Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that it will buy up to 9.5 million pounds of the fruit to relieve a surplus resulting from this year's bumper crop. The USDA often buys farm products to boost prices for growers and processors. The co-founder of Neteller, which processed billions of dollars in Internet gambling transactions for Americans, pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of criminal conspiracy. citizens placed bets with offshore bookies, acknowledged in a federal courtroom in...

toledoblade.com -- Sangria. Article published Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Sangria 1 bottle red wine, dry and full bodied 2 cups red or black grapes, picked from stems and rinsed 1 orange, in inch slices with skin 1 nectarine or peach, sliced into thin wedges 2 tablespoons honey 1 cup soda water 8 green grapes, in small clusters Combine all ingredients except soda water and green grapesin pitcher. Article published Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Sangria 1 bottle red wine, dry and full bodied 2 cups red...

Consumers turning to organic food in the wake of warnings about antifreeze-laden toothpaste, poisoned pet food, and antibiotic-laced fish may be in for a surprise. Anagnoson said she doubts that produce grown in China is truly organic, regardless of the label. However, consumers who view that as a guarantee that the produce is pesticide-free are mistaken. The same country blamed for those scares, China, is quietly muscling in on the organic market. It was at the same time that everyone...

There would be no charge for persons to sell fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and plants that they have personally grown. Vendors would be responsible for all of their own equipment and would set their own prices for their produce. Residents are asked to call the library at 354-4071 if they are interested as either a potential buyer and seller. No baked good or items like jelly would be allowed for sale due to health regulations. Library officials hope to gauge the interest of the...

BIGFORK - It's hard to hurry, what with the weight of these sky-high temperatures bearing down, but that same summer sun has plumped Flathead Lake cherries well ahead of schedule and if you wait too long you could be fruit out of luck. Growers don't harvest in the heat of the day, Nelson said, but instead work when the temperatures are cooler and the fruit firmer. And so when the spring blossom came two weeks ahead of schedule, longtimers like Bowman worried they might once again find...

Today's markets Highs and lows Mutual fund finder Jul 17, 2007 02:30 PM Reuters MILAN Italy, a major wine producer, is heading for its earliest grape harvest in 30 years after an unusually hot spring accelerated vine growth, Italy' wine industry body said on Tuesday. Today's markets Highs and lows Mutual fund finder Jul 17, 2007 02:30 PM Reuters MILAN Italy, a major wine producer, is heading for its earliest grape harvest in 30 years after an unusually hot spring accelerated vine growth,...

On the one hand, many agricultural producers are pleased to see their stock tanks brim full and pastures as green as ever. Some varieties are more affected than others, he said, adding that veteran grape growers are handling the situation pretty well because they know what to expect. And all over the county, underground aquifers have recharged from drought conditions that at this time 12 months ago had drawn subterranean water levels down considerably. Kamas explained that wet weather...

If you buy from area growers, the produce has so little distance to travel to your table that it is possible to enjoy fruits and vegetables harvested at the peak of flavor and texture. Even better tasting, though, are the fruits and vegetables that are grown to perfection not for the mass market but as close to home as possible. In a world increasingly turning to mass-produced and gene-altered food products, gourmet cooks are turning to their own gardens for more healthy alternatives...

Easterly explained that despite Westport being an agricultural community, it was not until recently that talk became action in regard to the creation of a farmer's market. There are farmers selling seasonal produce, a new cheese company in town and a variety of artisans and craft people," said Ms. opening of Westport's first-ever farmer's market. Shy Brothers Farm makes "Hannahbells," thimble-size cheeses in lavender, rosemary, shallot, red pepper and chipotle flavors. Market organizers...