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Storms, Droughts, Disease Alarm Italy's Olive Farmers

Jamie Dettmer

   ROME - After the 24-hour storm dumped more rain on his olive trees than
   55-year-old Gianluca can recall having seen in a September, the
   part-time farmer shook his head as he inspected his forlorn crop.

   "This is the third year I have not seen much to harvest," he lamented.
   "Last year was even worse, mind you. But look at this," he said,
   pointing to trees with few olives and many threadbare branches.

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