March 10, 2010 published in GrowingProduce.com

In response to numerous detections of the European grapevine moth (EGVM) in Napa County, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has established a quarantine of 162 square miles including portions of Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties.

The initial detection of an EGVM larva in a trap in the Oakville area on September 15, 2009 was the first detection of this pest in the United States. Confirmation of that detection led to increased trapping and surveys that have since detected the pest at several sites, generally contained in two pockets of infestation: one on the eastern side of the City of Napa and the other between Oakville, Rutherford and St. Helena. Maps of the two quarantine zones and additional information are available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/PHPPS/PE/InteriorExclusion/egvm_quarantine.html.“

Grapes are our state’s top crop,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “This quarantine will help us ensure that the infestation doesn’t have an opportunity to spread. I fully understand that quarantines impact both the public and our growers. It is important and necessary to protect our food supply and the larger environment from these invasive pests, so the entire community’s cooperation is essential and appreciated.”

Study: Drinking light to moderate amount of red vino may keep pounds off

updated 3:44 p.m. CT, Mon., March. 8, 2010

Light to moderate alcohol consumption, especially red wine, is not only good for a woman's heart, it's also good for her waistline, according to a study reported Monday.

The study started out with nearly 20,000 trim middle-aged and older women. Over time, women who drank alcohol in moderation put on less weight and were less apt to become overweight compared to non-drinkers. This was true even after taking into account various lifestyle and dietary factors that might influence a woman's weight.