UC expertise shared by national news outlets

Two nationally recognized news outlets featured UC experts in recent stories - National Public Radio and the MSN Web site.

Agricultural Issues Center director Dan Sumner provided comment on the NPR story about a trend at Walmart stores to stock "locally grown" food. The story pointed out that the megastore's definition of locally grown -- grown within the state's boundaries -- is different from that of many locavores -- which generally define local as within 100 miles of home.

On the radio program, Sumner said the company's strategy could spell problems  for California if it catches on nationwide.

"If people decide they're going to consume locally, that means they're probably not consuming our walnuts and apricots and almonds and everything else we grow around here," Sumner said.

 The MSN Web site's real estate reporter Christopher Solomon wrote a story about home building tips in wildland fire zones. He spoke to UC Cooperative Extension wood durability advisor Stephen Quarles.

Quarles' comments centered mainly on roofing materials.

"One of the things that I frequently hear is that you need a metal roof. That is not true," Quarles was quoted.

Quarles' information and comments were also used to create a bulleted list about non-combustible roofing materials.

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