The conventional wisdom among the agricultural community is that a mysterious agent called Colony Collapse Disorder is wiping out colony after colony of honeybees in the nation, Pennsylvania included. No matter what the reason, the loss can have a significant economic impact on beekeepers and farmers. Bees cluster around the queen when it is cold, and when it warms to around 40 degrees, the cluster will spread out and become more active. The demise of so many honeybees is particularly...

Homegrown fruits and vegetables typically dominate the traditional farmer's market, although crafters and antique dealers also make appearances. July can bring in fruits like blueberries and cherries, while apples, pumpkins and squash come alive August through October. I wouldn't buy raspberries at a grocery store but I would at the farmers' market. Not all foods will be readily available at the start of the farmer's market, especially in the early spring. Freshness is key when it comes to...

The 3-year initiative doubles the company's existing annual contribution to the International Cocoa Initiative and adds partnerships with Africare, the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help, the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) and the Rainforest Alliance. The 3-year initiative doubles the company's existing annual contribution to the International Cocoa Initiative and adds partnerships with Africare, the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help, the...

When blossoms are on the trees, crop insurance adjusters count the blossom as an apple and growers are required to maintain the tree as if an apple was on the tree. Mike Easley took the first step to help the region's fruit and nursery growers by sending a request to the USDA to declare 56 counties in the state a disaster area. When the crop insurance premium is paid, plus the cost of keeping the trees and orchards healthy for next year, two-thirds of any crop insurance payments received...

A withering, record-breaking freeze early Sunday devastated the state's peach and apple orchards just as tiny buds of fruit started to appear and may have damaged the blueberry crop, growers said Monday. Jim Nesbitt, Staff Writer Easter weekend's killing cold may make it harder and pricier for North Carolinians to pursue a rite of late spring and early summer - buying fresh, home-grown fruit from a farmers market or roadside stand. Supermarket prices will stay relatively stable, insulated...

Labor contractor Jose Campos, who is at the convenience store grabbing a quick cup of coffee, says despite being so close to Mexico he can't find enough workers. In his work shed on his family's raisin-grape vineyard, he pulls out huge rolls of paper that will be used to dry the grapes into raisins. But by the 1980s, he recalls, the Mexico peso plunged, labor was once again abundant and sanctions against employers hiring illegal workers were minimal. Economists say farmers should stop...

Fowler raisin company, Disney team up to promote healthy snack By Dennis Pollock The Fresno Bee Link to Source 5/10/2007 National Raisin co. in Fowler is hoping to take advantage of a new emphasis by Walt Disney co. on healthier foods and will soon sell snack packs that showcase such characters as Mickey Mouse, Lilo & Stitch, Nemo and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Fowler raisin company, Disney team up to promote healthy snack By Dennis Pollock The Fresno Bee Link to Source 5/10/2007...

Asian cocoa prices climbed in the week to Thursday, supported by gains inworld cocoa futures amid a lack of market-moving fundamental news, traderssaid. Prices made another climb toward the highs before selling once again cappedthe rally and pressured prices into the close. cocoa futures, after rallying to their highest level in three weeks,backed down by the closing bell on origin selling and profit-taking, brokerssaid Thursday. Meanwhile, farmers in southwestern Nigeria have increased...

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