Harvesting artichokes requires human hands and is unlikely to be helped by au- tomation, Cahn said. “Artichokes are one of the more difficult ones” to automate due to the plants lack of uniformity,” he said. “Hybrid production is helping them be more uniform. But there is still a strong wild component to them. “How can a robot know the best way to make a judgment?” he added. Pest concerns, including lygus and pro- ba bugs, present another challenge for artichoke growers. Proba bugs specifical- ly target artichokes. Both pests discolor leaves and eat the base of the artichoke bud, turning it black and useless. Because artichokes are a niche crop, McLaughlin said growers face a shortage of approved pesticides. “We’re the minor crop. The interest of ag chemical suppliers to come up with labels for artichoke use is difficult,” said McLaughlin, who also serves as president and general manager of Kleen Globe, a Castroville agricultural pest management company. “It’s not like corn in Iowa. The economic interest from ag suppliers is just not there.” McLaughlin and Cahn agree the arti- choke sector is increasingly looking to genetic research to improve labor and pest control. Artichokes Continued from Page 10
At this 100-acre artichoke farm in Monterey County, Mike Scattini, a fourth-generation farmer, says he is focused on plant genetics to develop quality varieties that are rich in flavor.
“Genetics will play a huge part in the fu- ture of the artichoke industry,” McLaughlin said. “Innovation within the artichoke in- dustry is at the forefront.” McLaughlin described a cloning process to reproduce the heirloom green globe ar- tichoke. Researchers recreated this hardy perennial variety using modern propa- gation techniques, combining heirloom quality with uniform crop production. “We are looking to innovation to solve the problems coming up,” McLaughlin said. “We’re developing new varieties that
will produce that heirloom artichoke.” This may present a full-circle moment for the artichoke sector, using genetic tech- nology to return to a version of the peren- nial artichoke variety first popularized in Castroville a century ago. For his part, Scattini said his focus on artichoke genetics is aimed at enhancing the flavor of the vegetable, which is chal- lenging to grow and to prepare for meals. Scattini said he educates customers about the worthiness of artichokes, including in- structing them on potential dishes. “The industry’s going toward yield. I’m going toward quality,” said Scattini, who describes his crop as “tender and original.”
“If you’re going to take the time to do all the things you have to do (to cook and eat an artichoke), I want to exceed your expec- tations,” he said. He said he is committed to the vegeta- ble and continuing its production on the Central Coast. “There’s pride and enjoyment in growing artichokes,” Scattini said. “When I tell people I’m an artichoke farmer or give them artichokes, the response I get is like I’ve given them a nice gift.” (Caitlin Fillmore is a reporter in Monterey County. She may be contacted at cslhfillmore@gmail.com.)
TRAVEL WITH FARM BUREAU
TRG Job NUMBER: RAM22_073267 Ag Season Print Ad CLIENT: RAM JOB NAME: California Region Ad TRIM: 4.75" x 5" LIVE: N/A BLEED: N/A COLOR(S): 4C QUESTIONS CALL: Karen Newman @ 214-891-5875
CHA L L ENGE
FEBRUARY 1-4, 2024 • RSVP BY JANUARY 5, 2024 Join California Farm Bureau for an exciting and exclusive trip exploring Mexico’s flourishing wine region. Attendees will see the differences between California winegrape growing and Mexican production during different wine tastings and vineyard tours, taste local authentic farm to fork cuisine, and experience local Mexican culture during this multiday trip. MEXICO’S EXPERIENCE WINE REGION — VALLE DE GUADALUPE
America’s Most Loyal Pickup Owners
Visit cfbf.com/farmpac to learn more and to purchase your spot. For questions, or to reserve your spot, contact Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com
COST: Trip includes private, secure transportation from SAN to VDG and back, meals, hotel accommodations, tours and tastings and different activities during the trip.
RAM.COMAGRICULTURE
Based on IHS Markit U.S. household model loyalty for all Light Duty and Heavy Duty pickups in calendar year 2021. Ram is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
• $2,500 per person • $4,000 per couple
RAM22_073267_CA Region_4_75x5.indd 1 RED BLUFF RED BLUFF DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 530-366-3166 www.redbluffdodge.com
REDDING CROWN MOTORS 530-241-4321 www.crowndodgecalifornia.com
12/19/22 4:37 PM
November 29, 2023 Ag Alert 11
Powered by FlippingBook