What are farmers' planting intentions for this spring? USDA is beginning the process to find out. (Gary Crawford and Lance Honig, Chairman of the Crops Branch of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service)

Lance Honig, Chief of the Crops Branch of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, saying the prospective plantings report will help reduce speculation and give the markets a better idea of the upcoming crop.

How might higher salt levels in groundwater used for irrigation impact quantity of production from California almond trees? (Rod Bain and USDA researcher, Ray Anderson)

USDA researcher Ray Anderson discusses some of the concerns involved with increased groundwater irrigation for California almond trees, and higher salinity levels that impacts trees.

Research continues on ways to mine nutritional compounds found in food wastes such as coffee grounds and fruit peels to develop ingredients that fortify the nutritional value of foods. (Rod Bain and USDA researcher, Lisa Dean)