Within the San Joaquin Valley, agriculture is a large part of the community. Almonds and honey production are important Valley crops, but Fresno County and especially nearby Selma are both considered the raisin capitals of the world.

Thompson grapes are usually used for raisin making because of their high sugar content level; Bob Pierce, an Easton valley farmer, uses them for drying. Though grapes are usually harvested in August, due to the unusually cold summer, the season has been delayed until September.

For more information, read the Sept. 13 article, Agriculturist faces promising raisin season.

For more photos, check out New lunch preview or Grape Web.