger