In 2008, California stone fruit growers sent to market probably the largest crop that California has ever produced. On the heels of that big crop, this year�s crop should be down significantly, largely because of some weather problems.

Given those two sets of facts, the industry should be poised for a turnaround year after several years of mostly red ink. Yet pessimism is the overarching theme that shines through when discussing the situation with many different industry representatives. A couple of people asked not to be quoted on the subject but stated that the industry is not in good shape. "It is a terrible situation," said one San Joaquin Valley grower-shipper who did not want to be identified with that negativity but felt it nonetheless.

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The question of whether to ensure that every U.S. citizen has access to affordable healthcare coverage has been answered. Employers, consumers, insurance providers and government, regardless of party affiliation, agree; the nation cannot afford the economic costs we all are now paying as a result of the 46 million uninsured, and the 25 million underinsured Americans, and the perverse incentives inherent in the current U.S. healthcare system.

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