The plan would cut $30-billion over 10 years as part of a broad effort to slash federal spending. It remains to be seen whether the idea would go anywhere.
The chairman of House Agriculture Committee says the proposal is simply a suggestion.
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Real estate values in many parts of the state have fallen, but not for farmland.
The California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers says the values for the state's farmland has stayed stable. They say strong prices for many crops have helped demand for farmland -- so have low interest rates and limited investment alternatives.
The appraisers group says farmland prices could increase in many parts of the state.
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Local vintners are proving San Joaquin Valley wines are exceptional.
Several wineries took home awards in recent competitions.
The Cardella Winery's 2009 Sangiovese and the Fasi Crest 2007 Syrah took home gold medals in the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The Birdstone Winery won a gold medal for its 1997 Tinta Madera Port at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
