But even if prices are rising, most farmers in Ivory Coast are unable to cash in on the bull market. Adjust font size: NEW YORK (Reuters) -- An unusually harsh harmattan -- a seasonal cold, dry wind that carries clouds of dust from the Sahara -- was the first sign of trouble for West African cocoa farmers. Stiff competition between buyers for scarce beans as the October-March main crop limped to a close pushed farm gate prices in some areas over 500 CFA francs ($1. Cocoa prices have risen...

Cling peaches are processed four ways: sliced, halved, diced or added to fruit cocktail and mixed fruit. California's peach growers produce a wide variety, including yellow- and white-flesh fruit. The difference is simply the ease with which the fruit pulls away from the pit. They also have carotenoids that help keep eyes healthy and flavonoids shown to protect against cancer and heart disease. Freestone peaches are commonly eaten fresh and sold at grocery stores and farmers markets. They...

Blueberry crops in the state's Coastal Plains region also appear to have significant losses and peach production in the Sandhills area will have lower yields this summer due to freeze damage. Muscadine grape vines exposed to the freeze are expected to re-flower, but some young pecan trees could end up taking a loss as damage figures are compiled. Among the estimates of damage are $98 million to the states fruit and nut industry. Mountain apple production, valued at $19. North Carolina...

On Saturday, mango business was stalled at the Kothapet fruit market after traders stopped buying the fruit, complaining that farmers used calcium carbide to ripen it. At the Gaddiannaram fruit market, where 80 per cent of the stock is exported to other states and foreign countries, prices have escalated this year. Not only has there been a dip in mango crop by at least 50 per cent, the fruit's sale too has hit an all-time low due to its prohibitive cost. Moreover, markets here are yet to...

Quad-Cities Online Mother's Christmas Cake -- Quad-Cities Online Recipe Book. Ingredients 4 cups water 2 cups raisins 2 cups sugar 1-1/2 cubes butter or margarine 2 teaspoons baking soda 4 eggs 4 cups flour, sifted 2 tablespoons cocoa 2 teaspoons cinnamon Walnuts, optional Icing: Powdered sugar Cocoa Vanilla Small amount of milk Cashews. Ingredients 4 cups water 2 cups raisins 2 cups sugar 1-1/2 cubes butter or margarine 2 teaspoons baking soda 4 eggs 4 cups flour, sifted 2 tablespoons...

Provided By: The Associated Press Last Modified: 5/9/2007 5:40:45 PM ATLANTA (AP) -- At Hillcrest Orchards in the north Georgia mountains, the annual Apple Pickin' Jubilee will go on as planned this fall - although the state's most withering drought in decades threatens to destroy the country festival's namesake. Provided By: The Associated Press Last Modified: 5/9/2007 5:40:45 PM ATLANTA (AP) -- At Hillcrest Orchards in the north Georgia mountains, the annual Apple Pickin' Jubilee will go...