The Central Valley Business Times reports Fresno State and West Hills College in Coalinga are being awarded a total of $783,000. The money will be spent on curriculum development, infrastructure and equipment expansion for the schools ag programs.
Fresno Congressman Jim Costa says the funding is made available through the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and will help the valley's farming industry.
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The federal government has set aside $17-million for Central Valley fruits and nuts.
The money has been awarded to 64 projects across California, the bulk of them expected to benefit valley specialty crop growers. Projects include investing in specialty crop research; pest and disease control; and increasing the marketability of specialty crop farmers.
The Central Valley is the nation's largest producer of specialty crops that include tree nuts, fruits, dried fruits, and vegetables.
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Weather forecasters say California could see a rainy November and December.
Long-range forecasts from both the National Weather Service and the Old Farmer's Almanac include the prediction. The almanac goes on to predict above-average rainfall for the entire California rainy season. It also forecasts average temperatures in the coming year.
The almanac bases its predictions on a formula that includes the number of sunspots and other factors.
