The department approved $117-million in loans last year for California farms. It says nearly 40-percent of those loans benefited minority or socially disadvantaged applicants.
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Avocado growers are offering a lot of green to stop thieves.
The California Avocado Commission says avocado thefts have increased because of the recession. The commission has increased its maximum reward to $5,000 for information leading to a felony arrest and conviction.
Avocado thieves who are caught could face up to three-years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000.
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People who shop Fresno State's Farm Market should check their e-mail Thursday to find out if they won sweet corn.
The corn arrives Friday, June 10th at 7 a.m. People pack the farm market every summer to get fresh corn.
This year, the school held a contest. People had to guess when the sweet corn would be picked, delivered and sold. Those who guessed this Friday will get a coupon for six free ears of corn.
