Corn syrup is found in most soft drinks and a range of other products. Production for the U.S. market dropped 11 percent between 2003 and 2008.
Some food makers such as Starbucks have removed high fructose corn syrup from some products. The corn refiners association says years of questions about their product and obesity are behind the drop.
But nutritionists say there isn't much difference between sugar and corn syrup. Industry observers also note sales remain strong in Mexico and other foreign markets.
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The unusually wet spring weather in California has slowed development of the olive crop. The Olive Growers Council says many northern California olive trees are still in bloom, two weeks or more behind schedule.
Olive growers had a tough year last season and hope for a good crop this year. Because of the cool weather, farmers do not know how much of a crop they may have.
Olives are self pollinating, so any rain where trees are in bloom this week would damage the potential crop.
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While production of olives is slowing down here, blueberry production is picking up speed in Washington State. Washington is sixth in the nation in blueberry production, with farming of the fruit gaining popularity on the eastern side of the state.
The Tri-City Herald reports that an estimated 3,100 acres in Eastern Washington are dedicated to blueberries. That's up from 2,500 acres two years ago.
The crop traditionally has been grown in Western Washington.
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A new study suggests good news for college graduates with agricultural degrees.
The study predicts about 54,000 agriculture-related jobs will be created in the U.S. every year between now and 2015. That includes areas such as food, renewable energy and the environment.
The study was conducted by Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The study also says the job growth is driven in part by increased food demand in other countries.
