We are in the midst of summer with farmers markets and backyard gardens bursting with fresh vegetables and fruit. For those of us on the east coast, rain or the lack thereof has not been a major issue, but on the west coast, the situation is not the same. Drought and extreme heat are forcing farmers and ranchers to make difficult decisions as water becomes a premium. Water is a precious commodity and the issues of water rights and availability affect us all. Read more in this issue about how water affects agriculture production, and in turn the food on our plates. On a sweet note, July is the perfect time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month and Ice Cream Day this Sunday (third Sunday of July) … a bipartisan designation we can all enjoy! This issue wraps up with a look at how grocery stores are stocking up as food prices rise.
